Retainers After Aligners or Braces: Why You Still Need Them

Why do I still need a retainer after braces or aligners?

You need a retainer because teeth keep moving after treatment ends. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says your teeth naturally move and change position throughout your life, and even after orthodontic treatment they can continue to shift. A retainer holds them where you want them.

The American Dental Association (ADA) puts it simply: retainers preserve and stabilize the results of your orthodontic treatment. Think of the retainer as the last step of treatment, not an extra. The ADA says that after braces, a period of retainer wear follows so teeth stay in their new positions. The same idea applies after clear aligners.

What happens if I skip the retainer?

Your teeth can drift back toward where they started. The AAO explains that braces and aligners push teeth into new positions, and the bone and soft tissue around them need time to settle. Without a retainer, it says, teeth can revert to their previous positions, which undermines the time, effort and money you put into treatment. This drift is sometimes called orthodontic relapse.

The shift can be small at first. You may notice that your retainer feels tight, or that a front tooth looks a little crowded again. That is a good time to call your dentist, before the change grows.

What kinds of retainers are there?

There are two broad types. The AAO describes removable retainers, which you put in and take out yourself, and fixed retainers, which are bonded in place by the orthodontist. Both hold teeth in their new positions after active treatment is done. A retainer can also be a clear tray that looks like an aligner, or a wire design.

Removable retainers come in two kinds. Wire retainers, also called Hawley retainers, are made of wire and a plastic-like material. Clear retainers are transparent trays that are exact replicas of the teeth. The AAO adds that clear retainers can also act as a protective barrier against teeth grinding during sleep.

A fixed retainer is a thin, custom-fitted wire bonded directly to the inner surface of the upper or lower teeth. The AAO says a fixed or bonded retainer may be recommended after a significant bite problem, to give the teeth continuous support. It also says fixed retainers are a long-term commitment and may be harder to clean. Your dentist picks the type based on your teeth, your bite and your habits.

How long do I wear it?

Plan on some retainer wear for life. The AAO says you will be required to wear retainers to some degree for the rest of your life to keep your teeth from moving. The AAO says retainers are typically worn right after active treatment ends and then gradually reduced to nighttime wear, as your provider instructs. It suggests making retainer wear part of your routine: brush and floss before bed, then put the retainer in. The right schedule depends on your teeth, so follow what your dentist gives you.

A few habits keep a retainer working:

1. Wear it as often as your dentist says, even when your teeth look fine.
2. Keep it in its case when it is out, away from heat and pets.
3. Clean it daily as your dentist advises.
4. Bring it to checkups so your dentist can look at the fit.
5. Take it out for contact sports and wear a mouthguard instead.

On that last point, the ADA says to not wear a retainer or other removable appliance during any contact sports.

What if my retainer is lost, broken or tight?

Call your dentist soon. A retainer that no longer fits may mean your teeth have moved. Do not force it on. Waiting can let teeth drift further. Your dentist can check your teeth and tell you what a replacement involves.

If you grind your teeth at night, mention that too. Grinding can damage a thin retainer. A night guard is a different appliance with a different job, and your dentist can help you sort out which one you need.

What should I ask about retainers before treatment ends?

Ask about retention at the start of straightening, not at the end. The plan for your retainer is part of the plan for your teeth. Good questions include:

• Which type do you suggest for my teeth, and why?
• How many hours a day should I wear it at first?
• When can I cut back to nighttime wear?
• How do I clean it, and what should I avoid?
• What should I do if it breaks or no longer fits?
• Is a replacement part of my treatment plan, and what would it cost?

Write the answers down. A clear plan makes it much easier to keep the habit when treatment is a memory.

Can my regular dentist handle retainers?

The ADA notes that orthodontic treatment may be provided by your dentist or by an orthodontist, depending on the dentist’s experience and how complex your case is. Town Center Dental lists clear aligners and Invisalign among its services. Ask the office what retention plan goes with any treatment it provides, and what to do if you finished treatment elsewhere.

Next step

If your retainer feels tight, cracked or lost, or you are thinking about straightening your teeth, ask about next steps at an exam. Read about clear aligners at Town Center Dental, then call (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment.