Your teeth, just like the rest of your body, continue to change throughout life. For this reason, it’s important to wear retainers once you’re finished with orthodontic treatment. The last thing you want after wearing braces or Invisalign® clear aligners is to be told that your teeth have shifted back to their original position. Not only can relapse be disappointing, but it can affect your smile, bite, and oral health. Continue reading to learn about the importance of retainers after orthodontic treatment.
Are retainers necessary?
Once you have your braces or aligner attachments removed, you may be reluctant to wear another dental appliance. However, if you do not wear your retainer properly and as prescribed by your orthodontist, you will lose the results of your orthodontic treatment. Without a retainer, teeth can gradually shift back towards their original positions. Retainers act similar to a cast, providing stability so that everything can stabilize in their new positions.
While you may not see or feel your teeth moving at first, the changes become more noticeable over time. For example, your retainer may feel tight and uncomfortable if you haven’t worn it for a few days. As the teeth gradually continue to shift, your retainers may stop fitting altogether.
Your retainers will fit for as long as they are consistently worn. It's normal for your bite to shift slightly after braces or Invisalign, and often this is desirable as they tend to shift into a better bite. This is the result of the everyday wear and tear on your teeth as you bite down, chew, swallow, and speak. Orthodontic retainers are designed to prevent significant, noticeable changes in tooth positioning so you can maintain a beautiful smile.
Can I eventually stop wearing retainers?
Your teeth are held in place by small fibers and the surrounding jawbone. During orthodontic treatment, your jawbone reconfigures through processes of bone resorption and formation, so teeth can move into their final positions. Once you stop wearing braces or Invisalign, you need to wear orthodontic retainers so your teeth are held in place while new bone is deposited. It takes about 9 to 12 months for your body to build up enough bone to stabilize teeth. This is why most orthodontists recommend a period of full-time wear with your retainer before switching to nighttime wear.
After the first year, you should have enough new bone around your teeth to keep them more stable. For this reason, you won’t have to wear your orthodontic retainers as frequently to maintain your straight smile. Your orthodontist may recommend only wearing your retainers 5 nights per week.
While your teeth won’t move as dramatically, teeth tend to move and incline inward as you get older. This change isn’t something you notice overnight, it tends to be a slow silent progression - something that gradually happens over decades.
Do I need retainers after Invisalign?
Yes, you’ll need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment. Even though clear aligners move teeth differently from braces, the result is still the same and they are still repositioning the teeth. You’ll need to wear retainers after any kind of tooth alignment.
Are there different types of retainers?
Yes, there are two primary types of retainers: removable and fixed. The type of retainer you are given will depend on your specific situation, and you orthodontist can help guide you. Sometimes, a combination of both fixed and removeable is used. For example, a removable retainer for the upper teeth and a fixed retainer for the bottom.
Removable retainers are exactly that, removable. Your orthodontist will inform you on exactly how long you will need to wear your retainer full time, and then how often it will need to be worn long term. It is also important to understand how to clean the retainer to help it last as long as possible. Common removeable types of retainers include essix, Vivera™, and hawleys.
Fixed retainers are bonded to the back side of your teeth. They typically consist of a smooth or flat wire that is adhered to the teeth, either on the very ends of the retainer or to each tooth. Because it is not removable, extra care will need to be taken with this type of retainer to remove food particles and prevent cavities and gum disease. Oftentimes, these retainers are only bonded to the front two, four, or six teeth. Because they do not extend to back teeth, a removeable retainer is typically provided to help ensure back teeth stay aligned as well. This is sometimes referred to as an overlay retainer.
To learn more about types of retainers, read more here.
What if I lose my retainer?
If you lose your retainer, be sure to call our office to speak with our team and schedule an appointment. Whether you accidently threw your retainer away or the dog ate it (this happens more frequently that you'd think!), we can get you fitted for a new retainer as soon as possible so you don’t lose the progress you made with orthodontic treatment.
What does it mean if my retainer is tight?
Your retainer may feel tight if you haven’t worn it recently or as often as your orthodontist recommended. Though each individual is different, it typically doesn’t take much time for your teeth to start shifting. If your retainer feels very tight, consider scheduling an appointment with our orthodontist. Don’t try to alter the appliance or force it if you are experiencing significant pain.
Request an appointment with us
Our orthodontist in the Zionsville Carmel and Indianapolis area is dedicated to helping patients achieve their best smiles. If you are in need of a replacement retainer, or interested in seeking treatment, schedule a free orthodontic consultation online or call our team at Godley Family Orthodontics. We would be happy to assist you!
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