One day in the not-too-distant future, your braces will come off. In a few moments, you'll be free of bands and brackets, able to eat what you want and run your tongue over smooth, clean teeth. But, even on this happy occasion, please remember that you're not quite done with orthodontic treatment yet: The next phase, called retention, is just beginning.
Retention is a critical follow-through stage that typically involves wearing an orthodontic appliance called a retainer. Several different kinds of retainers are available, all of which are custom-made just for you. We will recommend the type (or types) that will work best in your situation, and we'll tell you exactly when and how long you need to wear them.
But if your teeth are straight now, why do you need a retainer at all? Simply put, it's because if you don't wear one, your teeth will start moving right back to where they were!
Teeth aren't set rigidly in the jawbone — instead, they're held in place by a network of fibers called the periodontal ligaments. After they have being moved, it takes several months for the periodontal ligament to adjust to the new position. So if you want to keep that new smile — and not waste all the time, effort, and money it took to get it — it's essential to wear your retainer as directed.
Being fitted for a retainer usually happens on the same day your braces are removed. After your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, we may take another set of X-rays and/or bite impressions, to check how well your braces worked and to see how much your wisdom teeth have developed. Then, we'll discuss your retainer and start getting it ready.
There are three basic types of retainers available today, and each works best in specific situations. The most popular option is the clear aligner–style retainer. These retainers are custom-made from thin, transparent plastic and fit precisely over your teeth. Their biggest advantage is that they’re virtually invisible and easy to remove.
Hawley retainers are still available and remain a good option for some patients. A Hawley retainer consists of a thin acrylic base that fits against the roof of the mouth or behind the lower teeth, along with a wire that helps hold teeth in position. They are durable, removable, and adjustable for minor tooth movements, and they can be personalized with different colors and designs.
Fixed retainers may also be recommended in select cases, most commonly for the lower front teeth. These retainers are not removable and consist of a thin wire bonded to the tongue side of the teeth, making them invisible from the front. Fixed retainers are often used when there is a higher risk of teeth shifting back to their original position.
Be sure to ask us about our popular Retainer Assurance Program to help protect your smile long-term!
After a short time, most people adjust quite well to wearing a retainer. Some may find that they produce more saliva than usual for a day or so after first wearing any type of retainer — a normal reaction to a foreign object in the mouth. You may also find it a little harder to talk normally at first, but that problem will soon disappear. Of course, removable retainers should always be taken out when you eat or brush your teeth — a big change from braces!
At first, you will probably be told to wear your removable retainer all day, every day. This period of 24/7 retainer use generally lasts from several months to a year. Later, we may say that it's OK to wear it only at night. Finally, you'll probably need to put it on just a few nights a week.
Removable retainers should be cleaned using a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild dish detergent. Toothpaste and mouthwash can be too abrasive and may cause the material to break down more quickly.
Fixed retainers are cleaned through regular brushing and flossing. Using a floss threader or an interproximal brush can be especially helpful for cleaning around the bonded wire and maintaining good oral hygiene.
