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Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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Same-Day Starts, Braces, and Consultations Available!

Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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If you are thinking about straightening your teeth or correcting your smile, part of normal orthodontic protocol involves wearing a retainer; a retainer is typically fitted after a period of wearing braces. Know that there are two types of retainers, the kind you can remove as well as the kind that you cannot, which are bonded or adhered to the teeth and are non-removable.

So, how long will you need to wear a retainer?

Types of Retainers

Wearing a retainer is used as a way of supporting the teeth and bones following orthodontic treatment, like braces. This ensures there is no movement or further misalignment of your teeth in the weeks, months, or years after treatment. After all, you don’t want to lose any of the straightening impacts of the braces- this is why most orthodontists recommend removable retainers for their patients.

Time Frames for Retainers

Generally speaking, an orthodontist will recommend that patients wear removable retainers for at least a year after braces have been removed. This may be full-time, though the patient can remove the retainer to eat, drink, or participate in certain activities. Typically, the orthodontist will require vigilance for six months after braces have been removed, with intermittent wear after that point. Naturally, a non-removable retainer will be at the discretion of the orthodontist, and they will assess progress before making any decision on when to remove it.

Other Orthodontic Advice

It really depends on the type of correction that you and your orthodontist are trying to achieve that dictates how long you will need to wear a retainer. If you are slack about wearing it, likely you will be recommended that you wear it longer- especially if your teeth show signs of misalignment. Also, if your retainer is the result of tooth trauma or an accident, you may be fitted with a retainer that you are unable to remove and that you wear full-time, 24/7.

Listen to the Orthodontist

It bears repeating that the exact length of time that you wear a retainer depends on your orthodontist’s specific instructions and the nature of why you are wearing it to begin with. Different types of orthodontic correction will have varying time frames, so listen to your provider. Failure to follow their instructions regarding retainer wear, use, and what you can or can’t eat can impact how long you end up wearing a retainer as well as the results received. For your best smile, listen to the professionals!  

Got questions related to your retainer? Talk to your orthodontist first. Do you need cosmetic dentistry or orthodontics to preserve or improve your smile? Call to schedule an appointment with the professionals at Reese Orthodontics. Their number-one priority is the patient and providing them with the best smile possible; call or visit today.

Easy Ways To Get Started

If you want to learn more about our orthodontic practice - where we offer extensive experience with a Board Certified Orthodontist, where we offer a satisfaction guarantee, and where we offer flexible payment options - Reese Orthodontics is here to serve you.

READ WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE REESE ORTHODONTICS FOR BRACES & INVISALIGN
"Dr. Reese and staff share an inviting personality with a clean and professional atmosphere. I am very happy with the service, the product and the final result. I would encourage any of my friends and family to consult with Dr. Reese around their Orthodontic needs."
- Austin H.
"It has been a great experience all around getting braces at Dr. Reese Orthodontics. It's a great office with wonderful and friendly staff. I am extremely happy with the results. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Reese and his staff. I highly recommend him!"
- Nicole S.
"Dr. Reese and his staff was referred to me by a friend, and I highly recommend them! They were friendly, professional, helpful and quick to respond. I could not be happier with the results of Invisalign. I wore them about 7 months and my teeth are as straight as can be. Thank you for the great care and results!"
- Dancy E.
"I chose the absolute perfect orthodontist to perfect my smile. Dr. Reese has a personality that calms you and removes the anxiety that may come with the process. Dr. Reese is a true artist. I am so excited with my new smile. Dr. Reese accomplished the goals I was looking for and I am forever grateful. Thank you Dr. Reese!!!"
- Melanie C.
"Just awesome! Dr. Reese is the one to go to. He knows what he's doing and is great at what he does. Makes you feel like family every time you go visit. I can't get over how great my smile looks now. Definitely recommended."
- Harsha P.
*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Reese Orthodontics.
Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.
click here to read reese orthodontic reviews
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reese orthodontics west ashley sc

Our Charleston
Orthodontic Office

2057 Charlie Hall Blvd. STE D
Charleston, SC 29414

843.573.7279

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

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Dr. Reese McElveen, our award-winning orthodontist in Charleston, South Carolina has transformed the smiles of over 11,000 patients. Reese Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Types of braces and orthodontic treatment include metal braces, clear braces, gold braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Damon Braces, SureSmile. Dr. Reese can even help you achieve your confident smile faster with AcceleDent.

Call 843.573.7279 today to schedule your appointment with our board certified orthodontist in Charleston, SC, at our conveniently located Charleston orthodontic office. Come experience Reese Orthodontics and you will see for yourself that we offer innovative and effective orthodontic care in Charleston, Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Johns Island, Goose Creek, Hanahan and Ladson, South Carolina (SC).