Orthodontic info
How long does a retainer last, and when is it time to replace it?
Retainers can last many years with proper care, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says, but a retainer will likely need replacing at some point, and cracks, warping, a loose wire or a changed fit are signs the retainer needs a check.
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The AAO's answer on retainer life gives no number of years, and a 2023 Cochrane review of retention studies lists research that would "measure how long retainers last" as work still needed.
What wears a retainer out
Ordinary use is one cause of retainer wear: the AAO says insertion, removal, cleaning, storage and normal wear can eventually affect an appliance, and its page on retainers (opens in a new tab) notes they can wear out over time.
Heat is "a particular concern for plastic retainers," the AAO says, because high temperatures can warp or distort them. The AAO adds that bleach, alcohol-based mouthwash and strong detergents can degrade retainer materials, and that plaque, sugars and acids left on an acrylic or plastic retainer can gradually degrade it, so over time it might warp, crack or lose its shape.
Physical force can warp clear plastic, and bonded wires can bend or break under excessive stress, the AAO says, so the answer for any one retainer comes from its condition and fit, not from a calendar.
What a retainer check looks for
A retainer check covers the mouth and the appliance: the AAO says the orthodontist can examine your teeth and bite and check the retainer for fit, wear or damage.
Carvalho & Roth Orthodontics offers removable and fixed retainers, and our retention page explains why retainers matter and how the types differ. If a replacement is the right call, the AAO says you may need a new scan or impression so it matches your current teeth.
A fit that has turned tight or loose can mean the teeth moved, the retainer changed, or both, the AAO says; our page on a retainer that does not fit covers that decision.
Everyday care that extends a retainer's life
Proper care extends a retainer's lifetime, the AAO says: keep a removable retainer in its case whenever it is out of your mouth, away from heat and pets, and use both hands to put it in and take it out.
For cleaning, smells, meals and travel, see caring for your retainer; your orthodontist's instructions come first.
Signs it is time for a retainer check
Cracks, distortion, damaged wires, sharp edges and a sudden change in fit are signs the AAO names for contacting your orthodontist. AAO guidance is to stop wearing a retainer with certain visible damage, such as cracks or loose wires, and get a professional evaluation, because continuing to wear a warped or broken retainer can shift teeth improperly or irritate the mouth.
Odor or discoloration that outlasts several cleaning methods is another sign: the AAO says the retainer may have microscopic cracks or other damage and advises an appointment with your orthodontist.
A lost or broken retainer is a reason to contact your orthodontist immediately, the AAO says, because lost or damaged retainers should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent unwanted tooth movement. For next steps, start with what to do if you break or lose your retainer. For any other sign of wear, book a retainer check; your orthodontist decides whether the retainer can stay, needs an adjustment or should be replaced.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do fixed retainers wear out too?
Yes, they can. The AAO says bonded wires can bend or break under excessive stress and that a fixed retainer needs careful flossing and periodic checks to make sure its bond has not failed; if the wire comes loose on a tooth, it advises notifying your orthodontist right away.
Do some retainer plastics wear better than others?
Yes, in laboratory testing. In a 2014 study in the Angle Orthodontist, three polyethylene co-polymer materials showed significantly less wear than a polypropylene material under standardized conditions, though a laboratory result does not predict how long any one retainer lasts.
Should I bring my retainer to a retainer check?
Yes, if it is removable. The AAO says patients with removable retainers should bring them to the periodic retainer checks your orthodontist may schedule.
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