Retainers are the final and most enduring phase of orthodontic treatment. At Wilmette Dental in Wilmette, IL, our doctors provide custom retainers at the completion of every orthodontic case, ensuring the alignment achieved through treatment is maintained long-term, and patients protect the investment they made in their smile.
Why Retainers Are Essential After Orthodontic Treatment
Teeth do not simply stay in their corrected positions once braces or aligners are removed. The periodontal ligaments that connect teeth to surrounding bone retain a memory of their previous positions and exert pressure that causes teeth to drift back toward their original alignment over time. This natural tendency, called orthodontic relapse, occurs without consistent retainer wear regardless of how successful active treatment was.
Retainers hold teeth in their corrected positions while the bone and surrounding tissues stabilize and adapt to the new alignment. Consistent wear in the months and years following active treatment is the only reliable way to preserve orthodontic results long-term.
Types Of Retainers Available
Wilmette Dental provides both removable and fixed retainer options, and in many cases, a combination of both delivers the most reliable long-term retention.
Removable Hawley retainers
Use a wire that crosses the front teeth, supported by an acrylic base that rests against the palate or floor of the mouth. Hawley retainers are durable, adjustable, and allow minor tooth position refinements when needed.
Removable clear retainers
Are fabricated from transparent plastic material that fits closely over the teeth, similar in appearance to clear aligner trays. They are virtually invisible during wear and comfortable for most patients.
Fixed bonded retainers
Consist of a thin wire bonded to the back surfaces of the front teeth, providing continuous retention without reliance on patient compliance. Fixed retainers are particularly effective at preventing relapse of lower front teeth, which are among the most prone to shifting after treatment.
Our doctors recommend the retainer type or combination most appropriate for each patient’s case.
How Often Retainers Should Be Worn
Retainer wear requirements change over time following active treatment. Full-time wear, removing only for eating and oral hygiene, is typically recommended for the first several months after active treatment. Wear frequency is gradually reduced to nighttime only as the teeth and supporting structures stabilize.
Most patients benefit from continued nighttime retainer wear indefinitely to prevent long-term drift. Consistent long-term wear is far simpler than retreatment.
Caring For & Cleaning Retainers
To maintain removable retainers:
- Rinse with cool water immediately after removing
- Clean daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive retainer cleaner
- Store in a ventilated case when not wearing
- Keep away from heat, which can warp the material
- Bring to dental appointments for professional evaluation
Fixed retainers require careful daily flossing using a floss threader or water flosser to clean beneath the wire and prevent plaque accumulation.
Preventing Teeth From Shifting
Even minor lapses in retainer wear can allow noticeable tooth movement, particularly in the months immediately following active treatment. Patients who notice their retainer feeling tight after not wearing it for a period should contact Wilmette Dental promptly rather than forcing it onto shifted teeth.
Replacing Lost Or Worn Retainers
Retainers wear over time and eventually require replacement. Lost or damaged retainers should be replaced promptly before teeth have an opportunity to shift. Our doctors can fabricate replacement retainers from current digital records or new impressions.
Long-Term Smile Stability
Orthodontic treatment is a significant investment of time and commitment. Consistent retainer wear protects that investment indefinitely, ensuring the alignment achieved through treatment remains stable for decades.
Protect Your Smile For Life
At Wilmette Dental, our doctors provide retainers and long-term retention guidance as a standard component of every orthodontic case. Call our Wilmette, IL office or book online with any retainer questions or to schedule your appointment.