Orthodontic Retainers to Prevent Teeth Shifting
Finishing orthodontic treatment is a huge accomplishment, but keeping your smile straight takes ongoing commitment. At JH Family Orthodontics, we provide a personalized retainer plan so your beautiful results last for decades, not just months. Wearing and caring for your retainers is the single most important step in maintaining your investment.
Why Retainers After Braces or Clear Aligners Are Important?
Once braces or clear aligners are removed, your teeth aren’t “locked” in place. The bone and soft tissue around them need time to adapt to their new positions. Without a retainer, your teeth may slowly shift back, undoing the progress you worked so hard to achieve.
Even after your smile is stable, natural forces, like muscle movement and chewing, can cause teeth to move over time. That’s why most orthodontists recommend wearing retainers indefinitely for lifelong results.
What Types of Retainers Do We Offer?
Removable Retainers
- Worn full-time (except while eating or brushing) for the first year after treatment
- After one year: typically worn nightly while wisdom teeth develop
- Once wisdom teeth are addressed, at least one night per week to prevent natural shifting
- Routine check-ups every 6–9 months with X-rays every 18 months to monitor stability
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
- A thin wire is discreetly bonded behind your teeth to hold them in place permanently
- Ideal for patients prone to shifting or with complex bite corrections
- Should stay in place unless your dentist identifies gum or bone issues from plaque buildup
- If removed, a removable retainer will replace it
- Have the wire inspected during regular dental cleanings to ensure it’s intact and clean
Hawley Retainer
Clear Retainer
How to Care for Your Retainer
Dr. Jessica Hedger provides these recommendations for taking care of your retainers:
- Avoid heat: Keep away from heaters, dishwashers, hot cars, or anything over 115°F
- Store properly: Always place it in its protective case when not in use
- Keep away from pets: Dogs especially love chewing on retainers
- Clean daily: Use mild soap and a soft toothbrush before and after wearing
- Deep clean periodically: Use products like Efferdent to remove tartar buildup
- Replace when necessary: One set is included in treatment, lost or damaged retainers may require a replacement fee
- Report issues immediately: If your retainer feels loose, breaks, or doesn’t fit, contact us right away
When Extra Retention May Be Needed?
Some patients benefit from more diligent retainer wear, including those with:
- Mouth breathing habits
- Teeth clenching or grinding
- Tongue thrusting or abnormal tongue posture
- Reed instrument playing
- Lip sucking or chewing on objects
- Large gaps or rotated teeth before treatment
Continue Regular Dental Care
Wearing your retainer is just one part of keeping your smile healthy. Maintain your results by:
- Brushing and flossing daily
- Seeing your family dentist every 6 months for exams and cleanings
Our mission is simple: help your smile stay just as stunning as the day your braces came off. With consistent retainer use and good oral hygiene, you can enjoy your results for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finishing treatment is exciting, but many patients still have questions about life after braces or clear aligners. Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining your new smile’s stability, and it’s normal to wonder how they work, how long to wear them, and what to do if something changes. Here are some answers to the questions patients ask most about retainers and long-term smile maintenance.
What should I do if my retainer feels tight after not wearing it for a few days?
A tight retainer usually means your teeth have begun shifting. Put it in immediately and wear it full-time for several days. If soreness or poor fit continues, contact JH Family Orthodontics.
Can wisdom teeth cause shifting even if I wear my retainer?
Yes, wisdom teeth can contribute to crowding. Wearing your retainer remains the best protection, but Dr. Hedger will monitor your wisdom teeth and recommend removal if they threaten alignment.
Are clear retainers better than Hawley retainers?
The best retainer depends on your bite, lifestyle, and long-term needs. Clear retainers are discreet, while Hawley retainers are durable and adjustable. Dr. Hedger will help you choose the ideal type.
Why do my teeth still feel like they want to shift even years after treatment?
Teeth naturally move throughout life due to chewing, aging, and muscle pressure. This is why lifelong retainer wear—even just a night or two per week—is essential.
What should I do if my dog chewed my retainer?
This is extremely common! Store retainers in their case, not on counters or nightstands. If yours is damaged, call us for a replacement as soon as possible to prevent shifting.