Retainer Instructions
Your Smile, Supported
Beyond Treatment
Your retainers are the quiet part of your orthodontic journey. They keep your smile
steady, supported, and exactly where you want it. A little consistency goes a long way
toward protecting the results you worked for.
Your Post-Treatment Rhythm
The First 3-6 Months
For the first three months after your orthodontic treatment is complete, wear your retainers day and night. Take them out only when you eat or brush your teeth.
After those first three months, switch to wearing your retainers only at night. This nighttime routine should continue for as long as you want your smile to stay exactly the way it looks today.
If you stop wearing your retainers every night, your teeth will gradually begin to shift and the retainers may no longer fit the way they should.
Understanding Wear, Tear, and Stretching
Retainers are designed to last up to two years, but many people notice changes sooner. Some of these
changes come from natural wear, and others come from how the retainer is used day to day.
Material wear is common and completely normal
Your first set of retainers experiences the most pressure because you wear it about 22 hours a day during the first few months. Grinding or clenching can also place extra force on the material. More than 85 percent of people do this without realizing it. Regular use alone can gradually loosen the fit over time.
Fit changes can also come from tooth movement
If retainers are not worn consistently, even small shifts can occur. When teeth move, the retainer may feel looser or tighter, even if the material itself is still sound.
Both types of changes are possible, and both can affect how your retainers feel. This is why regular nighttime wear and periodic fit checks keep your smile steady and supported
Your Six-Month Smile Check-In
Every six months, try on a new duplicate retainer if you have one.
If the new retainer feels significantly tighter, it means your current set has stretched and it is time to switch to the fresh pair before any irreversible shifting occurs.
If you only have one set, it is impossible to compare the fit. You may not notice subtle changes until your teeth have already moved. At that point, a new scan or impression can prevent further shifting but cannot move your teeth back to the exact position you were happiest with.
This is why we recommend choosing Vivera , which provides four sets of retainers and keeps your digital scan on file for easy future replacements. However, Vivera is not included in your initial aligner package. If you decide to upgrade from your single-set retainer to a more reliable long-term option, our team can scan you for Vivera. You can also contact us when you begin using your last Vivera set. You never want to run out of backups.
If you have not had major dental work and you have been wearing your retainers correctly, you will likely not need a new scan.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE US
Our patients love and trust us for gentle care, lasting results,
and a team that makes every visit stress-free and welcoming.
WE'RE IN-NETWORK WITH MAJOR INSURANCES
We believe exceptional care should come with transparent pricing and flexible access. That’s why we work with
most major insurance plans, and make it simple for everyone to get the care they need, without the stress.
REQUEST YOUR DENTAL APPOINTMENT
IN-NETWORK INSURANCE
We know it can be difficult to know what is covered by your
dental insurance plan. We can help you.
Great dentistry isn’t just about your teeth, it’s
about how you feel when you’re in the chair. If
you’re ready for a calmer, more personalized
dental care in Westbury, we’d love to welcome
you to Smile on Westbury.
265 Post Ave Suite 380,
Westbury, NY 11590
| Monday | Appointment Only |
| Tuesday | 10AM - 7PM |
| Wednesday | Appointment Only |
| Thursday | 9AM - 6:30PM |
| Friday | 8AM - 5PM |
| Saturday | 8:30AM - 2PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
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