Orthodontic Retainers to Prevent Teeth Shifting
Completing orthodontic treatment is a huge achievement, but keeping your new smile straight requires long-term retention. Orthodontic retainers play the essential role of holding your teeth in place so they don’t shift back. With proper wear and care, your smile can stay beautifully aligned for life.
Why Retainers After Braces or Invisalign Are Essential
Even after your braces or Invisalign aligners come off, the bone and soft tissues around your teeth need time to stabilize. Without consistent retainer use, your teeth can gradually shift back toward their original positions. Since teeth naturally move over time, wearing retainers indefinitely is the best way to protect your investment in your smile.
Types of Retainers
Removable Retainers
- Worn full-time for the first two months post-treatment
- Transitioned to nighttime wear by Dr. Cecilia Deller to maintain alignment
- Progress monitored with check-ins every six months for up to a year
- Lost or damaged retainers can be replaced by contacting our office
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
- A thin wire is bonded behind your teeth to hold them in place permanently
- Should remain unless gum or bone concerns arise
- If removed, a removable retainer is prescribed
- Checked during regular dental cleanings to ensure security and hygiene
Caring for Your Retainers
Proper care keeps your retainers in excellent condition and ensures your teeth remain stable:
- Avoid heat – don’t leave them near heaters, in dishwashers, or on car dashboards
- Store safely – always use the protective case when not wearing them
- Protect from pets – pets love to chew retainers!
- Clean daily – brush gently with toothpaste and your toothbrush
- Deep clean periodically – use denture-cleaning solutions like Efferdent
- Replace when necessary – lost or damaged retainers can be replaced for a fee
- Report issues promptly – contact us if retainers become loose or break
When Extra Retention Is Needed
Certain habits or conditions require extra attention to retainers:
- Mouth breathing
- Teeth clenching or grinding
- Tongue thrusting or abnormal tongue posture
- Playing reed instruments
- Lip sucking
- Chewing on pens or pencils
- Large gaps or severely rotated teeth prior to treatment
Maintain Your Smile with Regular Dental Care
Even with perfect retainer use, ongoing dental care is critical:
- Brush and floss thoroughly every day
- Visit your family dentist every six months for cleanings and exams
Our Goal
We want your smile to look as beautiful as the day your braces came off—for life. Following your retainer plan and maintaining good oral hygiene is the key to long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know patients often have important questions about how retainers work, how long to wear them, and what to expect after treatment. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you maintain a healthy and aligned smile.
How Long Do I Need to Wear Retainers?
Most patients wear retainers full-time at first, then transition to nighttime use. Long-term nighttime wear is recommended to prevent natural age-related shifting.
What If My Retainers No Longer Fit Properly?
If your retainers feel tight or no longer seat fully, schedule an appointment soon. Early intervention can often prevent unwanted tooth movement.
Can I Replace My Retainer If I Lose It?
Yes. Lost or damaged retainers can be replaced for a fee. It’s important to replace them quickly to prevent shifting, especially in the first year after treatment.
How Do I Know Whether I Need a Fixed or Removable Retainer?
Dr. Deller will recommend the best option based on your tooth movement, bite, and lifestyle. Some patients benefit from a combination of fixed and removable retainers.
Can Retainers Straighten My Teeth If They Shift?
Retainers are meant to hold teeth in place, not move them. If significant shifting occurs, Dr. Deller will evaluate whether limited treatment or touch-up aligners are needed.