Can you smile with retainers?

Retainers can keep your smile in place!

Whereas aligners are made out of specific plastics designed to gently move teeth and are not built for long-term use, retainers are made out of thicker .

What should you not do with a retainer?

You should always be sure that your retainers are seated completely. Do not allow them to “flop” around. Don't leave your retainers in a hot car or put in hot water (such as a boiling them or putting them into the dishwasher.) They are heat sensitive so they will warp or melt.

Do you talk funny with retainers?

You may find you develop a slight lisp but this will soon go away the more you practice speaking whilst wearing your retainers. You should soon find your speech getting clearer but may still find a few words difficult to say such as those with a 'sh' or 'ch' and these will simply need more practice.

Can you get smile direct with a permanent retainer?

Also, if you have a permanent retainer that has yet to be removed, SDC will design your aligners to fit without said retainer based on the 3-D imaging or impression kit.

Can your teeth move with a retainer?

While the natural settling process may still cause you to notice a slight degree of tooth shifting even if you wear your retainer, using a retainer is the best way to keep shifting to a minimum and preserve your bite.

Keeping Your Smile Straight With Retainers

Do I have to wear my retainer forever?

Your retainers will help prevent this from happening as you age. To maintain a straight smile for a lifetime, you're going to need to wear your retainers nightly for the rest of your life. The good news is, after some time it won't be necessary to wear them as often.

Can I stop wearing my retainer after 2 years?

Decades ago an orthodontist would hand a patient a retainer and tell them they should wear it every day for 6 months then switch to nights and then discontinue retainer wear after one or two years.

Can your teeth fall out from smile direct?

Myth: SmileDirectClub damages teeth and causes them to fall out. False. Our aligners will NOT damage healthy teeth. You should always maintain your regular cleanings with your local dentist to keep your teeth healthy and prevent any issues.

How long do retainers last?

The lifespan of each depends on how well you take care of your mouth and the retainer. Both types of retainers can potentially last for years if you routinely clean and avoid damaging them. On average, removable retainers tend to last for about 5-10 years, while permanent retainers can potentially last for decades.

What type of retainer is best?

Hawley retainers may be the most widely recognized type of retainer. Commonly referred to as wire retainers, this style has been around for decades and continues to be a reliable option for orthodontists. They are made from a molded acrylic arch and wire, custom-fitted to the wearer's mouth.

Can you drink with a retainer in?

Don't drink soda or alcohol while wearing a retainer – It is tempting to drink while wearing a retainer because of the unobtrusive nature of the device. However, excess liquid trapped under the trays can vastly intensify acid exposure to teeth, increasing the probability of tooth decay.

Can you choke on a retainer?

A dislodged retainer can become a choking hazard. Put the retainer in it's case during such activities. Since your teeth can still shift years after orthodontic treatment, it is vital to consistently wear your retainer. The retention phase can often last for more than one year.

Is it OK to bite down on your retainer?

Because the clear retainers cover your teeth, when you bite down on something you will be biting the clear material of your retainer. This biting may cause damage to the retainer over time. Clear retainers can also become yellow or gray if not thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis.

Do I eat with my retainer in?

NEVER eat anything while wearing your retainers. It's OK to drink water while wearing the retainers, but remove them if you drink other beverages. If you forget to wear your retainer, wear the retainer full-time for few days to re-align your teeth. Your teeth may be sore while they re-align.

Can I wear my retainer in the shower?

An orthodontic retainer can warp and break easily. Keep your retainers away from hot water, hot cars, your pockets, the washing machine, dryers, and napkins. Treat them with care, and they'll last.

Why do retainers turn yellow?

In clear retainers or aligners, a buildup of bacteria-filled biofilm in your mouth covers the surface of the retainer. When left uncleaned, this film can cause a yellowish appearance. The longer it remains on your retainer, the greater the chance of it becoming hard and the stains becoming permanent.

How much do retainers cost?

Typically, retainers can cost anywhere from $250 to $600 per set without insurance. The final cost will largely depend on whether you choose a permanent or removable retainer, the specific circumstances of your treatment, and which orthodontic practice provides your treatment.

Can I wear my retainers during the day instead of at night?

Most orthodontists advise their patients to wear their retainers for the rest of their lives. However, the retainers only need to be worn at night and skipping a night here and there is no big deal.

Do orthodontists recommend SmileDirectClub?

A Clinical Advisory Board guides SmileDirectClub's network of dentists and orthodontists. In fact, the dentists and orthodontists in our network don't work for SmileDirectClub at all. They can prescribe aligners to their customers, but they're under no obligation to recommend SmileDirectClub's aligners specifically.

Is Smile direct legal?

The California case was one of three SmileDirectClub filed against licensing boards made up of industry professionals, rather than state regulators, in 2018 and 2019. District court judges in Alabama and Georgia allowed those cases to proceed, and the 11th Circuit affirmed last year.

Are online retainers safe?

In truth, at home aligners should be used with extreme caution. Specialist orthodontic treatment is strongly advised. While it's likely that only mild cases are deemed as 'suitable' for at home aligners, treatment is not without risk.

Are retainers annoying?

Why are retainers so annoying? First time retainer wearers often find the first several days of wearing the retainer to be a bit annoying. Not only will it be a bit uncomfortable, you'll also notice your mouth creates excess saliva in the beginning, making speech a bit difficult at first.

How often get new retainers?

A retainer is in the mouth for 6-8 hours nightly. Therefore, we recommend you replace your retainer as often as your toothbrush. Retainer Club offers plans to replace your retainers every 4,6, or 12 months. For the best performance and cleanliness, you should replace your retainers as often as your toothbrush.

How many hours should I wear my retainer at night?

However, you can remove them when you eat or brush your teeth. After that initial three months, you will wear your retainer for 12 hours a day (or night) for the next nine months.