Keep your Smile Looking Great After Treatment!
After your orthodontic treatment is complete, retainers play a critical role in protecting your new smile. At Smiles for Maine Orthodontics, Dr. Patterson provides custom-made retainers designed specifically for your teeth to help maintain proper alignment and prevent unwanted shifting after braces or aligners are removed.
Wearing and caring for your retainer as instructed is essential to preserving the results of your orthodontic treatment long term.
Why Are Retainers So Important After Treatment?
Once teeth have been straightened, they need time to stabilize in their new positions. Retainers hold teeth in place while the surrounding bone and tissues adjust. Without proper retainer wear, teeth can gradually move back, undoing the progress made during treatment.
Consistent retainer use is the best way to protect your investment and keep your smile looking great.
How Should I Wear My Retainer?
For the best results, it is important to follow all instructions provided by Dr. Patterson and the orthodontic team.
- Wear your retainers full-time as instructed
- Bring your retainers to all orthodontic follow-up appointments
- Remove retainers when eating
- Take retainers out when swimming or playing contact sports
When first wearing retainers, some patients notice minor speech changes. This is normal and typically improves quickly with practice.
How Can I Avoid Losing or Damaging My Retainer?
Proper handling helps prevent costly replacements and treatment setbacks.
- Always store retainers in their protective case when not in use
- Keep retainers away from pets, as they are often attracted to them
- Do not attempt to adjust a retainer yourself
If a retainer is lost, broken, or uncomfortable, contact our office during business hours. Retainer replacements can be expensive, so careful daily habits are essential.
How Do I Properly Care for My Retainer?
Retainers are made from thermoplastic materials that are sensitive to heat and improper cleaning.
- Keep retainers away from heaters, dishwashers, and hot car interiors
- Clean retainers before and after each use
- Gently brush with a toothbrush and mild liquid soap to remove plaque
- Use a retainer cleaning solution, such as Retainer Brite, to maintain cleanliness and freshness
Because retainers are worn for many years, periodic replacement is normal. One set of retainers is included after braces are removed as part of your original treatment contract.
What Types of Retainers Are Available?
Different retainers are recommended based on individual needs and treatment goals.
- Clear retainers are made of transparent plastic and fit snugly over the teeth. They are discreet and comfortable, though they may be less durable than other options.
- Fixed retainers, also known as bonded or permanent retainers, are attached to the back of the front teeth. They help prevent shifting and can only be removed by a dentist or orthodontist.
Dr. Patterson will recommend the best retainer option to support long-term stability and oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
After completing orthodontic treatment, it’s natural to have questions about life with retainers and how to protect your new smile long term. Below are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask after braces or aligners are removed.
How Long Will I Need to Wear My Retainer?
Most patients are advised to wear retainers indefinitely, even if only at night. Teeth can shift at any age, and consistent retainer use helps maintain alignment and prevent relapse years after treatment ends.
What Happens If I Stop Wearing My Retainer?
If retainers are not worn as directed, teeth can gradually move out of position. Even short gaps in wear may cause tightness or discomfort when restarting, and in some cases, additional orthodontic treatment may be needed.
Can My Retainer Be Replaced If It No Longer Fits?
Yes. If your retainer feels tight, loose, or uncomfortable, contact our office. Changes in fit can indicate tooth movement, and replacing or adjusting your retainer early can help prevent more significant shifting.
Can I Wear My Retainer While Traveling or Sleeping Away From Home?
Absolutely. Retainers are designed to fit easily into daily life and travel routines. Keeping your retainer case with you helps ensure consistent wear, even when away from home.
Should I Bring My Retainer to Dental Appointments?
Yes. Bringing your retainer to dental or orthodontic visits allows providers to check fit and condition, ensuring it continues to protect your smile properly over time.