Retainers After Braces: Your Guide to Keeping Your New Smile
What Are Retainers and Why Do You Need One?
A retainer is a dental device that keeps your newly straightened teeth in place. After your braces come off, your teeth need time to settle into their new positions. Without a retainer, your teeth might move back to where they were before!
Retainers are important because they:
- Stop your teeth from shifting back
- Give your bones and gums time to adjust
- Protect the time and money you spent on braces
- Help you keep your awesome new smile
Types of Retainers
Your orthodontist will help you choose the best retainer for you:
1. Hawley Retainers
- Made of plastic and wire
- Strong and can be adjusted
- You can see them when worn
- Come in different colors
2. Clear Retainers
- Made of clear plastic
- Nearly invisible
- Fit snugly over your teeth
- Thinner than Hawley retainers
3. Fixed/Bonded Retainers
- Thin wire attached to the back of your teeth
- Cannot be removed (except by your orthodontist)
- Usually placed behind lower front teeth
- No one can see them
- Might stay in place for years
Some people get different types of retainers for their upper and lower teeth.
How Long and How Often to Wear Your Retainers After Braces
First 3-6 Months
- Wear your removable retainer 20-22 hours every day
- Take it out only when eating, drinking (water is ok), and brushing
- Don’t skip days – consistency is key!
Long-Term Use
After the first few months, your orthodontist might change your schedule to:
- Nighttime only
- Several nights each week
Most orthodontists recommend wearing retainers for at least 18 months, and many suggest wearing them some of the time forever.
Your orthodontist will give you specific instructions based on your teeth.
Taking Care of Your Retainer
Storage
- Always keep your retainer in its case when not in your mouth
- Never wrap it in napkins – they often get thrown away!
- Keep away from heat that could melt or warp it
- Put your name and phone number on the case
Cleaning
For removable retainers:
- Gently brush with a soft toothbrush
- Rinse with cool water after taking it out
- Use mild soap or special retainer cleaners
- Don’t use hot water or toothpaste with scrubbing particles
- You can use cleaning tablets for a deep clean
For fixed retainers:
- Brush carefully around the wire after meals
- Use floss threaders to clean under the wire
- A water flosser can help clean hard-to-reach spots
- Don’t skip regular dental cleanings
When to Replace Your Retainer
Retainers don’t last forever. Get a new one if:
- Your retainer feels tight or doesn’t fit right
- You see cracks, holes, or a lot of wear
- It becomes very discolored or smelly
- It’s been 1-3 years of regular use
- For clear retainers after Invisalign, replace every 6 months
Important Things to Remember
- Keep retainers away from pets – dogs love to chew them!
- Don’t leave them in hot places like cars
- Bring your retainer to checkups
- Call your orthodontist right away if your retainer breaks or gets lost
- Visit your orthodontist every 6 months or as recommended
Wearing your retainer as directed is the best way to keep your new smile looking great for years to come. If you have questions about your retainer, Dr. Sosebee, Dr. Britt and Dr. Brown can help, just reach out to our office and we’ll answer your questions.
