When you fall in love with your new smile, we want to make sure it’s a romance that lasts a lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to wear your retainer properly after you’re finished with Motto™ clear aligners treatment. But for how long—and when? Read on to keep that gorgeous grin locked in.

When you fall in love with your new smile, we want to make sure it’s a romance that lasts a lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to wear your retainer properly after you’re finished with Motto™ clear aligners treatment. But for how long—and when? Read on to keep that gorgeous grin locked in.

What is a dental retainer?  

Traditional, plastic, and permanent retainers are orthodontic devices that are custom-made for your new smile. It’s a little thicker and more durable than your aligners. After your treatment is complete, your Aspen Dental team will custom-fit one just for you.

There are different types of retainers?

You can probably already picture a traditional retainer, a clunky, half-metal/half-plastic device that sits in your mouth and pulls your teeth into their place. Then there are permanent retainers, metal strips glued to the back of your teeth almost immediately after your braces are removed. Plastic and clear aligners are becoming much more popular and efficient options, nearly invisible and custom-fit to your mouth for your smile's needs.

OK. But why do you need a retainer?

Without your retainer, your smile will quickly shift back to how it was before. Your teeth have moved a lot during the alignment process, and they tend to want to move back to their previous position if not kept in check.

How long do you have to wear your retainer?

After your treatment is complete, you'll wear your retainer all the time, just like you did your aligners. Your doctor will guide you on when it's okay to switch to wearing your retainer when you sleep at night only. Typically, it takes between 6-12 months for teeth to fully settle into their new position.

What happens if you don’t wear your retainer?

You will lose the progress you’ve made. It’s not a big deal to skip a day here or there, but go more than a week without wearing your retainer and your teeth could relapse. If you notice that your retainer no longer fits properly—or if you break or damage it—make an appointment with us as soon as possible. We can help you get the smile you’ve worked so hard for back on track.

Do you have to wear your retainer forever?  

Yes. Your retainer is “nighttime for a lifetime.” And that takes some commitment. But think of it this way: Your new smile is pretty priceless, so your retainer protects your investment. To make sure it’s as easy as possible to stay the course, MottoRetain™ lets you replace up to eight retainers within two years after you’re done with treatment.

How do you care for a retainer when you're not wearing it?

Typically, caring for your retainer is as simple as removing them, brushing them under a cold tap, and putting them into their case when you're not using them.

Looking ahead.  

Has all this talk about your future smile got you excited? Start your smile of a lifetime today by booking your first Motto visit at your local Aspen Dental.