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People often ask why it is so important to wear retainers after their orthodontic treatment has been completed.  Well, to varying degrees, teeth will always shift back slightly toward their original positions when retainers are not worn faithfully.  This can partially and sometimes even completely undo the work that was done by the orthodontist.  Therefore, to continue to keep the healthy smile that braces or Invisalign aligners have made possible, it is crucial to take the time to make wearing retainers part of the daily routine.

There are different types of retainers, but the most common one is called a Hawley retainer.  Hawley retainers are removable appliances made of a combination of hard plastic and stainless steel wires.  They are durable retainers, but it is still essential that the patient be very careful when handling Hawley retainers because they are costly to replace.  Another type of retainer is a Truax or Essix retainer.  These retainers are clear plastic appliances that fit over the teeth similar to bleaching or Invisalign trays.  The Truax and Essix retainers usually are worn only at night.

When braces are removed, most orthodontists recommend that patients wear retainers fulltime for a certain period of time.  During this time, retainers can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing and most sports activities, but they should be replaced immediately afterward.  Teeth have not yet set into the new positions, so shifting is very likely during this time if retainers are not worn consistently.  The time frame for which retainers must be constantly worn may vary, but it is typically between six months and one year following the removal of the braces or the completion of Invisalign treatment.

When the orthodontist determines that the retainers no longer need to be worn fulltime, it is very important to continue to wear the retainers at least every night.  Retainer wear is a life-long endeavor, and wearing retainers nightly will ensure that the teeth will remain straight long after orthodontic treatment has been completed.  Failure to wear the retainers at night for long periods of time can allow a patient’s teeth to shift back toward their former positions.  This is known as orthodontic relapse, and it is a major reason why many adults seek retreatment.  Obviously it can result in costly and time consuming procedures to correct the damage.

Retainers should be cleaned daily using a toothbrush and toothpaste.  If retainers build up plaque on them, it is important to bring them in to the orthodontist for professional cleaning.  Most orthodontists have ultrasonic cleaners which can loosen the plaque buildup on the retainers which then can be easily brushed away.  When the retainers are in the mouth, gum or other sticky substances should not be chewed, as these may be very difficult to remove from the retainer.  During the day, the retainers should be stored inside a container in a safe place so that they are not lost or damaged.  Most orthodontists will provide a retainer case with the retainers, and the patient should write his or her name, address and phone number on the case should they ever be lost.  Retainers can melt, so they should never be placed in boiling water, left in direct sunlight, or placed too close to a fire.

During check-ups with an orthodontist, retainers should be brought in regularly for inspection and repairs.  Orthodontists may notice minor shifting of some teeth and they usually can make adjustments with the retainers to counter these movements.  If a retainer is damaged or lost, the patient should call the orthodontist to have the retainer fixed or replaced as soon as possible so that no shifting occurs and the retainer can again be worn regularly.  Wearing retainers regularly will help maintain the beautiful smile that the orthodontist worked so hard to achieve long after the orthodontic treatment has been completed!

By Dr. Gary Reichhold