Essentials Explained: Why Do You Need Retainers After Braces and Aligners?
POsitively Awesome Ortho with Pachter Orthodontics
However, your journey isn’t done.
Enter the #1 tool of post-orthodontic appliances: teeth retainers. After orthodontic treatment, every patient has to wear a retainer to keep straight teeth straight. But why? What happens if you don’t? Do I really need a retainer after braces? Good news – we’ve got answers to all of these!
Keep That Smile Lookin’ Good After Orthodontic Treatment
What’s the deal with retainers? It turns out that wearing a retainer is one of the most critical steps to straighten teeth! Gentle pressure behind braces and Invisalign causes tooth movement to gradually shift upper and lower teeth into a new position. Even though you’ll have worn your ortho appliances for a long time, teeth can shift to their old position quickly after you have your braces removed.
Do teeth stay in their new tooth positioning after braces removal? Nope – without something to help teeth “retain” their new spots, your teeth will slowly but surely return to their original position. This is called orthodontic relapse. Don’t stop wearing retainers or ignore your orthodontist’s instructions – your crooked teeth will return! Yikes!
Retainer Lookbook: Removable Retainers & Fixed Retainers
There’s more than one retainer type to keep your teeth in their new positions. Your orthodontist will choose the right option based on the retainers’ function and how often you need to wear them.
- Fixed Retainers: Some patients wear their teeth retainer as often as possible – even permanently. A fixed retainer is bonded behind your upper teeth or bottom teeth for a few months to keep your teeth in place. Permanent retainers are incredibly effective, but you must keep your retainer clean with a floss threader and diligent brushing to prevent plaque buildup.
- Hawley Retainers: You’ll probably recognize these! A Hawley retainer is a removable retainer with a bendable wire attached to a piece of plastic that rests near the soft tissue of your mouth.
- Clear Plastic Retainers: This custom-made device is a removable retainer that’s virtually invisible. Often resembling clear aligners, a clear plastic retainer is super discreet, making them a popular choice. Just remember to keep them clear of food particles or plaque build-up so they don’t get discolored.
Retainer Time: Your New Schedule
Alright, we’ve covered the “what” and “why” of your new arrangement — but when should you wear your retainer? Recent ortho graduates need to wear them as often as possible for the first 6 to 9 months. (At least they’re better than braces!)
Once your teeth have settled into their new digs, you’ll get the green light to wear them overnight instead of all day. Once everything in your mouth is mostly settled, you’ll wear your retainer every other night. But here’s the golden rule: retainers are for life. Your teeth move throughout your life, so they’ll undo your hard work eventually without consistent retainer time.
And if you lose your retainer case, accidentally throw them away, or have a sudden dental change (like when wisdom teeth erupt), you’ll need to get a replacement retainer from your orthodontist as soon as possible.
Pachter Orthodontics is just a phone call away if you (or your retainer) need a checkup. Visit Dr. P and Dr. K at our offices in Paramus, NJ, and Middletown, NY!
