Orthodontic Retainers to Prevent Teeth Shifting
Reviewed by Dr. Robert Mattioli, DMD
Completing orthodontic treatment is an exciting milestone, but keeping your new smile straight means committing to wearing and caring for your retainers. We want your beautiful smile to last a lifetime, and following your retainer plan is the key to long-term success.
Why Retainers After Braces and Invisalign Matter
After your braces or Invisalign are removed, the bone and soft tissues around your teeth need time to stabilize. Without wearing your retainers as instructed, your teeth may shift back toward their original positions, undoing your hard work. Since teeth can move throughout life, we recommend wearing retainers indefinitely to protect your smile.
Types of Retainers
Removable Retainers
Retainers are worn full-time for the first 2 months. After that, Dr. Bob will transition you to nighttime wear to help maintain alignment.
Dr. Bob will continue to monitor your progress with check-ins every 6 months for up to one year post-treatment. After that, you’ll be placed in dismissal status.
If your retainer is lost or damaged after dismissal, please contact our office to have a new set fabricated.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
A thin wire is bonded behind your teeth to keep them in place indefinitely
Should remain unless your family dentist finds gum or bone issues caused by plaque buildup
If removed, you’ll switch to a removable retainer as prescribed
Have the wire checked at your regular dental cleanings to ensure it’s clean and secure
Clear Retainer
Fixed Retainer
Caring for Your Retainers
To keep your retainers in great shape:
Avoid heat, keep away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards, or any place above 115°F
Store them in your protective case when not wearing them
Keep away from pets, they love to chew on retainers!
Clean daily by brushing with your toothbrush and toothpaste.
Use denture-cleaning solutions like Efferdent periodically to remove tartar buildup
Replace retainers as needed, your treatment includes one set, but lost or damaged ones have replacement fees
Contact us immediately if retainers become loose or break
When Stronger Retention Is Needed
Certain habits or conditions require more careful retainer wear:
Mouth breathing
Clenching or grinding teeth
Tongue thrusting or abnormal tongue posture
Playing reed instruments
Lip sucking
Chewing on pens or pencils
Large gaps or severely rotated teeth before treatment
Keep Up with Dental Checkups
Even with perfect retainer use, regular dental care is essential. Continue:
Brushing and flossing thoroughly every day
Seeing your family dentist every 6 months for cleanings and exams
Our goal is simple: help your smile look as beautiful as the day your braces came off, for life. Your cooperation is the key to long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do retainers after braces and Invisalign matter?
After your braces or Invisalign are removed, the bone and soft tissues around your teeth need time to stabilize. Without wearing your retainers as instructed, your teeth may shift back toward their original positions. Since teeth can move throughout life, we recommend wearing retainers indefinitely to protect your smile.
What are the types of retainers?
There are two main types:
Removable retainers — Worn full-time for the first 2 months, then at night. Dr. Bob will monitor progress for one year post-treatment.
Fixed retainers (bonded wire) — A thin wire bonded behind the teeth to maintain alignment indefinitely. It should remain unless your dentist finds gum or bone issues.
How should I care for my retainers?
Avoid heat, store them in their case, keep them away from pets, brush daily, use denture-cleaning tablets periodically, and replace retainers as needed if lost or damaged.
When is stronger retainer wear needed?
More consistent retainer wear is recommended for patients who mouth-breathe, clench or grind teeth, thrust their tongue, or had large gaps or rotated teeth before treatment.