Retainers After Braces

It takes time for bone and soft tissues around the teeth to reorganize, and teeth to stabilize in their new positions. In the first few months immediately after removal of your braces, the risk of relapse is higher.

We recommend that retainers be worn on a full-time basis for the first 1-6 months. Subsequently, the retainers may be worn only at night. This can be reduced over time. Your orthodontist will prescribe the retention plan best for you.

Scientific studies show the need for retainers to be life-long. When you take yourself off retainers, you should be prepared for some degree of relapse. It is difficult to predict how much relapse can happen.

Relapses sometimes occur because teeth move throughout life, due to soft tissue pressures and chewing forces exerted on them. From adolescence into old age, the lower front teeth tend to crowd forwards. This is known as late incisor crowding. This happens regardless of whether you had wisdom teeth removed or previous orthodontic treatment.

There are two main types of retainers - customized removable retainers and fixed-bonded retainers. The removable retainers come in either thin, clear plastic or colour form with a thin wire in the front. Fixed retainers are bonded to the back of your teeth. Your orthodontist will design the most suitable type for you.

You should remove the retainers when you brush your teeth. A toothbrush and toothpaste should be used to thoroughly clean the retainers, followed by rinsing with cool tap water. This is usually done every morning and night when you brush your teeth.

Never use hot water because it will cause the plastic to distort. In addition, there is no need to soak them in special denture solutions.

Remove the retainers for eating and drinking. If you do leave them in the mouth for a small snack, you should remove them to rinse off food debris before putting them on again. You should also remove the retainers during sports and games, or when playing musical wind instruments.

Do store the retainers in their containers when not in use. Carry the container with you in case you need to remove the retainers. It may be a good idea to label the container with your name and contact number. Do not leave them in the car in hot weather as it will cause the plastic to distort.

The retainers may feel uncomfortable initially but you will adapt to it after a few days of continuous wear.

Speech may be affected but only for a few days. Do not worry as your speech will return to normal with continued wear. You may also experience increased salivation for a couple of days.

You should see your orthodontist about 1-3 months after your retainers are fitted. Subsequently, it is usually every 6 months. You can arrange for your orthodontist visit to coincide with your routine dental check-up and scaling and polishing.

If there are any problems associated with the retainers e.g., if the retainers are broken or lost, please call the clinic for an earlier appointment. It is important to replace lost or broken retainers early to prevent relapse from occurring in the meantime.