While we don’t do full orthodontics at Sugar Fix Dental Loft, we do sometimes have patients ask us this: how bad is it REALLY if you don’t wear your retainer allll the time?
We totally get it. We’re human too! It’s hard to remember to put your retainer in every single night, especially if you’re totally exhausted, not feeling well, or just preoccupied with a million other things. Sometimes, wearing your retainer is the furthest thing from your mind. That’s life!
So… How Often Do You Wear Your Retainer?
Depending on how long you’ve been going without your retainer, we’re going to have a different recommendation for you. For example, if it’s just once in a while? No biggie. Just try to remember, maybe set an alarm on your phone or put something on your bedside table that reminds you to put that baby in before you climb into bed.
If it’s been a lot longer, we may need to take a look at whether your teeth have started shifting and make a more personalized recommendation. The truth is, our teeth shift as we age anyway. So, if you haven’t been wearing your retainer as much as you should, these two factors might have led to a smile that isn’t as straight as you’d like it to be.
No worries!
We have a few options to get you back on track and get you that confident smile you had immediately following your previous orthodontic treatment.
Six Month Smiles®
Six Month Smiles® is a cosmetic treatment option that straightens only the visible teeth when you smile. With total treatment times lasting an average of four to six months, this option is great for adults, students, and professionals who only have aesthetic concerns.
Six Month Smiles® uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires, so even during this short duration, your treatment will be incredibly discreet. Afterward, you can go back to wearing your retainer to maintain your beautiful smile. It’s a quick fix and a great option for people with slight shifting or misalignment.
Invisalign Express aka Invisalign 10
This quick version of the well-known aligner treatment is specifically meant for people whose teeth have shifted slightly due to age or just not wearing a retainer consistently.
With Invisalign Express, you will receive ten aligner trays that are specifically designed to address your specific alignment issues. This treatment only takes five months from start to finish, which will fly by… trust us!
Afterward, you will receive a final lower tray that you can wear regularly to prevent further relapse. Added bonus: at every future cleaning appointment, we will professionally clean your tray for you, free of charge!
If you’re ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brittany Dickinson and the amazing team at Sugar Fix Dental Loft, all you have to do is give us a call at (773) 883-1818 or just shoot us a text. You can also schedule an appointment online below! We’ll get you all taken care of and send you back out into the world feeling as confident as you deserve to feel.