Your orthodontic treatment may end when braces or Invisalign come off, but keeping your smile straight requires long-term care. Retainers play the most important role in maintaining your results. At Moin Orthodontics, we provide high-quality retainers designed to hold your teeth in their ideal positions so you can enjoy your beautiful smile for years to come.
Why Do You Need Retainers After Orthodontic Treatment?
After your braces or Invisalign clear aligners are removed, your teeth and surrounding tissues are still stabilizing. The bone that supports your teeth continues to remodel for several months, and without proper retainer wear, shifting can occur. This may lead to crowding, spacing, or relapse that could require retreatment. Wearing your retainers exactly as instructed protects the progress you worked hard to achieve and helps ensure your long-term results stay stable.
What Types of Orthodontic Retainers Are Available?
Moin Orthodontics offers multiple retainer options to help maintain your smile comfortably and effectively. Dr. Moin will recommend the best type based on your treatment and long-term orthodontic needs.
Removable Retainers
Because teeth can continue to move throughout life, we recommend that individuals who have undergone orthodontic therapy wear retainers indefinitely. A patient should wear retainers as much as possible for the first few months following the removal of braces. After the first few months, the patient can wear the orthodontic retainers just at night.
Hawley Retainer
Hawley’s are the traditional retainer, 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 man years, they will need periodic replacement. Your original treatment contract includes one set of retainers after the braces are removed. If the retainers are lost or become loose or break, contact our office immediately.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
This wire is intended to stay on forever. The only exception is if your family dentist says you are not keeping it clean and it is beginning to cause gum or bone problems. If this should occur, please contact our office to have the wire removed and replaced with a removable retainer.
The removable retainer should then be worn as Dr. Moin prescribes. The fixed wire will maintain the alignment of the front teeth as the patient gets older and your facial muscles get tighter. Please have this wire monitored by your family dentist at your six-month checkups.
Permanent Lower Retainer
Our goal is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential in order to achieve this goal.
How Do You Take Care of Your Retainer?
Proper care keeps your retainers clean, comfortable, and long-lasting. We recommend:
- Cleaning your retainer before and after wearing it using mild liquid soap and a soft toothbrush
- Avoiding hot water, dishwashers, or heat sources that can warp the material
- Storing it in a protective case when not in use
- Keeping it away from pets, especially dogs
- Replacing it when it becomes worn, damaged, or loose
If your retainer ever feels uncomfortable or no longer fits properly, contact our office right away.
How Long Should You Wear Retainers?
Retention is a lifelong commitment. The first few months after treatment are the most critical, but long-term nighttime wear is essential for maintaining your alignment. Because teeth naturally shift with age, wearing your retainers consistently ensures your smile stays exactly where you want it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about retainers and how they protect your smile? Here are some of the most common things patients ask after completing orthodontic treatment.
What Should I Do If I Lose or Break My Retainer?
Contact our office as soon as possible. A missing or broken retainer can lead to shifting, so replacing it promptly is important to maintain your alignment.
How Will I Know If My Retainer No Longer Fits Correctly?
If your retainer feels tight, loose, or uncomfortable, it may not be fitting properly. This can happen as teeth naturally shift. Schedule a visit so we can evaluate and adjust or replace it if needed.
Can I Eat or Drink While Wearing My Retainer?
Removable retainers should be taken out while eating or drinking anything other than water. Eating with retainers can damage them, and sugary or acidic drinks can trap residue against your teeth.
Do Retainers Affect My Speech?
Some patients notice mild changes in speech at first, especially with removable retainers. This typically improves within a few days as your mouth adjusts.
How Often Should Retainers Be Replaced?
Retainers naturally wear down over time. Depending on use and care, they may need replacement every few years. If you notice cracks, warping, or changes in fit, contact us for an evaluation.