Orthodontic Retainers to Prevent Teeth Shifting
Your orthodontic journey doesn’t end when the braces or Invisalign come off. In fact, the most important part begins with maintaining your beautiful new smile with the help of retainers. At Sacramone Orthodontics, we emphasize the lifelong value of your results and provide expert guidance on how to care for your retainers and wear them properly.
Why Retainers After Braces and Invisalign Matter
Retainers are essential for keeping your teeth in their new, corrected positions. Once braces or Invisalign are removed, the surrounding bone and soft tissue need time to stabilize. Wearing your retainers as directed prevents your teeth from shifting and helps avoid the need for future orthodontic treatment.
How Long Should I Wear My Retainers?
The simple answer: indefinitely. Teeth can shift throughout your life, so long-term retainer wear is key to protecting your investment.
Here’s what to expect after your braces are removed:
- A patient should wear their retainers 8 – 12 hours following the removal of braces.
- After one visit, 8 hours per day of retainer wear is sufficient for most patients. If prolonged pressure is felt when the retainers are inserted, then the patient will need additional time per day utilizing their retainers.
- This retainer regimen is continued until growth and development of the face is completed and the wisdom teeth have been decided on. Growth and development of the face is completed between 19 – 21 years of age for males and 17 – 19 years of age for females.
- After the face has finished growing, patients may begin testing with their retainers. Testing is a procedure which requires the patient to try in their retainers prior to going to bed. If pressure is felt, then the retainer would be worn that evening. If the retainers feel passive, then the retainers would not need to be worn that evening. To maintain the guarantee that the retainers provide for you, the testing procedure is repeated every evening for however long the patient wants to protect their orthodontic result.
- Dr. Sacramone will see you every year, if you choose, to check your retainers and to make recommendations on the wisdom teeth.
This method ensures that you maintain your results with minimal effort, and for as long as you wish to preserve your smile.
Caring for Your Retainers
Your removable retainers are made from durable thermoplastic, but they require proper care to remain effective and hygienic. Follow these tips to keep them in great shape:
Avoid Heat: Keep retainers away from heat sources (e.g., dishwashers, hot water, car dashboards). Temperatures over 115°F can warp the material.
Use a Retainer Case: Always store your retainers in their protective case when not in use.
Protect from Pets: Keep retainers out of reach—dogs and cats love to chew on them!
Clean Daily: Brush gently with a toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid toothpaste (it’s abrasive). Use denture cleaners like Efferdent to remove tartar buildup. Always rinse thoroughly.
Periodic Replacement: Over time, retainers wear down. Your treatment includes one set of retainers, but replacements may incur a charge if they’re lost, damaged, or neglected.
Contact Us for Issues: If your retainers break or feel loose, call us right away.
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers and Why We Rarely Recommend Them
In rare cases, fixed retainers (bonded wires) may be used. However, Dr. Sacramone prefers removable retainers for long-term care.
Why? Although fixed retainers were once thought to be temporary, we now know teeth shift throughout life. Permanent bonded wires increase the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease, since they’re harder to clean. For these reasons, we prioritize removable retainers as a safer, more hygienic solution.
Habits That May Require Stronger Retention
Some patients are at higher risk for relapse and may require more diligent retainer wear. These conditions include:
Mouth breathing
Teeth grinding or clenching
Tongue thrusting or abnormal tongue posture
Playing reed instruments
Lip sucking or pen/pencil chewing
Previous spacing issues
Severely rotated teeth
If you have any of these habits, we may recommend a customized retention plan to help maintain your results.
Continue Routine Dental Care
Orthodontic retainers are just one part of your overall oral health. Brush and floss thoroughly, and visit your family dentist every six months for exams and cleanings. A healthy mouth supports a stable smile.
Our goal is to help you enjoy a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles. If you have any questions about your retainers or need to schedule a retainer checkup, don’t hesitate to reach out.