Retainers are the final step of orthodontic treatment and one of the most important. After braces or Invisalign, teeth naturally want to shift over time. Wearing retainers as instructed helps protect your results, maintain bite alignment, and keep your smile straight for the long term.
Why Are Retainers So Important?
After orthodontic treatment, the bone and soft tissues around your teeth need time to stabilize. During this healing phase, teeth can shift quickly if they are not held in place.
Wearing retainers helps:
- Maintain your final orthodontic results
- Prevent relapse and unwanted shifting
- Support long-term bite stability
- Reduce the chance of needing retreatment
What Types of Retainers Are Available?
Most patients will use one (or sometimes both) of the following types of retainers depending on their needs.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the teeth (most often the lower front teeth). It is designed to stay in place long term and protect an area that commonly shifts with age.
This wire should stay on indefinitely unless your family dentist determines you are not keeping it clean and it begins causing gum or bone issues. If removal is recommended, it should be replaced with a removable retainer worn as directed.
Your family dentist should monitor the bonded wire at routine six-month checkups.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth and keep them in their corrected positions. Because bone and tissues are still stabilizing after braces are removed, wearing your retainer exactly as prescribed is critical.
If retainers are not worn consistently, teeth may shift, and in some cases, retreatment may be necessary.
How Often Should Retainers Be Worn?
Teeth can continue to move throughout life, which is why long-term retention matters.
Full-Time Wear for the First Year
For the first year after braces are removed, removable retainers should be worn full-time unless eating or brushing.
Night-Only Wear After One Year
After approximately one year, most patients transition to wearing retainers at night. This helps maintain alignment while allowing for the development of wisdom teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Monitoring
Dr. Christopher Murphy will monitor wisdom teeth approximately every 6 to 9 months. X-rays are typically taken about every 18 months to determine whether wisdom teeth may impact alignment.
Long-Term Retention
Once wisdom teeth decisions have been made, retainers should be worn at least one night per week indefinitely. As you age, facial muscles tighten and can place pressure on teeth, which can cause shifting or crowding.
How Do I Care for My Retainers?
Retainers are durable but need daily care to stay clean and maintain a proper fit.
To protect your retainer:
- Keep away from heat (hot water, dishwashers, heaters, car dashboards) because thermoplastic can warp above 115°F
- Store in a retainer case when not wearing it
- Keep away from pets (pets commonly chew retainers)
To clean your retainer:
- Clean before and after wearing
- Use a toothbrush with mild liquid soap to gently scrub plaque away
- Use a denture cleaning solution (such as Efferdent) to help remove plaque and tartar buildup
- Rinse thoroughly to remove any cleaning residue
Because retainers are worn for years, they will eventually need replacement. Your original treatment contract includes one set of retainers after braces are removed. If a retainer is lost or damaged due to neglect, there is a replacement fee.
If your retainer becomes loose, cracked, or broken, contact our office right away.
Who May Need Stronger Retention?
Some habits and conditions increase the likelihood of tooth movement, which may require more consistent long-term retainer wear. These include:
- Mouth breathing
- Clenching and/or grinding (muscle hyperactivity)
- Tongue thrusting or abnormal tongue posture
- Playing a musical instrument with a reed
- Lip sucking
- Pen or pencil biting
- Spacing between the teeth prior to treatment
- Severely rotated teeth
Do I Still Need Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings?
Yes. Proper oral hygiene and routine dental care are essential for long-term dental health, especially after orthodontic treatment.
Continue brushing and flossing daily and see your family dentist every six months for cleanings and exams (or more often if recommended).
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about retainers and long-term retention? These FAQs cover common concerns so you can protect your orthodontic results with confidence.
How Long Does a Retainer Last?
Retainers can last for years, but they may need replacement due to normal wear, warping, cracking, or fit changes over time.
What Should I Do If My Retainer No Longer Fits?
If your retainer feels tight or won’t fully seat, your teeth may have shifted. Contact our office as soon as possible, because early intervention can often prevent bigger changes.
Can I Eat or Drink With My Retainer In?
You should remove your retainer before eating. Drinking water is typically fine, but hot drinks can warp the retainer and sugary drinks can increase cavity risk.
What Happens If I Lose My Retainer?
Call our office right away. Teeth can shift quickly without retention, and replacing a lost retainer sooner helps protect your orthodontic results.
Will a Fixed Retainer Make Cleaning My Teeth Harder?
A bonded wire can make flossing more involved, but it is manageable with proper technique and tools. Your dentist can help monitor hygiene around the wire at regular checkups.