Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Retainers

After months or even years of wearing braces or clear aligners, you've finally got that beautifully aligned smile! But your orthodontic journey isn’t over just yet. To ensure that your teeth stay in their new positions and your smile remains as perfect as it looks, you’ll need to transition to wearing retainers. While this is the final phase of treatment, it’s an essential one that plays a crucial role in preserving your results.

If you’re about to make the transition from braces or aligners to retainers, here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth process and maintain the smile you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Why Retainers Are Important

Once your braces or aligners are removed, your teeth are in their new positions, but they’re not quite set in place yet. The bone and tissue surrounding your teeth are still adjusting to the changes. Without the support of a retainer, your teeth may shift back toward their original positions over time, a process known as relapse.

A retainer helps to keep, or "retain" your new smile by holding your teeth in their final position while the bone and surrounding tissues stabilize and adjust. This process usually takes several months to a year, and in some cases, it may take longer.

Types of Retainers

There are different types of retainers available, and your orthodontist will recommend the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle. The two most common types are:

1. Fixed Retainers (Permanent Retainers): Fixed retainers are small, thin wires that are bonded to the back of your teeth (usually the upper and lower front teeth) to keep them in place. Fixed retainers are discreet and require minimal effort on your part, except that you must be diligent about brushing and flossing (but you should be doing that anyways.... right?).

   
   

   Ocean Orthodontics also offers Memotain retainers. These premium retainers use advanced memory wire technology to provide a precise, comfortable fit that adapts to your teeth’s new position. Their thin yet durable design offers a discreet, effective way to maintain your smile. Perfect for long-term wear, Memotain retainers are a reliable choice for keeping your teeth in place. Ask us about Memotain at your next visit!

   
   

2. Removable Retainers: Removable retainers are custom-made plastic trays or clear aligners (such as Essix retainers) that fit over your teeth. They can be easily taken out for eating, drinking, and brushing. While they offer the flexibility of removal, they require a bit more discipline. You’ll need to wear them as instructed by your orthodontist, usually for a set number of hours each day, and make sure to clean them regularly.

   
   

   The Hawley retainer is a classic type of removable retainer, typically made of a thin metal wire attached to a custom acrylic base that fits against the roof of your mouth or along the inside of your lower teeth. These retainers are durable, but they are more noticeable than clear plastic retainers.

   
   

How to Transition to Wearing Retainers

The transition from braces or aligners to retainers is straightforward, but it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully to ensure the best results. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Start Wearing Your Retainer Right Away

Once your braces or aligners are removed, your orthodontist will provide you with your retainer. You’ll need to start wearing it immediately to prevent your teeth from shifting. In the beginning, your orthodontist may recommend wearing your retainer full-time (usually 20-22 hours per day), except when eating or drinking. We will guide you on how long you need to wear the retainers full-time.

2. Gradually Reduce Wear Time

After a few months, your orthodontist will instruct you to wear the retainer only at night. This gradual reduction in wear time helps your teeth stabilize and adjust while still maintaining their new positions. Be sure to follow these instructions closely to avoid any movement during this critical period.

3. Keep Up with Your Follow-Up Appointments

You’ll still need to visit your orthodontist for follow-up appointments during the retainer phase. These visits allow them to monitor your progress, check if your teeth are settling well, and make any necessary adjustments to your retainer. This is also a great time to ask any questions you have about retainer care or wear schedules.

4. Be Consistent

The most important aspect of wearing a retainer is consistency. Even if your teeth feel like they’re firmly in place, skipping days or wearing your retainer less often can cause small shifts in your smile. If you miss a few nights, you might notice your retainer becomes tight when you put it back in. If you miss too much time, it could require adjustments or even new impressions to create a better-fitting retainer.

5. Don’t Skip Retainer Wear—Even After a Year

While the early months are the most critical for ensuring that your teeth remain in their new positions, you’ll need to wear your retainer at least at night forever. It’s tempting to think you’re "done" with treatment, but keep in mind that your smile is a long-term investment that requires maintenance. Just like our faces, our teeth also change with age. Our teeth move and want to get crowded as we age. But if you're diligent with your retainer, you can avoid this!

How to Care for Your Retainer

Taking good care of your retainer is essential to ensure it stays in top condition throughout your retention period. Here’s how you can maintain your retainer, with a little extra help from us:

1. Clean Your Retainer Regularly

Just like your braces and aligners, your retainer needs regular cleaning. For removable retainers, use a soft toothbrush and mild soap or retainer cleaner. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and scratch the surface. If you prefer a more thorough clean, we offer ultrasonic retainer cleaners at our clinic, which provide a deep but gentle clean to remove any buildup or bacteria. These devices use high-frequency sound waves to clean your retainer without causing damage, giving it a sparkle and ensuring it’s sanitized.

For fixed retainers, make sure to floss carefully around them to prevent plaque buildup. If you ever have any concerns about cleaning, don’t hesitate to ask during your follow-up appointments!

2. Store It Properly

When you’re not wearing your retainer, always store it in its case to prevent damage or loss. Never leave it exposed to heat or moisture, as this can cause it to warp. If you have a removable retainer, storing it properly is key to maintaining its shape and function. Remember, if it not on your teeth, it should be in your retainer case. So many patients lose their retainers becuase they left them in a napkin at a restaurant, or had their dog eat or chew their retainer when they left of on their nightstand.

3. Be Mindful of Your Retainer’s Fit

If your retainer feels loose, uncomfortable, or has visible damage, contact our office right away. Don’t try to adjust it yourself, as wearing a damaged or ill-fitting retainer could lead to unwanted tooth movement. If necessary, we can help fit a new retainer for you to ensure the best possible results.

What Happens If You Don’t Wear Your Retainer?

Skipping out on retainer wear can lead to relapse—the process of your teeth shifting back toward their original positions. In some cases, teeth can move gradually over time, even if you don’t notice any immediate changes. If you miss wearing your retainer for an extended period, you may find that your teeth no longer fit the retainer properly, and may need another round of orthodontics to get them back to the proper positions.

To avoid relapse and preserve the hard work you’ve done with your braces or aligners, make sure to stay committed to wearing your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist.

Conclusion: Maintaining Your New Smile

The transition from braces or aligners to retainers is the final, crucial step in maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. While it may seem like your orthodontic journey is over once your braces come off, retainers are an essential part of the process. By wearing your retainer consistently and following your orthodontist’s guidelines, you’ll ensure that your teeth remain in their new, perfect positions and that your smile lasts a lifetime.

If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer or the transition process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Team Ocean is here to support you every step of the way in maintaining the smile you’ve worked so hard to achieve!