Many people assume that once their braces come off, treatment is over. In truth, this is just the end of the active treatment phase. Next up is the retention phase, which can last a few years or the rest of your life, depending on your needs.
Central to the retention phase are retainers. These orthodontic appliances hold the teeth in place, preventing them from migrating back to their old placement. Retainers mean additional costs, but they are essential to maintaining your new smile.
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Are Retainers Necessary After Braces?
By the time you enter into orthodontic treatment, chances are your teeth have been in their misaligned spots for years, even decades. While you may not like their original placement, that’s where they naturally want to be—even if it causes problems with your teeth, jaw, and overall health.
Once braces come off, the teeth must be held in their new positions. Otherwise, they will shift back to where they were before. While this might not be immediately obvious, within weeks, if you fail to wear retainers, you’ll notice that your teeth are no longer straight.
The first year to two years out of active treatment is when the teeth are most prone to shifting back towards their original spots. During this phase, you need to wear your retainers full-time. After, your doctor may decide it is ok to wear them less often, such as at night only.
There are many people who had orthodontic treatment as children and teens who need to have it redone as adults because they stopped wearing their retainers. While retainers are an additional expense and sometimes annoying to wear, they are essential to preserving the investment you make in your smile.
Without retainers, your teeth will begin to shift and likely force you to invest more time and money in additional orthodontic treatment. Save your smile and wear your retainers as directed.
Are All Retainers the Same?
Just like when you were in active treatment, when you move into the retention phase, you will have some room to choose the appliance that works best for you. There are three main types of dental retainers, each coming with its advantages and disadvantages. The one thing they each have in common is that they will help hold your teeth in their corrected positions.
Clear Removable Retainers
These retainers are easily the most convenient option for most people during the retention phase. They look similar to clear aligners and tooth whitening trays. Clear removable retainers are always fully customized to your teeth, making them invisible when worn. They are also easy to clean since they are removable.
There are some disadvantages with these retainers. First, they must be worn for 22 hours per day, removing them only when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. Second, since they are removable and clear, it can be easy to lose them or forget to put them back in.
Still, dentists and orthodontists often prefer them because they cover all the teeth, preventing any movement that could harm alignment. A set of clear removable retainers typically costs somewhere between $200 and $400. You should expect to replace yours every couple of years.
Fixed Permanent Retainers
These retainers will feel familiar to braces patients since they are bonded to the teeth. Of course, there are some key differences. First, permanent retainers are placed on the backs of the teeth, not the front. Second, they don’t have brackets; fixed retainers use a wire and dental adhesive alone. Third, these retainers only go on the front teeth, not extending back to the molars.
The primary advantage of fixed retainers is that they are always in place. However, there are quite a few disadvantages.
- Since they only hold the front teeth in place, the molars can shift.
- They can be difficult to keep clean, especially since they are on the backs of the teeth.
- They can become damaged by food.
- You have to maintain most of the lifestyle changes caused by braces.
Permanent retainers cost $300 to $500 for a set and need to be replaced every 4-5 years or whenever they break or feel loose.
Hawley Retainers
These are the original retention phase appliance. Hawley retainers feature a plastic or acrylic plate in the middle, which fits into the roof of the mouth. This is connected to a wire that goes around the front of the teeth, holding them in place.
Unlike fixed retainers, Hawley appliances are removable. You just need to wear them for at least 22 hours a day. This makes them easy to clean and allows for you to eat and drink whatever you wish. The primary disadvantage of Hawley retainers is that they are somewhat visible, unlike clear and fixed retainers.
Hawley retainers cost about $300 and last up to 8 years, making them the most affordable option over the long term.
What Happens If I Don’t Wear My Retainer?
Quite simply, your teeth will start to shift back to where they once were.
The first 12 months after active treatments ends are when your teeth are most likely to have dramatic movements after just a short time without your retainer in. Even 24 hours could allow the teeth to move enough that you need help from your dental team. Removable retainers must be worn for at least 22 hours each day for the first year in the retention phase.
Eventually, the teeth will stabilize enough that shifting won’t occur so quickly. At this point, removable retainers can be worn strictly at night. Should you forget to put them in on occasion, it also won’t be the end of the world.
When Can I Stop Using My Retainers After Braces?
Bad news: retainers are for life. While you can switch to wearing them only at night, you will need to use them for as long as you want your smile to look its best.
You might want to use different types of retainers depending on where you are with treatment. For example, a fixed retainer might be ideal during the first year or two after removing your braces since it is nearly error proof. Then, you might want to switch to a clear removable system or Hawley retainer so you have the option of nighttime-only treatment.
Ultimately, retainers aren’t optional unless a straight and healthy smile is. Wear yours correctly, keep it clean and in good shape, and replace it when needed.
How to Get a New Set of Retainers
Your first set of retainers after braces should come directly from your orthodontist or dentist. In many cases, the cost of this set is included in your original treatment plan, but not always. Be sure to verify with your provider.
No matter what, you will need to replace your retainers at some point. This could be due to loss or damage, but all retainers have a limited lifespan. Unfortunately, this is when many people stop wearing them, afraid of the cost or hassle of getting new ones. Don’t let this happen to you.
You have a few options for replacing your retainers.
- Return to your original dentist or orthodontist who gave you your braces and have them make or order new retainers.
- Visit a new dentist, orthodontist, or clinic and have new retainers made. You can shop around for the cheapest option.
- Order online retainers from companies like JustRetainers, Retainers Direct, and Sporting Smiles.
Each of these options has upsides and downsides. Seeing your original doctor likely means paying more than you would if you shopped around or got your retainers online. Mail-order retainers are the most affordable at roughly half the cost of going through a doctor, but you have to take your own impressions. And with a new doctor, you don’t necessarily know what to expect.
Want New Retainers at an Affordable Price?
Given how often retainers need to be replaced, it’s a good idea to save money whenever possible. We suggest using Sporting Smiles. As a mail-order service, Sporting Smiles makes it easy and affordable to get new retainers — all from the comfort of your home.
Final Thoughts
The retention phase of treatment can be annoying and costly, but it is essential to prevent your teeth from shifting back towards their original spots. Make the process as easy on yourself as possible by choosing the correct retainers for your lifestyle and budget. Between in-office and at-home options, you’ll find the retainers that help ensure your smile lasts a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do retainers have a step-down schedule?
Yes, but this isn’t universal. Assuming you have removable retainers, for at least the first year, they must be worn 22 hours a day. Then, 12-24 months after starting the retention phase, you can usually switch to wearing them only at night, for 10 continuous hours. Finally, some people may be able to move to wearing them only every other night after about 12-24 months.
How often will I need to replace my retainers?
This depends on the type of retainer and how well you care for them. In general, they need to be replaced every 2 to 7 years.
How quickly can teeth start to shift back to their old positions?
This depends on how long you have been out of treatment. If you are in the first 12 months of the retention phase, even hours can make a difference. If it has been years, it could take weeks, or even months, of not wearing retainers for there to be a noticeable shift.
Will retainers damage my teeth?
Retainers should never cause damage to your teeth. However, those that are poorly made or not cared for can cause problems. Get your retainers from trusted sources and maintain them properly.
What can hurt my retainers?
Hard, sticky, crunchy, and tough foods can damage retainers. Additionally, heat is a concern, so if you have removable retainers, keep them away from heat sources and out of the sun.
How do I clean my retainers?
This depends on the type of retainer you have. All retainers can be brushed, and removable ones can also be soaked in special cleaning solutions.
Should I be concerned if my retainer feels too tight?
A new retainer might feel a little uncomfortable, but this should go away in a few hours. If your retainer feels tight and isn’t new, this indicates that you have not been wearing it as often as you should and your teeth are starting to migrate back to their old positions.
When I am not wearing my retainers, where should I put them?
Always place them in their container, which should be included with the retainers when they are given to you. You can also always order new containers online from most large retailers. Never put them in napkins, as they can be easily thrown away, and avoid putting them anywhere they can be crushed or bent, such as in pockets or bags.
How can online retainers fit my teeth?
You will be sent an impression kit to take molds of your teeth. The retainers are made based on these molds.
Are there risks with mail-order retainers?
The biggest risk is ordering from a disreputable company. Be sure to do your research and verify that the company you are considering is legitimate before you order.
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