After your braces or clear aligners come off, you’ll start wearing a custom retainer to hold your new smile in place. This is how we ensure that you achieve long-lasting results from orthodontic treatment.
When you’re moving into the final phase of your treatment (the retention phase), Dr. Senties will tell you everything you need to know about wearing your retainer and caring for your retainer.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about the final stage of your orthodontic treatment.
Your retainer holds your teeth in their final position to solidify your beautiful new smile. If you want to keep your smile for years to come, it’s crucial that you wear your retainer as instructed!
Your teeth are at an increased risk of “relapsing” or shifting back to their original pre-treatment position at the beginning of your retention phase. They’ve had the support of your braces or Invisalign clear aligners all throughout your treatment process, so once that support is gone, your teeth have the tendency to shift out of place.
Your retainer plays the key role of preventing orthodontic relapse and providing continued support for your new smile while your teeth, bone and gums stabilize after active treatment.
There are two main types of retainers—permanent retainers (fixed retainers) and removable retainers.
Permanent retainers are bonded (or cemented) to the teeth. These retainers include a small metal wire, custom-designed to fit behind the teeth. They’re generally bonded to the back surface of the bottom teeth, but can also be used behind the top teeth depending on your condition.
Typically, fixed retainers will remain in place for a lifetime to ensure that your teeth don’t shift out of alignment.
Removable retainers can be taken out of your mouth and placed back in as needed. The main types of removable retainers are Hawley retainers and Essix retainers.
The Hawley retainer has metal wires with an acrylic center that sits in the roof of the mouth. An Essix retainer is similar to Invisalign; it’s a clear retainer made of plastic, custom-made to cover the front and back surfaces of the teeth.
No matter which type of retainer Dr. Senties recommends and you choose, wearing a retainer after braces or Invisalign is absolutely necessary! When you or your child’s treatment is coming to an end, Dr. Senties will explain the different types of retainers to help you make the best decision for your lifestyle.
Right after your braces or Invisalign treatment, you’ll be instructed to wear your retainer for 24 hours, through the day and night, and only take it out to eat and to brush and floss your teeth. After about 6 months, you’ll be able to reduce your wear to nights only!
We know 6 months sounds like a long time, but think of it this way—wearing your retainer is far more convenient than undergoing another orthodontic treatment! Wearing your retainer after braces or Invisalign will prevent your teeth from relapsing, so you can still love your smile 10 years from now.
Your retainer is a part of your orthodontic treatment plan, so it’s included in your affordable payment plan! There won’t be an additional fee for your retainer, unless you happen to damage it or lose it, then there will be a fee to replace it.
At the end of your braces or Invisalign treatment, we’ll give you your custom-designed, removable retainer. As long as you keep your retainer in great shape, and you store it in your designated carrying case every time you take it out of your mouth, you shouldn’t have to worry about a retainer cost. In the event that you do damage your retainer or lose it, you will be responsible for a replacement fee.
Your teeth can gradually shift when they no longer have the support of a retainer. How quickly that happens varies from person to person, but I recommend staying consistent with your retainer rather than waiting until you notice a change in your smile. If you’ve stopped wearing your retainer and are concerned that your teeth have moved, I can evaluate your smile and determine whether your current retainer is still appropriate or if additional treatment may be needed.
Don’t force a retainer that no longer fits comfortably. A retainer that feels unusually tight may be a sign that your teeth have shifted. I recommend contacting our office so I can evaluate the situation and determine whether the retainer can still be used safely or whether you need a replacement or additional orthodontic treatment.
Contact our office as soon as you notice that your retainer is missing or damaged. Going without your retainer for an extended period can allow your teeth to shift, potentially making your original retainer unusable. I’ll help you determine whether you need a replacement and what steps we should take to protect your results.
Retainer wear is a long-term commitment because your teeth can continue to shift throughout your life. Your specific wear schedule will change over time, but I recommend continuing to wear your retainer as directed to maintain the results we worked together to achieve. Think of your retainer as the maintenance phase of your orthodontic treatment—it helps protect your investment in your smile.
There isn’t one retainer that is best for every patient. I consider your treatment history, your bite, the position of your teeth, and your lifestyle when recommending a retainer. Some patients benefit from removable retainers, while others may be candidates for a fixed retainer. I’ll explain the advantages of your options and recommend the type that will provide the best support for your smile.
A retainer is designed to hold teeth in their corrected positions rather than actively move significantly shifted teeth. If you’ve noticed your teeth have moved after orthodontic treatment, I’ll evaluate how much they have shifted and determine whether a new retainer is enough or whether a short course of clear aligners or other orthodontic treatment would be more appropriate. The sooner you address unwanted movement, the more options you may have.
We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you to know your options! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time.
Dr. Senties and our experienced team are here to help guide you throughout your treatment process, from your first visit to your last visit.
Ready to begin your smile transformation process? Let’s get started with your complimentary exam at our convenient San Antonio location!
