Once you finish using clear aligners or braces, you will transition to the maintenance phase of your orthodontic journey. In other words, you need to use a retainer to prevent your teeth from moving back into their former positions! With proper care, a removable retainer has the potential to last for several years (for example, a Hawley retainer may endure for up to 10 years, whereas a clear Invisalign retainer might last for 2 – 3 years). How can you take good care of your retainer so it does not fail before its time? Here are four easy tips:
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