Retainers After Braces: Do I Need Them?
Nothing beats the feeling of finishing orthodontic treatment and taking great steps along your smile journey. But it’s the steps you’ll continue to take after your treatment that will make an impact in the long term.
After completing treatment like fixed braces or Invisalign, your teeth will continue to need support while they stabilise – that’s where retainers come in.
In Summary:
- Retainers provide vital support in continuing the development of your dental care. They prevent your teeth from shifting after completing any orthodontic treatment.
- It’s important you know how to take care of your teeth. That’s why our clinic prides itself on delivering expert after-care advice, including retainers, to help you continue your journey.
What Are Retainers And Why Are They Important?
Retainers are a custom dental appliance that prevent your teeth from shifting back into their original position after undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Whether your treatment has involved metal or ceramic braces or Invisalign aligner trays, retainers are the next step in your smile journey, providing continuing support.
- Prevent relapse: the trays help maintain the placement achieved through previous orthodontic treatment.
- Stabilise teeth: they can help keep teeth stable while your gums and jaw heal from treatment.
- Protect against wear: retainers help reduce tooth wear caused by grinding or clenching.
- Minor adjustments: in more minor or moderate cases, some retainers can help make adjustments.
What Types of Retainers Are There?
There are different types of retainers to suit each individual case, with both removable and fixed styles depending on your treatment plan.
Your orthodontist can recommend the right retainers for you based on your case complexity, lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
| Type | Definition | Recommended For |
| Clear retainers | Transparent, removable plates moulded to your teeth | Aesthetic preference and flexibility for lifestyle |
| Fixed retainers | Thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth | Long–term lower teeth stability |
| Hawley retainers | Removable plates with an acrylic base and wire | Long-term durability for minor bite adjustments after treatment |
How Long Should I Wear My Retainers?
When your orthodontic treatment finishes, your specialist will discuss effective aftercare with you – this includes retainer usage. This can vary for each individual case, but typically follows a similar pattern:
3-6 Months
Immediately after finishing your treatment, our specialists will recommend full-time retainer wear. This means removing your retainers only for meals, brushing and physical activity.
6-12 Months
Once you hit the 6-12 month mark following treatment, our specialists will typically recommend the transition to night-time wear only. This will help you to maintain your results without the commitment of daytime wear.
Wearing your retainer on a regular basis and following this timeline can help prevent teeth shifting and reduce the need for re-treatment. Regular retainer wear gives you the best chance of maintaining your results!
How Do I Care For My Retainers?
Care for your retainers daily to prolong their lifespan and promote proper dental hygiene.
| Type | Care | Lifespan |
| Clear retainers | Clean daily with a soft toothbrush, hand soap and lukewarm water | Replace every 6-12 months |
| Fixed retainers | Thorough everyday toothbrushing and interdental brushes | Replace or repair when the wire breaks, detaches or when your teeth shift |
| Hawley retainers | Clean daily with a soft toothbrush, hand soap and lukewarm water | Replace if it no longer fits, or if there are cracks or warping in the acrylic |
Explore our retainer services at Orthodontics at Parramatta
Book Your Retainer Consultation with Us Today
Our orthodontist clinic in Parramatta is run by a team of specialists who can offer guidance to help you find the right treatment plan for you.
Book an appointment online, or call 02 7803 7803 to discuss your treatment options with our team.and provide a detailed quote.
FAQs
Indefinite part-time retainer usage, particularly wearing retainers at night, is recommended to maintain your smile after treatment.
The right type of retainer for you depends on a number of factors including case complexity, desired results and lifestyle.
Our team can advise what type of retainers or additional treatment might best suit your individual case.
To care for removable retainers:
- Rinse after removal with lukewarm water
- Brush with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water and mild dish soap
- Soak weekly in a non-alcoholic retainer cleaner or denture soak
To care for fixed retainers:
- Floss and brush twice daily
- Attend regular check-ups for maintenance
Clear retainers should ideally be replaced every 6 – 12 months depending on care and maintenance.
Some patients may experience discomfort when first fitted with retainers as your teeth adjust to the placement.
Our team will work with you and advise how to minimise this discomfort.
If you do not wear your retainer regularly or as advised by your specialist orthodontist, your teeth may shift slightly from their position.
It’s important to continue regular retainer wear to maintain your desired smile after treatment.
