The benefits of orthodontic treatment can last a lifetime—but only with proper care and diligence after your braces are removed. Retainers play a vital role in keeping your teeth aligned and ensuring your smile stays as stunning as the day your braces come off. Here’s everything you need to know about wearing and caring for retainers.
Why Retainers Are Important
After braces are removed, your teeth need time to settle into their new positions. Retainers help stabilize the surrounding bone and soft tissues, preventing teeth from shifting. Failure to wear retainers as instructed may lead to unwanted tooth movement, which could require further treatment.
Removable Retainers
Once the active orthodontic appliances are removed, the patient will receive retainers to stabilize the dental correction. The bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth take several months to stabilize after braces are removed, so it is imperative to wear the retainers as instructed. Failure to do so may result in undesirable movement of the teeth, which could necessitate re-treatment.
How to Wear Your Retainers
Consistency is key to maintaining your orthodontic results and stabilizing your dental correction. After your braces or active orthodontic appliances are removed, you’ll receive retainers to help preserve your new smile. Since your teeth, bone, and soft tissues are still stabilizing in the months following treatment, wearing your retainers as instructed is essential to prevent undesirable movement and the need for re-treatment.
First 3 Months: Wear your retainers full-time, removing them only for eating and brushing.
Next 6 Months: Transition to part-time wear—after school, after dinner, and at night while sleeping.
Long-Term Use: After high school, wear your retainers nightly to prevent crowding, especially as wisdom teeth develop and muscles around your teeth exert pressure.
As you get older, the muscles that surround your teeth may tighten, causing them to move. Dr. Chris Teeters will monitor your progress with follow-up appointments every six to twelve months, including periodic X-rays to assess the development of wisdom teeth.
Caring for Your Retainers
To keep your retainers effective and in great condition, follow these care tips:
- Avoid Heat: Keep your retainers away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards, or any area where temperatures exceed 115°F.
- Use a Case: Store your retainers in their protective case when not in use to avoid damage or loss.
- Keep Away from Pets: Pets love to chew on retainers, so store them out of reach.
- Clean Regularly: Gently scrub your retainers with a toothbrush and mild soap before and after use. Denture cleaning solutions like Efferdent can help remove plaque and tartar—just be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward.
- Don’t Wrap in Napkins: Never wrap your retainers in napkins, as they can easily be mistaken for trash and thrown away.
- Replacement: Retainers may need periodic replacement. If they become loose, damaged, or lost, contact our office immediately for a replacement.
Retainers for Life Program
Did you know that your teeth are the only part of your body that doesn’t get bigger or smaller for the rest of your life? If you had a magic face cream that could keep you young forever, you would wear it, right? Well, we have something like that… at least for your teeth! As long as you wear your retainer, you should not need treatment again!
Since retainers are a long-term commitment, and we understand that many patients may lose, break, or have their retainers chewed by pets, we offer our RETAINERS FOR LIFE program! For a one-time fee, we will replace your retainers with a small copay for any reason for the rest of your life.
Stronger Retention for Certain Habits
Some habits and conditions may require more consistent retainer wear, including:
- Mouth breathing
- Clenching or grinding (muscle hyperactivity)
- Tongue thrusting or abnormal tongue posture
- Playing reed instruments
- Lip sucking or pen/pencil biting
- Severe spacing or rotated teeth before treatment
If any of these apply to you, talk to Dr. Teeters about a stronger retention plan.
Dental Examinations and Cleaning
Maintaining your beautiful smile also requires continued oral care. Be sure to:
- Brush and floss thoroughly every day.
- Visit your family dentist at least every six months for professional cleanings and exams.
A Lifetime of Smiles
Your cooperation is essential in keeping your smile healthy and aligned for years to come. By wearing and caring for your retainers as instructed, you’re investing in a lifetime of confidence and joy.
If you have questions or concerns about your retainers, contact our office. We’re here to help you maintain your beautiful smile!
