Congrats! You finally got your braces off, and your teeth look incredible. Plus, overall, you’re thrilled with the results.
But then your orthodontist hands you a retainer—and tells you to wear it. At that point, you might wonder, “Do I really need to wear my retainer?” The shorter answer is yes.
Not wearing your retainer can undo months if not years of hard work. Basically, when people skip their retainers or don’t wear them according to their orthodontist’s recommendations, their teeth shift, and they end up back where they started–sometimes even worse.
So let’s break down the reasons why you need to wear your retainer. After all, why does a little plastic tray matter so much?
Why Retainers Matter After Braces
The role of retainers in preserving your smile
Your orthodontic treatment isn’t “done” the moment braces come off. Although the braces align your teeth, the retainer keeps them in their new positions. So think of your retainer as the final step, not an optional bonus.
In fact, when your braces are removed, your gums, bone, and muscles are still adapting to the change. All that tissue takes time to harden around the new position of your teeth. Without a retainer, your teeth will naturally want to shift back to where they started. Furthermore, any grinding or chewing would also move the teeth from their new positions.
What happens when you skip wearing one?
Thus, if you forgo the retainer, you can expect any of these issues:
● Teeth start drifting, especially in the first few months.
● Crowding and overlapping can return within weeks.
● Bite issues might creep back in, undoing your orthodontic investment.
Ask anyone who ignored their retainer. They’ll tell you it’s one of their biggest regrets.
How Retainers Prevent Teeth from Shifting
For starters, retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth while providing a snug fit that will hold your teeth in place after the braces come off. In other words, they retain your teeth by holding them back as the surrounding bone and gum tissue regrow to fit around their bases. Also, they counteract the pressure that occurs naturally after removing braces. This phase prevents what’s called orthodontic relapse. The counterpressure acts as long-term maintenance for your newly aligned teeth.
Long-term stability and bone remodeling
As we mentioned, wearing a retainer helps the surrounding bone re-form around the new position of each tooth, which promotes long-term stability and lessens the chances of shifting.
On the other hand, if you stop wearing your retainer too soon or choose not to wear it all, it’s like pulling a mold out of Jell-O before it’s set. The form and structure collapses. Over time, your teeth shift back to where they were before the braces. In some situations where the patients’wisdom teeth came in after the treatment, they experienced severe results where bite and alignment were impacted. Thus, the retainer provides a vital part to your orthodontic treatment plan and guarantees longer-lasting results.
Different Types of Retainers and How They Work
Fixed vs Removable Retainers
Now that we’ve discussed how important wearing your retainer is to the whole process, we should look at the options that your orthodontist might present to you. So here are the two main types of retainers:
● Fixed (permanent): A thin wire glued behind your front teeth (usually behind first four to six teeth, which tend to shift the most).
● Removable: Clear plastic trays or acrylic devices with wires, which can be removed when eating or drinking and before brushing and flossing.
Each type comes with its own set of pros and cons. Fixed retainers, for example, are great for forgetful patients, but harder to clean. They’re also less visible and are quite effective in preventing any shifting that occurs after your braces come off.
Removable retainers are easier to manage—but only if you actually wear them. Thus, in this case, you’ll need to remember to put your retainer back on after meals and not lose it. Additionally, you’ll need to remember to clean your retainers every day.
Which retainer fits your lifestyle best?
If you’re disciplined and like flexibility, a removable retainer might be your best friend. However, if you prefer to set it and forget it, then go with a fixed wire. Your orthodontist can guide you based on your habits, bite, and goals.
What Happens If You Don’t Wear Your Retainer?
Risks of relapse and how fast teeth can move
We’ve mentioned about a relapse occurring after you get your braces removed and choose not to wear a retainer. However, some patients actually see noticeable movement in just days without a retainer. And this is not a scare tactic—it’s reality. The gums and ligaments surrounding your teeth are still healing. Eventually, with the proper follow-up and use of the retainer, this tissue grows and fills in any gaps at the base of your teeth, keeping them in place permanently.
Conversely, if you choose not to wear the retainer, you can expect:
● Tooth movement within 24–72 hours
● Noticeable shifting within one week
● Potential need for orthodontic retreatment within months
Basically, the retainer remains your best option as you reach the end of your treatment plan.
Tips to Make Wearing Your Retainer Easier
Cleaning, storage, and forming a daily habit
Let’s face it. Some retainers require more self-discipline than others. Nevertheless, you can make the process go more smoothly. Here are some tips to follow:
● Keep your case(s) nearby. One in your bag, one in your bathroom. Unless you have a fixed retainer, there’s always a chance of losing your appliance. Considering how the case stands out, you’ll be less likely to forget about your retainer after meals.
● Set an alarm as a reminder for cleaning. Build the habit just like brushing your teeth.
● Clean your retainers regularly. Use a soft toothbrush or retainer cleaner tablets.
When you forget to brush and soak your retainers, they develop calcium deposits…and a bad odor. So taking a few minutes is well worth the results.
Getting through discomfort and forgetfulness
You might feel some pressure or soreness when you first start wearing your retainers. This is normal since they’re doing their job of applying the counterpressure that’s needed to hole your teeth in place and prevent shifting. Taking over-the-counter pain medications and applying ice packs to your cheeks provide some relief.
As far as adjusting your daily routine goes, you might need to associate your new habits with current ones. For instance, you can schedule your cleaning/brushing at the same time as your favorite T.V. program. Also, setting reminders on your smartphone (at least in the beginning) always helps.
FAQs About Wearing Retainers
How long do I have to wear my retainer?
Most orthodontists recommend full-time wear for at least 3–6 months post-treatment. After that timespan has passed, your provider might recommend wearing your retainer less hours and then eventually at night for life.
Can my teeth really move back that quickly?
Yes. Some patients notice shifting in as little as 48 hours without a retainer.
What if my retainer doesn’t fit anymore?
Don’t force it. Call your orthodontist immediately. You may need a new retainer or minor realignment.
Is a permanent retainer better than a removable one?
Each has its own pros and cons. Permanent retainers are worry-free but harder to clean. Removable retainers are flexible but require some self-discipline.
What’s the best way to clean my retainer?
Use a soft toothbrush, cold water, and non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid hot water—it can warp the plastic.
I lost my retainer. What now?
Call your orthodontist ASAP. The longer you go without it, the more your teeth can shift.
Conclusion
So… Do you really need to wear your retainer?
Absolutely. It’s your best protection against having a relapse. The small hassle of wearing it is nothing compared to the cost and time of having to redo orthodontic treatment all over again.
After all, you deserve a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
Still have more questions about wearing a retainer? Contact Dr. Durschlag.
Dr. Durschlag from San Diego Smile Pros is a highly experienced, board-certified orthodontic specialist. He regularly treats simple to complex patients including Invisalign with surgery, extractions, TADs (temporary anchorage devices), open bites, expansion, overbites, and much more! Check out his reviews on Yelp and Google!
