Long-Term Smile Stability: Habits That Help Retainers Work

  • Smiling patient with braces.Teeth may move back to their original position following orthodontic treatment due to the elastic memory of periodontal ligaments
  • Proper retainer use is essential to protecting your smile
  • Retainers can be fixed or removable; Dr. Boley will determine the right type for you based strictly on your specific treatment history

Your braces are finally coming off, and you can’t wait! However, that doesn’t mean your treatment is over. All too many orthodontic patients find that ignoring their retainer (and their orthodontist) leads to teeth shifting right back where they were in the first place. Proper retainer use, on the other hand, can help protect the smile you’ve worked so hard and so long to get. 

The Science of Shifting: Why Teeth Move Post-Treatment

You’ve gone through all the treatment steps. Your teeth moved. Now, you want to keep them there. Teeth, however, aren’t fixed in bone. Rather, they’re held in place by periodontal ligaments. Those ligaments have, effectively, an “elastic memory.” While they stretch during orthodontic treatment, once treatment is over, they attempt to pull the teeth back to their original pre-treatment positions. 

The Role of Bone Remodeling

Bone remodeling is a critical factor in long-term outcomes in orthodontics. After braces are removed, the bone around the new tooth positions is still “soft.” It’s been adapted to the pressure of the braces, but it’s not yet set. It needs time to harden and stabilize in order to protect all that orthodontic work. 

Your Post-Treatment Defense: Fixed vs. Removable Retainers

There are two primary types of retainers that can help keep your teeth in place even after orthodontic treatment ends. The type of retainer provided is dictated entirely by the type of treatment you received.

Fixed (Bonded or Cemented) Retainers

Fixed retainers, also called bonded or cemented retainers, are usually cemented canine-to-canine on the back of the upper and lower teeth. Unless specifically recommended by the doctor or requested by the patient, aligner-treated patients do not receive fixed retainers. Fixed retainers can be more difficult to brush around and may require more care when eating hard foods.

Removable Retainers

All of our patients receive clear removable retainers, and our Invisalign patients are given clear removable retainers to wear daily in place of a fixed retainer. At Boley Braces, we primarily use Vivera clear retainers (Essix is a common brand) and only occasionally use Hawley retainers, which are made of metal and plastic and fit in the roof of the mouth or behind the lower teeth. Removable retainers are much more convenient for eating and hygiene, but rely heavily on patient compliance to be effective.

Best Practices for Wear and Maintenance

Dr. Boley will outline the ideal wear schedule for your specific needs and retainer. For most patients, however, that means starting with 24/7 wear, then gradually progressing to nightly wear, which we recommend you continue forever. Adjusting wear time may depend on the specifics of your treatment, including how much your teeth needed to move and how long you wore your braces.

Cleaning and Hygiene Recommendations

Taking proper care of your retainers is essential. You should:

  • Brush retainers with non-abrasive soap
  • Use a specialized soaking solution to keep them clean and prevent buildup
  • Keep them in a case when not in use

Dr. Boley will provide you with recommendations for specific products and solutions. 

Consequences of Inconsistent Use

Failing to use your retainers consistently can cause your teeth to shift back, and it can happen faster than you think. Even a few days of neglect can lead to tightness. Weeks of neglect can cause significant shifting that may require orthodontic touch-ups to correct. Consistency is key to protecting your smile. 

Protecting Your Results with Boley Braces

Long-term compliance is the only way to increase the chances of a straight smile for life. Treat your retainer as a permanent part of your nightly routine, and you’ll see results. Contact Boley Braces ASAP if you have lost your retainer, if it no longer fits, or if you’re ready to start your smile journey.

Image Credit: // Shutterstock // New Africa