Orthodontic treatment is an investment of your time and finances, and it doesn’t stop the moment the braces come off or you finish your last clear aligner. Wearing a retainer is a vital part of every treatment plan, yet many patients underestimate how much this simple appliance does. A retainer is what keeps a newly straightened smile in place. In a lot of cases it’s the only thing standing between your teeth and a slow slide back to where they started. Here’s everything you need to know about orthodontic retainers.
Here at New England Orthodontic Specialists, we’re proud to help patients of all ages reach beautifully aligned smiles that last a lifetime. Whether you’re a current patient or still considering treatment, understanding what retainers are and how they hold your teeth in place after the active phase is complete will help you protect the result. Keep reading to learn more.
What is a retainer?
A retainer is an orthodontic appliance that keeps teeth in their new positions after treatment. It helps you avoid a phenomenon called “relapse,” which is the natural tendency teeth have to drift back toward their original positions over time. Relapse shows up most often in the late teens and early twenties, but it can happen at any age, even for people who’ve already had treatment.
This happens because teeth always remember their original places in the mouth. With no steady pressure on them, they start shifting back toward those spaces. During the active phase of treatment, that pressure comes from braces or clear aligners. Once that phase is finished, a retainer takes over the job of holding everything still.
When your braces come off or you set down your final aligner, you’ll be given a retainer made for your own mouth. Wear it exactly as directed. Skipping wear can undo hard-earned progress and may lead to touch-up treatment, and in more serious cases it can mean repeating the process from the start. That can happen faster than you might expect, so stick with the guidelines that come with your retainer.
The different types of retainers
Retainers come in a few forms, and the right one depends on your treatment and your daily habits. There are three you’ll hear about most:
- Hawley retainers. A thin wire runs across the front of the teeth, anchored to a custom acrylic base that sits against the roof of the mouth or behind the lower teeth. They’re durable and easy to adjust.
- Clear retainers. Molded to fit snugly over the teeth, these look a lot like a thin clear aligner. They’re discreet and comfortable, which makes them a popular pick.
- Fixed retainers. A small wire bonded to the back of the front teeth holds them in place around the clock, with nothing to remember to put in. They stay out of sight and do the work for you.
How long will you wear a retainer?
Most patients start out wearing a retainer full time, then move to nights only once the teeth have settled. How quickly that happens depends on your case, so follow the schedule your orthodontist lays out for you. Because teeth can shift at any point in life, most experts now agree that keeping up part-time wear for the long term is the best way to protect a straight smile. For most people it just becomes another quick step in the nightly routine.
Caring for your retainer
A retainer only works if it stays clean and intact. Rinse it every time you take it out, brush it gently and keep it in its case when it’s not in your mouth so it doesn’t get lost or warped. Heat is the enemy, so keep it away from hot water and sunny dashboards. For the full routine, read our guide on cleaning and caring for your retainer.
What happens if you stop wearing your retainer
Life gets busy and retainers get forgotten. When wear slips, teeth begin drifting back toward their old spots, sometimes enough to notice within weeks. If that’s already started, don’t panic and don’t leave the retainer in a drawer. Our guide on getting your smile back walks through what to do next, and a quick visit lets us check whether your current retainer still fits or needs replacing.
Frequently asked questions about retainers
What is an orthodontic retainer?
A retainer is an appliance that holds your teeth in their new positions after braces or clear aligners. It prevents relapse, the natural tendency of teeth to drift back toward where they started.
How long do you have to wear a retainer?
Most patients wear a retainer full time at first, then switch to nights only. Because teeth can move at any age, most orthodontists recommend keeping up part-time wear for life.
What are the different types of retainers?
There are three common types. Hawley retainers use a wire across the front teeth with an acrylic base, clear retainers fit over the teeth like a thin aligner and fixed retainers are a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth.
What happens if you stop wearing your retainer?
Your teeth can start drifting back toward their old positions. Depending on how far they move, you may need a new retainer or, in some cases, another round of treatment.
Trust New England Orthodontic Specialists for a lifetime of healthy smiles
Wearing a retainer is a small habit that protects a big result, and our team is here to help you keep the smile you worked for. To learn more about caring for your smile after treatment at our Beverly, Salem, Topsfield and Hamilton offices, get in touch today to schedule a free consultation.