Orthodontic Retainers
Reviewed by Dr. Brent E. Sexton
The benefits of orthodontic treatment will last a lifetime if you wear your retainers. We encourage you to wear retainers for as long and as often as possible. We want your smile to stay beautiful and straight for years to come! To make sure that happens, here’s how to care for your retainers.
Once the active orthodontic appliances are removed, the patient will receive retainers to stabilize the dental correction. Because the bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth are solidifying and being stabilized for several months after braces are removed, wearing your retainers as directed is the best way to protect your new smile.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
Removable Retainers
Because teeth can continue to move throughout life, we recommend that individuals who have undergone orthodontic therapy wear retainers indefinitely. Patients should wear retainers as much as possible for one year after braces are removed.
After approximately one year, the patient can wear the orthodontic retainer just at night. This allows the wisdom teeth to develop without ruining the patient’s beautiful smile. Dr. Brent Sexton and Dr. Tiffany Louie will see you every six to nine months to make recommendations on the wisdom teeth, and an X-ray will be taken every one and a half years.
Once your wisdom teeth have been evaluated and a course of action has been decided upon, wear your orthodontic retainer at least one night per week. This is because, as you get older, the muscles that surround your teeth will get tighter and place pressure on your teeth, causing them to move or crowd.
Hawley Retainer
Traditional retainer and made of acrylic and stainless steel wires.
Clear Retainer
Made of clear plastic and looks like a clear aligner, such as Invisalign.
How to Care for Removable Retainers
Clean your retainer before and after placing it in your mouth. Because the material used for fabrication is slightly porous, plaque tends to cling to the surfaces. Gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush and a mild liquid soap will remove the plaque. A denture cleaning solution, such as Efferdent, will aid in the removal of plaque and tartar. Be sure to rinse the retainers thoroughly after cleaning to remove any cleanser residue.
- Retainers are made of a thermoplastic material that is sensitive to excessive heat, so they should be kept away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards, or any place where the temperatures exceed 115 degrees (Fº).
- Retainers should be kept in the proper retainer case when they are not in the patient’s mouth.
- Keep away from any family pets, as they like to chew on them.
Because retainers are worn for years, they will need periodic replacement. Your original treatment contract includes one set of retainers after the braces are removed. Replacement retainers have a fee, and we’ll always let you know the cost first. If the retainers become loose or break, contact our office immediately.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
A fixed retainer consists of a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth. Because it remains in place, it provides continuous support to help prevent unwanted tooth movement.
Your family dentist should monitor the bonded retainer during regular dental checkups to ensure it remains clean and functioning properly.
How Should I Care for My Retainer?
Proper care helps extend the life of your retainer and keeps it clean and comfortable.
- Clean retainers daily using a toothbrush and mild soap.
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
- Store retainers in their protective case when not in use.
- Avoid exposing retainers to high heat.
- Keep retainers away from pets, which often mistake them for chew toys.
If your retainer becomes loose, damaged, or lost, contact our office as soon as possible.
Will I Need to Wear Retainers Forever?
Teeth naturally shift throughout life. For this reason, long-term retainer wear is recommended. Most patients eventually transition to nighttime wear, which helps preserve their orthodontic results and maintain a beautiful smile for years to come.