Protect Your New Smile with Orthodontic Retainers
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t end when your braces come off — retainers play a crucial role in keeping your new smile aligned for life. At Marshall Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of wearing your orthodontic retainers as directed to ensure your results last.
Why Retainers Matter After Braces and Invisalign
Once braces or Invisalign are removed, your teeth need time to settle into their new positions. During this stabilization period, retainers hold your teeth in place while the surrounding bone and soft tissues adapt. Without proper retention, your teeth may shift, possibly requiring re-treatment in the future.
Because teeth can move throughout your lifetime, we recommend wearing retainers long term. At first, you’ll wear them full time for about a year. After that, nighttime-only wear is usually sufficient. As you get older and your facial muscles tighten, this ongoing wear will protect your smile from unwanted movement.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers are typically provided immediately after your braces are taken off to stabilize the dental correction. Wear them all day and night for the first year, removing them only when eating, brushing, or as directed. After about a year, most patients can wear their retainers just at night.
Once Dr. Robert Marshall has evaluated your wisdom teeth — usually during a check-in every 6–9 months — we recommend wearing your retainers at least one night per week to maintain alignment as you age.
If retainers are not worn as instructed, teeth can shift out of place, which may require re-treatment to correct.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
A thin, permanent wire can be bonded behind the front teeth to keep them from shifting. This fixed retainer is meant to stay in place indefinitely. However, if your dentist determines it’s not being properly cleaned and may be causing gum or bone issues, it may need to be removed and replaced with a removable version.
This type of retainer is particularly helpful in protecting your smile as muscle tightness increases with age. Be sure to have your fixed retainer monitored by your dentist during routine 6-month checkups.
Caring for Your Retainer
Proper care helps retainers last longer and keeps your treatment successful:
Avoid heat: Retainers are made from thermoplastic and should be kept away from heat sources over 115°F, such as car dashboards, dishwashers, or heaters.
Store safely: Always place your retainer in its case when not in use.
Keep away from pets: Dogs especially love to chew on retainers!
Clean regularly:
Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and mild soap
Use denture cleaning tablets like Efferdent to remove plaque and tartar buildup
Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning to remove cleanser residue
Inspect and replace as needed: Retainers will wear out over time. If yours becomes loose, broken, or lost, contact us right away. One set of retainers is included after your braces are removed; additional sets may require a replacement fee.
Conditions That May Require Stronger Retention
Certain habits or oral conditions increase the risk of teeth shifting, including:
Mouth breathing
Clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism)
Tongue thrusting or low/abnormal tongue posture
Playing reed-based musical instruments
Lip sucking
Pen or pencil chewing
Spacing or severely rotated teeth before treatment
Dr. Marshall will guide you on the best retention plan based on your individual needs.
Continue Routine Dental Care
Retainers are just one part of long-term dental health. To keep your smile healthy:
Brush and floss thoroughly every day
Visit your family dentist every 6 months for exams and cleanings
Follow all hygiene and care recommendations while wearing your retainer
Your perfect smile is an investment, and retainers are the key to protecting it for a lifetime. With the right care and consistency, your results will last for years to come.