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Braces are an investment in your smile. When your teeth reach a desired straightness, you’ll have a beautiful smile, but it’s important to keep it that way! You can accomplish this with a retainer provided by Wichita Falls Orthodontics.

A retainer is a small, custom-fit device that reinforces the new position of your teeth after your braces are removed. But for many patients, especially the youngest ones, wearing a retainer may seem like an annoyance. So exactly how long after your braces come off should you wear your retainer?

Graduation of Wear Time

When we remove your braces, Dr. Frech will evaluate the condition of the bone structure surrounding your teeth and determine how well it is adjusting to the new position of your teeth. For the first few months, we may require you to wear your retainer both day and night, except during meal times and for brushing and flossing.

As the bone and gum tissues adjust to your new smile, we may determine that you need to wear your retainer only at night. After about one year of wearing the retainer every night, you may be able to take a couple of nights off each week.

However, we do not recommend ever stopping permanently. To best secure the position of the teeth, especially through future extractions and oral health changes, wearing your retainer a few nights a week will be necessary for many years.

Considerations

If you are concerned about your appearance when you wear a retainer, there are many that can be worn discreetly. You could choose a clear plastic one that is less obvious during the months immediately following removal of your braces. When you change to night wear only, clear wire retainers are available for minimal visibility as well.

Another option is a lingual retainer. It is placed on the back sides of your teeth so no one will ever know it is there! Lingual retainers are also permanent, so there’s no risk of losing them.

Remember, wearing your retainer is an investment in your smile. If you fail to wear it consistently, the tissues that support your teeth will be unsupported, and you may begin to experience noticeable shifting. You’ve worked hard to get that beautiful smile — your retainer will let you keep it! Remember to call our Wichita Falls, TX office if you have any questions about your retainer!

Dr. Frech and our team understand not everyone is always thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But at Wichita Falls Orthodontics, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. Today, we’d like to know: What is it about our Wichita Falls, TX office that makes you comfortable or puts you or your child at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our courteous staff? Is it something about Dr. Frech?

Let us know by posting below or on our Facebook page! Or tell us at your next adjustment appointment!

We have a great staff at Wichita Falls Orthodontics. Some of us have been with Dr. Frech for several years and others have joined recently!

Don't forget to say "Hi" when you stop in!

Jaclyn has worked for Dr Frech for 4 years.

Stacy has worked in Orthodontics for 13 years and has worked for Dr Frech for 2 1/2 years.

Susan has been in Orthodontics for 20 years and has worked at Dr Frech's office for 7 years.

Christina has worked at Dr Frech's office for 7 years.

Crystal has been in Orthodontics for 19 years and has worked for Dr Frech for 13 years.

Claire is one of our newest staff members. She has been working at Dr Frech's office for 9 months.

We are so excited to have officially launched our new Patient Rewards Hub!

We are replacing the current Frech Bucks with your very own points credit card!

Please bring in your Frech Bucks in at your next appointment and we can switch them over to your Frech Card!