Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers

Orthodontic treatments such as braces and aligners rely on your teeth’s natural ability to move by applying gradual, gentle forces on them to shift them into the correct position in your jaw bone. Once the teeth have reached their final location, however, the same natural tendency may permit them to shift back to their former positions without additional stabilization.



A retainer keeps your newly adjusted teeth in place long enough for them to stabilize in the jawbone and adapt to their new alignment. Additionally, responsible use of a properly fitted retainer will make all the difference in maintaining your long-term results.

Retainers come in two principal categories: Fixed Retainers and Removable Retainers. Fixed retainers, also known as bonded retainers, adhere firmly to the backs of the teeth, allowing them to be very effective. Removable retainers offer more convenience in terms of easier eating and brushing, but they may promote irregular use that reduces their overall effectiveness.



Common types of removable retainers include Hawley retainers and clear plastic retainers (also known as Essix retainers). Hawley retainers stabilize your teeth with metal wire and acrylic, allowing your orthodontist to make subtle adjustments as needed. Clear plastic retainers give your smile a more natural look and feel, but any changes to them may require full replacement.

The easiest answer is “For as long as you want your teeth to stay straight.” Permanent retainers may stay on your teeth for years before requiring replacement, but, at some point, your orthodontist may then switch you to a removable retainer. Milder cases may only call for the removable kind.



If you receive a removable retainer, you can expect to wear it all day and night for at least a few months, removing it only to eat or clean your teeth. Depending on your individual situation, your orthodontist may recommend this practice for anywhere from four to nine months, at which point you may receive the okay to wear your retainer for fewer hours, and then, ultimately, just when you go to sleep.

Whether you have a permanent retainer or a removable retainer, give yourself some time to get accustomed to your new smile alignment aid. You might feel a little extra pressure on your teeth, for instance. Your mouth may also produce excess saliva for the first several days after you have your retainer fitted. Some people may feel like their speech is affected for a few days, as well.



However, your retainer shouldn’t cause you undue discomfort. If you feel that your retainer injures your gum tissue or places unacceptable pressure on your teeth, schedule a follow-up appointment with your orthodontist to see if your retainer needs adjustment.

Retainers can collect saliva, bacteria, and food particles just like tooth enamel can, making proper cleaning an important consideration. If you use a removable retainer, your orthodontist may recommend a specific product made for cleaning dental appliances. You simply place the retainer in the product and let it soak.

You can also brush a retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. However, you’ll want to choose a low-abrasion toothpaste to avoid scratching or otherwise damaging the retainer material. Your orthodontist can recommend the proper dental hygiene tools and advise you on their safe use.

Permanent retainers can make flossing a challenge. You can overcome this problem by using a device called a floss threader, or even using a water flosser.

Rosen Orthodontics can fit you with the ideal retainer for your particular dental alignment challenge. Contact our orthodontic clinic today for more information or to schedule an appointment.