The day braces come off or the last aligner is finished is a big milestone. It is also the start of an important new stage called retention. Retainers help hold teeth in their new positions, and how well you wear and care for them plays a large part in keeping your smile the way you want it.
This guide explains why teeth tend to shift, the main types of retainers, general wear schedules, and how to keep retainers clean and working.
Why Teeth Shift After Treatment
During treatment, braces or aligners apply gentle, steady pressure that moves teeth through the surrounding bone. When that pressure stops, the bone and gum tissues around the teeth need time to stabilize in the new positions.
Everyday forces also keep acting on the teeth. Biting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking all put pressure on teeth that can cause them to shift, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. The AAO notes that complete prevention of movement may not be possible, but wearing retainers as directed is the most effective way to minimize it.
Teeth can also change gradually over a lifetime, which is one reason many orthodontists recommend long-term retainer use.
Types of Retainers
Retainers fall into two broad groups. Your orthodontist will recommend the type or combination that fits your teeth and bite. Our page on retainers and other appliances describes the options available at our office.
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
A fixed retainer is a thin, custom-fitted wire bonded to the back of the upper or lower front teeth. Because it stays in place, there is nothing to remember to put in.
- Advantages. It works around the clock and is hidden from view.
- Considerations. Cleaning around the wire takes extra care, and floss threaders are usually needed. Biting into very hard foods can break the bonding material.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers can be taken out for eating and cleaning. There are two common styles, as described on the AAO’s retainers overview.
- Hawley retainers combine a metal wire with an acrylic or hard plastic piece that sits against the roof of the mouth or behind the lower teeth. They can often be personalized with colors.
- Clear retainers are thin plastic trays that fit over the teeth and are difficult to notice.
- Advantages. They are easy to clean and can be removed for meals.
- Considerations. They only work when worn, and they can be lost, damaged, or warped by heat.
Some patients have a fixed retainer on one set of teeth and a removable retainer on the other.
How Long and How Often to Wear Retainers
Wear schedules vary from person to person, and your orthodontist will give you specific instructions. In general, removable retainers are worn more often in the first stage after treatment, and many patients later move to wearing them at night. The AAO notes that nightly, long-term wear is common.
At Backus Smiles, we ask patients to wear removable retainers as directed by Dr. Backus at first and then transition to nighttime wear. Our retainer instructions cover the details for current patients.
A retainer that feels tight when you put it in can be a sign that your teeth have started to move. If that happens, resume consistent wear and contact our office.
Caring for Your Retainers
Removable Retainers
- Brush them gently. Clean retainers with a soft toothbrush and warm, not hot, water to keep deposits from building up.
- Avoid heat. Do not boil retainers or leave them near heat sources, such as a car dashboard, since heat can warp them.
- Skip harsh soaks. Our office advises against soaking retainers in denture cleaner or mouthwash, which can weaken wires or discolor and weaken plastic.
- Use the case. Keep retainers in their case whenever they are out of your mouth. A retainer wrapped in a napkin is easy to throw away by accident.
- Keep them away from pets. Dogs in particular are drawn to retainers.
- Handle with care. Remove retainers by the back clasps rather than pulling on the front wire, and avoid flipping them with your tongue.
Fixed Retainers
- Clean carefully. Brush along the wire and the backs of the teeth, and use floss threaders to clean between teeth daily.
- Watch what you bite. Avoid biting directly into very hard foods such as ice or hard candy.
- Check it regularly. Call our office right away if the wire feels loose or you notice any tooth movement, since teeth can shift quickly once a bond breaks.
If a Retainer Is Lost or Broken
Contact our office as soon as possible. A lost or damaged retainer can allow teeth to move, so a replacement should not wait until your next routine visit. If a fixed retainer comes off, save it and bring it with you. At our office, the first set of retainers is included in the original treatment fee, and replacements for lost or damaged retainers carry an additional charge.
Retainers and Long-Term Results
Retainers are most helpful as part of a lifelong routine that also includes regular dental checkups and good home care. Adults who had braces years ago and notice their teeth moving can learn about options in our guide to orthodontics for adults. For a broader look at how retention fits into the full process, see our guide to the orthodontic treatment timeline.
Questions About Your Retainer?
Whether you need a replacement or want to learn more about retention, our team can help. You can explore retainer options at our office, and families searching for a Mountain Brook orthodontist can visit our Homewood-area location. New patients receive a complimentary first visit. Call (659) 734-1740 or contact our office with questions.