Contents
- What are Retainers?
- Wearing Retainers After Braces
- How to Clean Your Retainer
- Related Articles
- FAQs
Retainer for Teeth and a Perfect Smile
10 minute read
Last updated 08/26
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What are Retainers?
Retainers are custom-made appliances that consist of a plastic base and metal wires that cover the outside of the teeth to help retain the new alignment. Once your braces are removed, your dentist will likely prescribe a retainer for you to wear to allow the teeth and gums to further stabilize around your new tooth alignment.
Wearing Retainers After Braces
Most people are advised to wear their retainers day and night (except when eating or cleaning teeth) for the first six months after their braces come off. After that, most people can switch to nighttime wear, but follow your orthodontist’s recommendations. If your orthodontic needs are minor, your orthodontist may decide that a retainer alone is enough to solve the problem and you won’t even need braces. You can have a retainer without braces, but you can’t have braces without a retainer. Teeth do continue to shift after the braces come off, as the bones, muscles, and gums adjust to the changes. Retain your smile and wear that retainer.
How to Clean Your Retainer
It’s important to clean your retainer regularly to remove plaque, which can promote gum disease just like plaque on your teeth. The best time to do it is when you take it out to brush your teeth. There are commercial retainer cleaners available, but toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush will do the job in most cases.
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Read moreFAQs
Do I have to wear my retainer forever?
Most patients are advised to wear their retainers around the clock (removing them only for eating or cleaning) for the first six months after their braces are removed. After that period, many can transition to using retainers only at night, though it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s guidance.
How often should I clean my retainer?
Clean your retainer regularly according to your orthodontist’s instructions. Many people clean their retainer when they brush their teeth, using a soft toothbrush and the cleaning method recommended for their type of retainer. Avoid hot water, which can warp some retainers, and ask your orthodontist whether toothpaste or a retainer cleaner is best for your specific retainer.
Can a retainer move teeth back to straight?
Retainers are mainly designed to keep your teeth in their corrected positions after braces or aligners, rather than actively moving them into alignment. If your teeth begin to shift, a retainer might help prevent further movement, but it typically won’t reposition significantly misaligned teeth. If you experience noticeable changes in your alignment, it’s best to consult your orthodontist to determine whether additional treatment is needed.
Can I eat or drink with my plastic retainer in?
It’s best to remove your plastic retainer when eating, as food and drinks besides plain water can damage or stain it, and small food particles might get trapped against your teeth. If you only have a sip of water, that’s usually okay, but for anything else, it’s recommended to take your retainer out, eat or drink, and then clean it according to your orthodontist's instructions before putting it back in.
How fast do teeth shift after a retainer?
Teeth may begin shifting within days after stopping retainer use, although noticeable changes might take weeks or months depending on individual factors. Because even small movements can affect your bite and alignment, it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s advice and attend regular checkups.
