{"id":721,"date":"2021-08-11T20:14:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-11T20:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jbdentist.com\/blog\/?p=721"},"modified":"2021-11-11T20:20:04","modified_gmt":"2021-11-11T20:20:04","slug":"retainer-and-how-you-can-tell-it-needs-to-be-replaced","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jbdentist.com\/blog\/2021\/08\/11\/retainer-and-how-you-can-tell-it-needs-to-be-replaced\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Average Lifespan of a Retainer?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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After completing orthodontic treatment, your dentist will provide you with a custom-made retainer<\/a>. These oral devices are designed to keep your newly aligned smile in place, so your teeth don\u2019t try to move back to their original position. But over time, just like most restorations, they need to be replaced. Daily wear and tear can cause them to break down or even become damaged. A dentist in Westminster is here to explain the average lifespan of a retainer and 3 simple ways you can tell it\u2019s time to have a new one made for your smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Long Do Retainers Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are two different types of retainers: bonded and removable. Depending on your dentist\u2019s recommendation, one might be better than another. With bonded retainers, these are permanently affixed to the backside of your teeth. Those that exist on the upper row of teeth can expect to last an estimated three years; however, one that is placed on the lower arch may last much longer simply because it\u2019s not affected or bothered nearly as much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a removable retainer, the average lifespan is as short as a few months or as long as 5-10 years. The Essix retainer tends to require frequent replacement because they can warp over time from living in the mouth for eight hours each night as well as teeth grinding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may also discover with Invisalign, you will receive a Vivera retainer that matches your new tooth position. Many patients receive them as a set of four, each lasting one year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 Ways to Tell You Need a New Retainer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it is beneficial to know the general lifespan for your retainer, there are always things that can happen that require you to get a new one much sooner than you originally anticipated. To help you identify when it\u2019s time to talk to your dentist about a replacement retainer, here are three signs to look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n