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 braces are removed:

• Patients should wear their retainers 8–12 hours per day immediately following treatment.
• After one follow-up visit, 8 hours per day is usually sufficient for most patients.
• If you feel prolonged pressure when inserting your retainers, you may need to wear them longer each day.

This retainer routine continues until facial growth and development is complete. Growth typically finishes:

• Males: between 19–21 years old
• Females: between 17–19 years old

Once growth is complete, patients may begin “testing” their retainers:

• Try them in before bed.
• If pressure is felt, wear them that night.
• If they feel passive, you may skip that evening.

This nightly testing can be repeated for as long as you want to protect your orthodontic results.

Dr. Sacramone is also happy to see you once a year, if you choose, to check retainers and offer guidance on wisdom teeth.

How Do I Properly Care for My 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.

Are There Habits That Require Stronger Retention?

Yes. Some patients are at higher risk for relapse and may need more consistent retainer wear. These habits include:

• Mouth breathing
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Tongue thrusting or abnormal tongue posture
• Playing reed instruments
• Lip sucking or chewing on pens/pencils
• Previous spacing issues
• Severely rotated teeth

If any of these apply to you, we may recommend a customized retention plan to protect 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.