Orthodontic Retainers to Maintain your Results
The benefits of your orthodontic treatment can last a lifetime, as long as you wear your retainers as instructed. Retainers play a crucial role in keeping your teeth stable after braces or Invisalign®, and following your care instructions is the key to protecting your beautiful new smile.
What Are Removable Retainers?
When your active orthodontic treatment is complete, you’ll receive custom removable retainers to help stabilize your teeth. After braces are removed, the bone and soft tissues around your teeth need time to adapt to their new positions. That’s why wearing your retainers exactly as instructed is essential.
If retainers are not worn consistently, your teeth may shift, which can lead to unwanted movement and possibly the need for re-treatment.
How Are Orthodontic Retainers Worn?
Because teeth can shift throughout your life, we recommend an ongoing retainer routine to maintain long-term results:
First year after braces: Wear your retainers full-time for the first 2 months, unless instructed otherwise.
After the first year: Transition to nighttime wear only, indefinitely, to maintain your alignment, especially while wisdom teeth may be developing.
If Wisdom Teeth Emerge: If your wisdom teeth begin to come in and affect the fit or comfort of your retainer, consult your orthodontist for personalized guidance.
During your retention phase, you will have two visits within the first 12 months after the removal of your braces or Invisalign, typically between 2 to 6 months, to ensure your teeth remain stable and your smile investment is protected.
We recommend replacing your retainers once a year to maintain proper hygiene and ensure optimal functionality as they naturally wear down over time.
How Do You Care for Your Orthodontic Retainers?
Your removable retainers are made from thermoplastic material, which requires careful handling. Here’s how to keep them clean, safe, and long-lasting:
Avoid heat: Keep retainers away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards, or any environment above 115°F, as heat can warp the material.
Use your case: Always store your retainers in their protective case when not wearing them.
Keep away from pets: Dogs love to chew retainers, always keep them out of reach.
Clean gently: Use a toothbrush and mild liquid soap to remove plaque before and after wearing them.
Deep clean as needed: Denture cleaners such as Efferdent can help remove buildup.
Rinse thoroughly: Make sure all cleaning solution is washed off before placing the retainer back in your mouth.
Retainers will naturally wear over time and may need replacement. Your initial treatment package includes one set of retainers. If retainers are lost or damaged due to neglect, replacement fees may apply. If your retainer breaks or becomes loose, contact our office right away.
What Are Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)?
A bonded wire retainer is a permanent retainer placed behind the front teeth. This wire is designed to stay in place indefinitely. The only exception is if your family dentist notes issues with gum health or plaque buildup around the wire. In that case, the bonded wire should be removed and replaced with a removable retainer to be worn as directed.
Have your dentist monitor your bonded retainer at your routine six-month checkups.
Which Habits or Conditions Require Stronger Retention?
Certain habits and conditions may increase the risk of tooth movement. Patients with these factors may need stricter retainer wear:
Mouth breathing
Clenching or grinding teeth
Tongue thrusting or low tongue posture
Playing reed instruments
Lip biting or sucking habits
Chewing on pens or pencils
Pre-treatment spacing
Severely rotated teeth
If any of these apply to you, Dr. Babaeian will provide a personalized retention plan to ensure the best long-term results.
Do You Still Need Dental Exams and Cleanings After Orthodontic Treatment?
Along with proper retainer wear, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential. Continue brushing and flossing thoroughly at home, and visit your family dentist every six months for cleanings and dental exams.
Our mission at Brace Connection is simple: help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life. With proper retainer wear and routine dental care, your smile can stay just as straight and confident as the day your braces came off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to wear my retainer?
Full-time wear is usually recommended for the first 12 months. After that, nighttime wear keeps your smile stable for the long term.
Full-time wear is usually recommended for the first 2 months. After that, nighttime wear is indefinite to keep your smile stable for the long term.
What if my retainer is lost or damaged?
We recommend visits every 6–9 months to monitor your alignment and retainer condition.
In the first year, it’s important to visit your orthodontist in the first 2-3 months and every 4-8 months thereafter to monitor your alignment and retainer condition.
How often should I see the orthodontist after braces?
We recommend visits every 6–9 months to monitor your alignment and retainer condition.
In the first year, it’s important to visit your orthodontist in the first 2-3 months and every 4-8 months thereafter to monitor your alignment and retainer condition.