--- title: "Retainers After Aligners or Braces: Why You Still Need Them" description: "Teeth can shift after braces or clear aligners. Learn what a retainer does, the main types, how long to wear one and what to do if yours no longer fits." url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/retainers-after-aligners-or-braces-why-you-still-need-them publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- # Retainers After Aligners or Braces: Why You Still Need Them Retainers hold your teeth in their new positions after braces or clear aligners. Teeth naturally move throughout life, and without a retainer they can drift back. The American Association of Orthodontists says to expect some retainer wear for life. Your dentist will tell you the type and schedule that fit you. CosmeticPublished October 26, 20264 min read ## 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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/braces), a period of retainer wear follows so teeth stay in their new positions. The same idea applies after [clear aligners](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/retainer) can also be a clear tray that looks like an aligner, or a wire design. Type How it works Good to know Removable (wire or clear) You put it in and take it out Needs a case, daily cleaning and steady habits Fixed (bonded) Bonded in place behind the teeth Cannot be lost, but flossing takes extra effort 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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/night-guards) 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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/clear-aligners) and [Invisalign](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/clear-aligners) at Town Center Dental, then call (636) 273-5866 or [request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment). ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I need a retainer after clear aligners? Yes, in most cases. The American Association of Orthodontists says braces and aligners move teeth, and the bone and soft tissue around them need time to stabilize. A retainer keeps teeth from drifting back. Your dentist will set the plan for you. ### How long do I have to wear a retainer? It varies. The American Association of Orthodontists says you will wear retainers to some degree for the rest of your life to keep teeth from moving. Many people wear them full time at first, then at night. Follow your dentist's schedule. ### What if my retainer no longer fits? Do not force it on. A retainer that feels tight or does not seat may mean your teeth have moved. Call your dentist soon so they can check your teeth and decide whether the retainer can be adjusted or replaced. ### Can I wear my retainer during sports? Take it out. The American Dental Association says that if you have a retainer or other removable appliance, do not wear it during any contact sports. Ask your dentist about a mouthguard that fits your sport. ## Terms on this page - [Orthodontic relapse](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/orthodontic-relapse) - [Clear aligners](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/clear-aligners) - [Treatment plan](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/treatment-plan) - [Orthodontist](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/orthodontist) - [Night guard](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/night-guard) - [Invisalign](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/invisalign) - [Flossing](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/flossing) - [Retainer](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/retainer) - [Braces](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/braces) ## Sources 1. [American Association of Orthodontists: Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontics?](https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/) 2. [American Association of Orthodontists: Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontics?](https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/) 3. [American Association of Orthodontists: Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontics?](https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/) 4. [American Association of Orthodontists: Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontics?](https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/) 5. [American Association of Orthodontists: Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontics?](https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/) 6. [American Association of Orthodontists: Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontics?](https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/) 7. [American Association of Orthodontists: Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontics?](https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/) 8. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Orthodontics](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/orthodontics) 9. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Braces](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/braces) 10. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Braces](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/braces) 11. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Mouthguards](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/mouthguards) 12. [American Association of Orthodontists: Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontics?](https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/) 13. [American Association of Orthodontists: Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontics?](https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/) 14. [American Association of Orthodontists: Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontics?](https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/) 15. [American Association of Orthodontists: Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontics?](https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/) 16. [American Association of Orthodontists: Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontics?](https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/) 17. [American Association of Orthodontists: Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontics?](https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/) 18. [American Association of Orthodontists: Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontics?](https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/will-i-need-to-wear-retainers/) Written by Town Center Dental and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Dental guidance changes, so check the linked page, and ask your dentist about your own care. ## Keep reading - [Invisalign vs Braces: Which Is Faster, Easier, and Better for Your Bite?Clear aligners such as Invisalign are removable trays. Braces use brackets and wires that stay on. Research finds aligners work well for mild to moderate crowding and gaps, with weaker results in severe cases. Treatment time is often similar. Retainers are needed after either. Your dentist will talk with you about which fits your bite.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/invisalign-vs-braces) - [Clear Aligners for Adults Over 50: What to Know FirstAge alone does not rule out clear aligners. The American Association of Orthodontists says teeth move the same way at 8 or 80. After 50, the bigger questions are gum health, fillings, missing teeth and grinding. Your dentist checks these first, then tells you if aligners fit your mouth.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/clear-aligners-for-adults-over-50) - [Crown, filling or onlay: which does your tooth need?The size of the damage decides the repair. A filling fits small to medium decay. An inlay or onlay fits a tooth too damaged for a filling but too healthy for a crown. A crown covers the whole tooth when too little healthy tooth remains. Your dentist chooses after an exam.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/crown-vs-filling-vs-onlay) - [Dental crowns: types, lifespan and what to expectA dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a weak, broken or worn tooth. Cleveland Clinic gives an average lifespan of five to 15 years. Metal, porcelain and resin crowns differ in look and wear. Most crowns take two visits, and your dentist numbs the tooth first.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-crowns-guide) - [Full Mouth Reconstruction: Who Needs It, How It Is Planned, and What the Phases AreFull mouth reconstruction is a staged plan that rebuilds or restores many or all teeth so the mouth works better as a whole. Dentists consider it for severe wear, broken or missing teeth, gum damage, or a bite that does not fit. It starts with a full exam, treats disease first, and then restores the teeth in phases.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/full-mouth-reconstruction-guide) - [Sensitive Teeth: Why Do My Teeth React to Cold and Sweets, and What Helps?Teeth feel sensitive when the dentin under the enamel or gum becomes exposed, so heat, cold, sweets or acid reach the nerve. Causes include worn enamel, receding gums, cavities, cracks, grinding and some products. Desensitizing toothpaste may help mild cases. Pain that is sharp or lingers needs a dental exam.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/sensitive-teeth) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)