| I had braces for a year and a half.  I did the bands every day and night just like the orthodontist told me to and I got them off quicker than expected.  Still a little crooked because I have weird teeth.  
 I still wear my retainer occasionally and I've never had a problem with them smelling bad or whatever.  If I feel that they're getting dirty I just soak them in mouthwash for a little bit.  Or sometimes I rinse my mouth with mouthwash while the retainers are in.
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