If you’ve ever had orthodontic treatment, whether with metal braces or clear aligners, you know it requires time, dedication, and sometimes a bit of discomfort to get that perfect smile. But did you know that even after the active treatment ends, your teeth aren’t necessarily done moving?
That’s right, your teeth naturally want to shift back to where they started. This is called orthodontic relapse (teeth shifting), and it’s exactly why orthodontists emphasize wearing a retainer. In this guide, we will help you understand what retainers do and how they prevent teeth from moving.
How to Keep Teeth in Place after Braces
Retainers play a vital role in maintaining your smile after orthodontic treatment. Once braces or aligners have repositioned your teeth, the surrounding bone and ligaments need time to adjust and stabilize in their new alignment.
Retainers provide gentle, consistent support during this critical transition, preventing your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. By wearing your retainer as prescribed, you protect the results of your treatment, preserving the straight, balanced, and healthy smile you worked so hard to achieve.
This brings us to a very commonly asked question: How long do you need to wear retainers?
How Long Do You Need to Wear Retainers?
If you opt for removable retainers, like ALIGNERCO Clear Retainers or Hawley retainers, the instructions for the wear time might vary depending on the case severity. Initially, you might need to wear your retainers full-time and then move on to nighttime use after a few months. According to a survey conducted by orthodontists in Canada, you should wear retainers full-time for a maximum of 9 months post-braces. Later, your orthodontist might shift retainers to night-time wear only.
Since we mentioned clear and Hawley retainers, let’s explore these types in detail.
What Are the Different Types of Retainers?
Retainers come in 3 different types, each with its own pros and cons.
Clear Retainers
Clear retainers are plastic trays, customized to each individual’s dental structure, that hold the teeth in their new positions. Here at ALIGNERCO, we use BPA-free thermoplastic material that is exceptionally safe and comfortable. Since clear retainers are composed of transparent plastic, they are barely visible.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers are made of wire and are bonded to the back of the teeth, making them nearly invisible. They are highly effective in maintaining the position of the front teeth, but they cannot be removed for cleaning or eating. Plus, the idea of a wire fixed in the mouth again puts many people off.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers are composed of an acrylic base that fits on the floor of the mouth and is attached with a metal wire. They are worn to keep teeth in their alignment. Unlike fixed retainers, Hawley retainers can be removed without the supervision of an expert.
Clear Retainers: A Popular Option
Clear retainers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their nearly invisible appearance and comfort. Made of transparent plastic material, invisible retainers fit snugly over them. They allow patients to maintain their smiles without anyone knowing they are wearing a retainer.
Advantages of Clear Retainers
Aesthetically Pleasing
Clear retainers are virtually invisible, a big advantage for many people. They are perfect for people who are self-conscious about wearing a traditional wire retainer, as they do not detract from the smile's appearance.
Comfortable
Clear retainers are made of a soft, flexible material that is gentle on the teeth and gums. Unlike wire retainers, they do not cause any discomfort or irritation. They are also easier to clean, as they can be removed and cleaned with soap and water.
Effective
Clear retainers are just as effective as wire retainers in maintaining the desired position of the teeth. They are custom-fitted to the teeth, ensuring that they fit snugly and securely, preventing any movement.
Retain Your Smile with ALIGNERCO Clear Retainers
Not all clear retainers are made the same. ALIGNERCO Clear Retainers stand out due to their precise, gumline cut that offers maximum comfort. Plus, our retainers are one of the most affordable options in the market. So, you get to maintain that smile without squeezing your pockets. And finally, the process. You don’t need any clinic or dentist visits. Just order our at-home impressions kit, our representative will help you take impressions, we develop the retainers accordingly, and send them straight to your doorstep. As easy as it gets.
Maintaining Your Retainers
This is one of the most important aspects of retainer use. To ensure that your clear retainers last as long as possible, it is crucial to take proper care of them. Here are some retainer cleaning and maintenance tips for clear retainers:
Clean Them Regularly
Clear retainers should be cleaned regularly to remove any bacteria and plaque that may build up on them. Simply remove them from your mouth, wash them with soap and water, and dry them with a clean cloth. However, with extended use, you might require deeper cleaning. For that, use desiccated devices like ALIGNERCO’s ultrasonic UV cleaner.
Store Them Safely
Clear retainers should be stored in a safe, clean place when not in use. It is best to keep them in their container. This will help prevent them from being damaged or lost.
Avoid Hot Temperatures
Clear retainers can become distorted if exposed to hot temperatures, such as hot water or direct sunlight. To prevent this from happening, avoid leaving your retainers in a hot car or washing them with hot water. Always store them in a cool, dry place.
Final Take on Retainer after Braces
Retainers are an essential part of the whole orthodontic treatment. After completing your teeth straightening either with braces or aligners, you must wear retainers to prevent yourself from an orthodontic relapse.
It does sound intimidating to have yet another orthodontic appliance in your mouth after braces. But if you choose clear retainers, the retention phase becomes much smoother. After a few weeks, you don’t even realize you’re wearing them. In the end, whatever you choose, just make sure you don’t neglect retainers. Your new smile doesn’t deserve a relapse.
FAQs
1. What are dental retainers, and how do they work?
Dental retainers are devices worn after orthodontic treatment to maintain the position of teeth. They are custom-made to fit the patient's teeth and hold them in place to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original position.
2. Why are dental retainers necessary after orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment repositions the teeth to achieve a straighter, more attractive smile, but without retainers, the teeth can shift back to their original position over time. Retainers help maintain the results of your treatment by keeping the teeth in their new places.
3. How often do I need to wear my dental retainer?
The frequency of wearing dental retainers can vary based on the individual case, but most orthodontists recommend wearing the retainer full-time for the first 6 to 12 months after the end of orthodontic treatment. After that, the retainer can be worn less frequently and during nighttime only.
4. How long do I need to wear a dental retainer?
The length of time a patient needs to wear a retainer can vary, but it is generally recommended to wear it indefinitely to maintain the results of orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist can advise on the specific time frame for your case.
5. What should I do if my dental retainer breaks or gets lost?
If your dental retainer breaks or gets lost, it's important to contact your orthodontist as soon as possible to have a new one made. Wearing a broken or ill-fitting retainer can cause the teeth to shift back to their original position, negating the results of orthodontic treatment.
Citations:
Professional, C. C. M. (2025k, March 19). Teeth Retainer. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10899-teeth-retainer
American Association of Orthodontists. Multiple pages reviewed. Will I Need to Wear Retainers After Treatment? (https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/) Accessed 8/25/2022.
Dentaly.org. Teeth Retainers: What’s the Best Type? Hawley, Essix, and More (https://www.dentaly.org/us/adult-braces/teeth-retainers/). Accessed 8/25/2022.
Health Direct. Dental braces and retainers (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-braces-and-retainers). Accessed 8/25/2022.
NHS. Orthodontic treatments (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/orthodontics/treatments/). Accessed 8/25/2022.
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