Why Retainer Wear Is Vital After Braces or Invisalign® Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is a time and financial investment, as well as a commitment. Whether you’ve had traditional metal braces or opted for Invisalign®, the hard work doesn’t end once your teeth are straight. In fact, one of the most important parts of treatment begins the moment your braces are removed: wearing your retainers.
At Inspired Dental Care, in Exeter, we strongly emphasise the importance of retainer wear to protect your results and prevent relapse. We believe that education and support after treatment are just as essential as the treatment itself, which is why we guide every patient through the next phase of their orthodontic treatment.
Why Are Retainers So Important?
After months or years of tooth movement, your smile is finally in its ideal position. But your teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original positions – this is called orthodontic relapse. Without a retainer, all the progress made through braces or Invisalign® can begin to reverse, often quite quickly.
Retainers hold your teeth in place while your gums, bones, and surrounding tissues stabilise. This process takes time, and in most cases, support is needed for life. At Inspired Dental Care, we provide both fixed and removable retainers to ensure your teeth remain in their new positions in the long term.
Understanding the Different Types of Retainers
There are two main types of retainers:
- Fixed Retainers
These are thin wires that are bonded to the back of your front teeth. They are not visible from the front and are commonly used on the lower front teeth, which are especially prone to shifting. Fixed retainers provide 24/7 support without needing patient compliance, making them a reliable addition for maintaining alignment specially in the first months post-debonding.
- Removable Retainers
Usually made of clear plastic (such as Essix retainers), these are worn over the teeth and can be taken out for eating and cleaning. Initially, you might be asked to wear them full-time, and then usually night-time…forever!!
At Inspired Dental Care, in Exeter, we often recommend dual retention for the first 12 months (combination of both fixed and removable retainers) to offer comprehensive retention, especially after complex movements.
Why Inspired Dental Care Encourages Consistent Retainer Wear
We’ve seen many cases where patients return months or even years after finishing orthodontic treatment, having stopped wearing their retainers. Sadly, their teeth have shifted; sometimes significantly and further treatment is needed.
At Inspired Dental Care, we believe prevention is far better than cure. Here’s why we are passionate about consistent retainer use:
- Protects Your Investment
Orthodontic treatment is not only a financial investment but also a time-consuming one. Regular retainer wear protects the time, effort, and money you’ve invested in your smile.
- Prevents Teeth from Shifting
Teeth can continue to move naturally throughout life, even without orthodontic history. Retainers help combat this natural shifting.
- Maintains Facial Aesthetics and Bite Function
Straight teeth do more than look good- they contribute to proper bite alignment, jaw comfort, and speech clarity. Letting your teeth relapse can affect your overall oral function as well as appearance.
- Avoids Future Orthodontic Treatment
Wearing your retainers as instructed significantly reduces the chance of needing braces or aligners again later in life. Most adults needing treatments again are usually due to early neglect of retainers in their teenage years.
How to Care for Your Retainers
To ensure your retainers last and remain hygienic, follow these simple care tips recommended by our team at Inspired Dental Care:
- Clean removable retainers daily using lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush -avoid toothpaste as it can scratch the surface.
- Store retainers in their case when not in use – never wrap them in tissue or place them in your pocket, as they can be easily lost or damaged.
- Do not eat or drink with your removable retainers in, as this can lead to cracks, staining or even tooth decay.
- Clean fixed retainers by cleaning carefully around them using interdental brushes or floss threaders.
Regular Monitoring at Your Oral Health Assessment
At Inspired Dental Care, in Exeter, your oral health assessment includes not just a check of your teeth and gums, but also a review of your retainers. We assess the fit, condition, and cleanliness of your removable retainers and examine your fixed retainers for damage or plaque build-up.
If a retainer is lost, broken, or no longer fitting well, we urge patients to contact us immediately. The sooner a replacement is made, the less likely your teeth are to shift.
Common Myths About Retainers
Despite the importance of retainers, there are still many misconceptions that lead to inconsistent use. Let’s clear a few up:
- “I only need to wear it for a few months.”
Not true. Most patients will need to wear their retainers for life, (particularly at night) as its now known teeth move throughout your lifetime. - “My teeth won’t move – they feel solid now.”
Even teeth that feel stable can naturally shift over time, especially with ageing, grinding, or wisdom teeth eruption. - “Fixed retainers mean I don’t need a removable one.”
While fixed retainers offer great support, they typically only hold the front teeth from shifting sideways. Removable retainers protect the entire arch and wrap around the teeth providing added security as well as helping maintain the arch form.
Inspired Dental Care: Supporting You Every Step of the Way
At Inspired Dental Care, we take a long-term approach to orthodontic care. From your first consultation to your final aligner or brace removal, and well beyond, we are here to ensure your results last a lifetime.
That’s why we:
- Provide detailed instructions on retainer wear
- Custom-make all retainers for a perfect fit
- Include retainer checks in your oral health assessment
- Offer fast replacements if your retainer is damaged or lost
We’re not just here to straighten your teeth, we’re here to help you keep them that way.
In Summary
Wearing your retainer, whether fixed, removable, or both is the final step in your orthodontic journey. It’s what keeps your beautiful new smile stable and lasting for years to come. At Inspired Dental Care, we can’t stress enough how vital it is to take retainer wear seriously, whether you’ve had braces or Invisalign® treatment.
If you have any concerns about your retainers, or you’re due for your next oral health assessment, get in touch with our friendly Exeter team today. At Inspired Dental Care, your smile is in safe hands.
