Retainers are the final step in orthodontic treatment and one of the most important. At San Marcos Orthodontics, Dr. Nader Ehsani and Dr. Sherry Sabet provide clear retention guidance so your smile stays straight, healthy, and stable long after braces or clear aligners are complete.
Why Are Retainers So Important After Braces or Aligners?
After orthodontic treatment, teeth naturally want to shift back toward their original positions. This is normal and happens because the bone and tissues around the teeth need time to stabilize.
Wearing your retainers as instructed helps:
- Maintain your final orthodontic results
- Prevent relapse and unwanted tooth shifting
- Protect your bite alignment and smile aesthetics
- Reduce the chance of needing future retreatment
What Types of Retainers Are Available?
San Marcos Orthodontics offers different retention options depending on your bite, age, and treatment history.
Removable Retainers
After your braces are removed, you’ll receive retainers to maintain the alignment of your teeth. As the bone and surrounding tissues adapt post-treatment, wearing your retainers as prescribed is critical. Neglecting this can lead to teeth shifting back, potentially requiring further treatment.
Hawley Retainer
Traditional retainer and made of acrylic and stainless steel wires.
Clear Retainer
Made of clear plastic and looks like a clear aligner, such as Invisalign®.
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded behind the teeth (most often on the lower front teeth). They are designed to stay in place long term and help prevent relapse in an area that commonly shifts with age.
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Retainers?
Teeth can shift throughout life, even years after treatment. That is why we recommend long-term retainer wear.
A typical retainer protocol includes:
- Full-time wear initially after braces or aligners (as directed by your orthodontist)
- Nighttime wear long-term to maintain alignment
- Continued use to help prevent shifting caused by age-related changes
Dr. Ehsani and Dr. Sabet will guide your exact schedule based on your treatment plan and stability needs.
How Often Will You Check My Retainers?
Retention is not “set it and forget it.” Retainers should be monitored to ensure they continue fitting properly.
We typically recommend follow-up visits every 6 to 9 months, depending on your retention type and treatment history. These visits allow us to:
- Check retainer fit and wear patterns
- Monitor for shifting or bite changes
- Discuss wisdom teeth management when needed
- Make adjustments or recommendations for replacement
How Do I Take Care of My Retainers?
Retainers are durable, but they need daily care to stay clean and last as long as possible.
To protect your retainers:
- Store them in their case when not wearing them
- Keep them away from heat (hot water, dishwashers, car dashboards)
- Avoid wrapping them in napkins or tissues (common cause of loss)
- Keep them away from pets
To clean them properly:
- Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap
- Rinse thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth
- Use denture cleaner occasionally if recommended
If your retainer feels loose, cracked, or no longer fits correctly, contact our office right away.
When Do Retainers Need to Be Replaced?
Retainers wear down over time, especially with long-term nightly use. Replacement may be needed due to:
- Normal wear and warping
- Cracks or breakage
- Loss or accidental disposal
- Fit changes caused by shifting
Your treatment includes your initial set of retainers. Replacement retainers may involve an additional fee, depending on the situation.
What If I Have a Fixed Retainer?
Fixed retainers can be a great long-term option, but they require excellent hygiene. You must brush and floss carefully around the wire and maintain regular dental cleanings.
A fixed retainer should only be removed if a dental professional identifies a hygiene concern or a structural issue. If removal is recommended, Dr. Ehsani and Dr. Sabet may transition you to a removable retainer to maintain stability.
What Situations Require Stronger Retention?
Some patients need more consistent or long-term retention based on habits, anatomy, or pre-treatment concerns.
Stronger retention may be recommended for patients with:
- Mouth breathing
- Grinding or clenching
- Tongue posture concerns
- Oral habits (lip sucking, pen chewing)
- Severe rotations or spacing before treatment
- Playing reed instruments
Your orthodontist will recommend the best approach to keep your smile stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Retainers are essential for keeping your orthodontic results stable long after braces or clear aligners are finished. Below are common questions patients ask about retainer wear, care, and long-term smile maintenance.
What Happens If I Stop Wearing My Retainer?
Teeth can begin shifting surprisingly quickly, even after successful treatment. If retainer wear stops, small movements can turn into noticeable crowding or spacing, and the retainer may no longer fit properly.
How Can I Tell If My Retainer Still Fits Correctly?
A properly fitting retainer should feel snug but comfortable. If it feels tight, doesn’t seat fully, pops up, or causes soreness in specific teeth, it may be a sign that shifting has started or the retainer has warped.
Are Clear Retainers Or Hawley Retainers Better?
Both options work well, but they serve different needs. Clear retainers are more discreet and feel similar to aligners, while Hawley retainers are durable and adjustable. The best choice depends on your bite, alignment history, and long-term stability needs.
What Should I Do If I Lose Or Break My Retainer?
Contact the office as soon as possible. Waiting too long can allow teeth to shift, making it harder to replace the retainer accurately. Replacing it quickly helps protect your results and avoid unnecessary retreatment.
Do Fixed Retainers Replace The Need For A Removable Retainer?
Not always. Fixed retainers help stabilize specific teeth, but they do not hold every tooth in position. Many patients still need a removable retainer to maintain full-arch alignment and support long-term bite stability.
