Orthodontic Retainers to Maintain Long-Term Results
Your orthodontic treatment is finally finished. Your new smile is complete, it's time to show it off. But wait, don't forget to wear your retainer to help your teeth stay right where you want them.
Traditional removable retainers consist of an arch that sits in the roof of the mouth, and an attached metal wire that surrounds the front teeth. The metal wire holds your teeth in place and can even be adjusted to fine-tune the results of your treatment.
Removable aligner-style retainers are an alternative to wire retainers. They can be made to fit over the entire arch of your teeth, or just from canine to canine.
Fixed retainers consist of wires bonded to the backs of your front teeth. The lower front teeth are particularly prone to shifting throughout adulthood. That's why we often recommend a fixed wire retainer for the lower teeth.
Complimentary Initial Consultation
Westview Orthodontics offers complimentary, no-obligation consultations so you can sit down with our specialists, discuss treatment options, and discover what orthodontics can do for your smile.
Why You Need a Retainer
The two main reasons why retainers are so important after active orthodontic treatment go hand-in-hand: stabilization and prevention.
During the active part of your orthodontic treatment, your aligners or braces continuously work to move your teeth (including their roots) into their new positions. When the roots move, the surrounding bone needs to reform around them to hold them securely in place once again.
As you can imagine, this process takes time. It can continue for many months after the initial movement of the roots has taken place.
Wearing a retainer stabilizes your teeth and holds them firmly in their new corrected positions as the supporting bone reforms and hardens around the roots. Following Dr. Moonen or Dr. Louie's instructions regarding retainer wear helps prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions and undoing all of your months of orthodontic treatment.
Retainer FAQs
Learn some retainer basics by reading through the answers to these frequently asked questions from our patients.
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How long do I have to wear my retainer?
Retainers are a long commitment for all orthodontic patients. Retainers ensure that your new, straighter smile stays that way after your treatment with braces or clear aligners is complete. Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions for using your retainer.
It's important to note that even people who have never had orthodontic treatment will experience their teeth shifting over time. Orthodontic patients are even more prone to this and should wear retainers for as long as they want straight teeth.
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How often do I have to wear my retainer?
For the first few months of retainer wear after active orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will instruct you to wear your retainer full time (approximately 20 hours a day) for a specified amount of time. This is because these early months of the retention phase are when your teeth are most likely to relapse (shift back to their pre-treatment positions).
During this time, you will take your retainer out only to eat, brush and floss your teeth, or play sports (when you will need to wear a sports mouth guard instead).
Over time, your teeth will settle into their new positions, and your risk of relapse will decrease. When your orthodontist has determined you're ready, you will be able to start wearing your retainer for fewer hours a day. For many people, this means overnight retainer wear only.
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How often should I replace my retainer?
With proper care and correct use, most retainers can last for years.
The following signs indicate that a new retainer might be in order:
Cracks or Chips
When you start noticing chips or cracks in your retainer, it's time to replace it. This type of damage will only get worse over time, and it can compromise the retainer's structural integrity, making it less effective.
Poor Fit
Retainers are designed to be sturdy and durable, but they will start to loosen over time with wear. It's important to replace your retainer if you notice that it has become loose because, at that point, it is no longer effectively supporting your teeth.
Excessive Buildup
Regular cleaning is essential for keeping your retainer in good shape. However, even if you're doing this, stubborn buildup can occur over time. If you notice a buildup on your retainer that cannot be removed with a thorough cleaning, it should be replaced.
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Can I eat or drink while wearing my retainer?
If you have a removable retainer, it must be taken out when eating. You should also take it out if you're drinking hot liquids, or highly pigmented ones, to prevent the retainer from getting warped or stained, respectively.
You can always drink water while your retainer is in.
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How to clean orthodontic retainers?
Clean your retainer at least once daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This removes food debris, plaque and bacteria. Rinse the retainer with cool water to remove the soap when you're done.
We also suggest soaking your retainer using specially made retainer cleaning tablets dissolved in water as needed. This can help loosen any stubborn buildup and leave your retainer feeling fresh.
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How do I store my retainer?
When you are not wearing or cleaning your retainer, it is important to store it somewhere safe so it doesn't get lost or damaged. Whenever you take your retainer out, we recommend storing it in the case it comes with.
Always remember to clean and dry your retainer as well as its carrying case thoroughly to help prevent bacteria from forming.
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What happens if I forget to put my retainer in?
To ensure that your orthodontic treatment results are maintained, it is vitally important to wear your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist.
That said, if you occasionally forget to wear your retainer for short periods of time, you probably have nothing to worry about. Just go back to wearing it consistently as soon as you remember.
Keep in mind that if you don't wear your retainer consistently, there is a chance your teeth could shift out of position, and you will require more corrective orthodontic treatment to realign them. To avoid this, prioritize wearing your retainer as prescribed.