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Retainers After Braces and Invisalign

Last Updated: Oct 26, 2024
MP Ortho patient putting in an orthodontic retainer.

One of the most common questions our orthodontists get is whether or not you need to wear a retainer after treatment. The answer is almost always yes. Wearing retainers after orthodontic treatment is an important step in maintaining your newly straightened smile.

Retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Without the support of a retainer, your teeth may move out of alignment. In this article, we take a close look at the retainers and how they work. We explore why they are an important final step in achieving a straight and healthy smile after braces and Invisalign.

What is an Orthodontic Retainer?

Retainers are formally known as orthodontic appliances. While retainers can be attached to your teeth, the most common type is a removable retainer. They are generally made from a combination of plastic and stainless steel.

Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions on how often and long to wear your retainer. Immediately following treatment, you’ll likely need to wear your retainer all day and all night. Then, as your teeth stabilise, you may be able to revert to wearing them overnight.

Why You Need to Wear a Retainer

Braces are the active phase of orthodontic treatment and are responsible for correcting the alignment of crooked teeth. Retainers are passive; unlike braces, they don’t apply pressure to your teeth. With braces removed, your teeth may naturally return to their original positions. This is due to the elasticity of surrounding oral tissues and the reason your teeth can be straightened in the first place.

By maintaining the position of your teeth, your gums, jaw and soft tissues can stabilise. This stability is crucial for maintaining your newly aligned smile.

How Long Should Retainers Be Worn?

The exact length of time you will need to wear retainers will vary according to your individual needs. In general, you can expect to wear your retainers day and night for 6-9 months. Once your teeth have stabilised, your orthodontist will recommend wearing your retainer a night.

It is important to remember that teeth shift over time so wearing retainers consistently helps prevent unwanted movement. Your orthodontist will give you specific instructions based on your treatment.

What Happens if You Don’t Wear a Retainer?

Not wearing your retainer can cause your teeth to relapse or shift back to their original positions. In some treatments, the changes may be minor. In others, you may need additional orthodontic treatment to correct the shifting.

The additional treatment will add cost and time to your overall treatment. Wearing your retainer as instructed is a vital part of maintaining your new smile. It ensures you get lasting benefits from your orthodontic treatment.

Looking after your retainers

Keeping your retainer clean is just as important as keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Rinsing your retainer water each time you remove it will help to clear away any food particles that may have become trapped during the day. Clean your retainer with a soft toothbrush and cleaning solution each morning and evening to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to oral health. Brush and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy between regular dental check-ups.

Damaged Retainers

Retainers can wear and become less effective with time. Fortunately, there are signs that you may need to see your orthodontist about your retainer. These include:

  • Visible cracks
  • No longer fits snugly
  • Warping
  • Discomfort
  • Teeth moving

Lasting Orthodontic Results

Wearing your retainer is a crucial step in preserving the results of braces or Invisalign. Consistently wearing your retainer helps to prevent your teeth from relapsing and allows you to enjoy the results of your treatment. A little extra effort with your retainer now can save you from needing additional treatment in the future.

MP Orthodontics is an orthodontic practice based in Cheltenham, Melbourne. Working from the belief that orthodontic treatment is much more than working with teeth and creating smiles, treating orthodontists – Dr Martin Poon and Dr Geoff Hall – approach patients as people first. Their approach is to work together and plan and implement treatment that meets each individual’s needs. Drawing on 30 plus years experience of helping children gain confidence through tailored treatment, MP Orthodontics, is a truly unique orthodontic practice.

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