After completing orthodontic treatment, whether with traditional braces or an aligner, for adults, teens, or children, the next phase is your retainer. While this may feel like a small step compared to the treatment, it plays such a pivotal role in the lasting results.
Most aftercare procedures follow a two-phase retainer schedule. Immediately after your braces are removed, all adults, teens, or children will be asked to wear their retainer full-time for the first three to six months. That means all day and night during this process, only removing it to eat, brush, and floss your teeth. This allows your teeth and surrounding bone to adapt to their new positions.
After phase one, you’ll transition to nighttime wear only. This phase is long-term, often indefinite. While this may seem like a big commitment, wearing your retainer at night becomes part of your routine, much like brushing your teeth.
It’s important to remember that every patient’s aftercare schedule is tailored to their specific case, focusing on factors such as the amount of movement required, your age, and how your teeth responded to treatment.
Why is wearing your retainer essential?
Teeth are not permanently fixed in place. They’re held by ligaments and surrounded by bone that can shift over time. Even after years of treatment, your teeth will naturally want to return to their original position; this is more commonly known as relapse.
Your retainer acts as a safeguard against your teeth from shifting back to their natural position. Skipping wear occasionally can allow for small shifts that may be detrimental to the progression of your treatment.
To put it into perspective, you’ve already invested so much time, effort, and money to achieve the results. Wearing your retainer is what helps prevent undoing all your hard work.
What happens if you stop wearing your retainer?
If you were to stop wearing your retainer altogether, you may notice slight changes. For some patients, this can happen gradually over time, and sometimes it can be a surprisingly fast process.
You may notice your retainer beginning to feel tight or not fitting correctly. That is an early indication that your teeth are moving. If your retainer no longer fits at all, you may need to consult your orthodontist for a replacement, or in more advanced cases, you may require additional treatment to correct the changes.
Relapse can show up in different ways:
- Crowding returning in the front teeth
- Gaps reopening
- Bite changes affecting how your teeth come together
Please remember, this can all be prevented by consistently wearing your retainer.
What types of retainers are available?
There are several types of retainers available, and your orthodontist will recommend the most suitable option based on how your teeth responded to treatment, your individual needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Hawley Retainers
These are the classic retainers made of a durable acrylic base with a thin wire across the front of the teeth, designed to be long-lasting and adjustable, making them a reliable option amongst many.
Clear Retainers
Clear retainers are made from transparent plastic and fit securely over your teeth. Popular for their discreet appearance and comfort. Over time, you may require replacement more frequently due to wear.
Bonded (Permanent) Retainers
Bonded retainers are permanently fixed to the back of your teeth, most commonly on your lower front teeth, securing a thin wire to the back of the teeth.
As they’re non-removable, they provide continuous retention, resulting in minimal daily effort or adjustments to your regular routines. Often, cleaning and check-ups are required to ensure they remain intact.
In many cases, your orthodontist may recommend a combination of both a bonded retainer and a removable one for nighttime wear.
Overall, you have to remember that everyone's aftercare journey is tailored to their personal needs and treatment. It is crucial to be consistent with your retainers.
If you require any further information or have additional questions, please feel free to book a consultation at Langley Orthodontics