Why you should wear a retainer after braces

Category: Braces · 21 December 2018

The big day has finally arrived: you no longer need braces. You’re relieved – and of course you want to enjoy your beautiful smile for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, without help from outside the joy doesn’t last that long. Protect your investment! Read in this article why you should consider a retainer.

What is a retainer?

There are two types of retainer that a patient can wear after orthodontic treatment: the orthodontic retainers are either fixed or removable. Their purpose is to secure the results of the braces in the long term.

When you have orthodontic treatment with a dentist, they move your teeth within the jawbone to optimise their position. To do this, they apply precisely measured forces to the jawbone. As a result, the body breaks down bone on the side towards which the tooth is supposed to move. On the other side, new bone forms.

Sounds as if this is only possible when you’re young? No – bone remodelling is not tied to growth phases.

Why a retainer is used

However, it’s not only the bone that changes, but also the tissue and the connective tissue fibres in the mouth. Imagine that – once you no longer have to wear your braces – your teeth are still sitting loosely.

For up to four years – because the teeth are still somewhat loose – there is a risk of a so-called relapse (the teeth moving back to their original position). Especially in young people who are still growing, growth or strong muscle forces can have a negative effect. Some people may even have to wear a retainer for life because they are genetically prone to misalignment.

For these reasons, we need to make sure your teeth are well supported even after treatment has been completed. A retainer ensures that the teeth are held in their new position for as long as possible and stabilise.

How long and how often do you need to wear a retainer?

The longer this retention phase lasts, the better the result will be. A rule of thumb that has proven itself in our practice: wear your retainer for at least as long as your treatment with braces has lasted up to that point. The retention period can often be longer, too.

Wear your retainer every night. In the first year we recommend 12 hours a day; after that you can reduce this to 8 hours.

It’s important that you keep your check-ups with the orthodontist. Always bring your retainer with you so that we can check its fit and effect. If a correction is needed, we can adjust your retainer at any time.

How to care for your retainer

It’s important to clean your retainer every day. The easiest way is to brush it with a toothbrush under cold water and rinse it.

Avoid cleaning your retainer with:

Hot water
Alcohol
Household cleaners
A cycle in the dishwasher

These can warp or damage the retainer.

Conclusion: how to make your new smile last

Stay loyal to your retainer! Otherwise your teeth may move back to their original position after treatment. For us dentists, it’s important that you love your smile for the rest of your life, which is why a retainer is the ideal solution. Make regular check-up appointments to have the fit of your retainer checked.

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