Everything You Want To Know About Retainers – 8 of Your Top FAQ’s Answered

Wearing retainers after teeth straightening treatment is a topic that confuses many orthodontic patients. Retainers and clear aligners are not the same things – one holds teeth in their current position, the other moves them into their desired position. It can be a lot to sink your teeth into – literally, so we’re answering the most commonly asked questions about retainers for you.

What are retainers?

Retainers are an orthodontic device prescribed to patients who have undergone teeth straightening treatment with braces or aligners. They can be made from plastic or metal and may be fixed to your teeth or removable devices. The purpose of retainers is to ensure your teeth stay in that lovely, new position you have waited a long time to achieve.

Your dentist or orthodontic team will let you know how long you need to wear your retainer. If you had orthodontic treatment in your teens, it might only be for a few years. If your treatment was as an adult, wearing your retainer after teeth straightening may be a lifelong commitment..

When do I need retainers?

Whether you’ve undergone at-home teeth straightening from Straight My Teeth, had clear aligner therapy from your dentist or worn braces, retainers will ensure your teeth stay straight once your treatment has finished.

Sometimes retainers may be prescribed as a straightening solution where there is only one tooth or gap involved. They can also be used to correct other conditions, such as tongue thrust or TMD issues such as teeth grinding.

What is the difference between retainers, clear braces and clear aligners?

Not all orthodontic devices are created equal, and it’s important to compare apples with apples.

Retainers are necessary after teeth straightening to retain the position of newly aligned teeth and prevent them from moving back.

Clear braces are very similar to their metal counterparts, except they are a little more discreet and can be more comfortable. They are still bonded to the teeth and worn 24/7.

Clear aligners are custom-made removable plastic aligners or trays worn over the teeth like a mouthguard. Unlike braces treatment that involves wearing a single appliance throughout the duration of treatment, straightening the teeth with aligners involves wearing a series of trays sequentially until the teeth reach their desired position. Clear aligners can be removed to eat and clean the teeth and may even be available as a night-time only treatment.

In other words, an individual can often choose between clear braces and clear aligners, but unless your dentist has advised otherwise, you can’t select a retainer instead of braces or aligners.

For how long do you need to wear retainers after teeth straightening?

This question is very hard to answer as it depends entirely on your circumstances. Some patients may be advised to wear a retainer all day, every day, for up to twelve months. It’s also not uncommon to be told you need to wear your retainer every night for an indefinite period.

What happens if I don’t wear my retainers?

The reason your dentist or orthodontist will have advised you to wear your retainers is that they’re a crucial step in ensuring your teeth stay straight. If you don’t follow your dental team’s instructions about wearing a retainer, you run the genuine risk of having your teeth relapse and move back into a less desirable position.

Unfortunately, this is a lesson people often learn the hard way. In fact, many adults who choose clear aligner solutions for at-home teeth straightening have had orthodontic treatment in the past but become dissatisfied with the results over time.

How do you keep your retainer clean?

Retainers are relatively low maintenance, but you must always follow the instructions of your dentist or orthodontist. If you have a bonded retainer, that is, one that is permanently fixed in your mouth, you’ll receive instructions on how to floss and clean it from your dentist.

If you have a removable retainer, you can rinse it with lukewarm water every time you take it out of your mouth. Doing this straight away will help ensure that no food particles harden on the device. Your dentist may recommend a soaking solution for your retainer, but it’s generally not needed. You can also brush many types of retainers with a soft-bristled toothbrush. It’s important to check with your dental team, though, and only use their recommended cleaners as some products can cause damage, which may lead to the retainer needing to be replaced more frequently.

Are retainers comfortable to wear?

They may be uncomfortable to start with, but you will get used to the sensation of wearing them. Custom-made, quality retainers that are a good fit will be the most comfortable.

Will people see I have a retainer?

It depends on the type of retainer your dental team prescribes you. Some retainers look very similar to clear aligners, which means they’re usually not visible unless you tell someone you are wearing them. Others may have metal wires or be slightly more noticeable, but chat with your dental team if you’d prefer to explore more discreet options.

Everyone’s teeth naturally shift and move over time, including those who have never had teeth straightening treatments. So if you think it may be time to take a fresh look at your teeth straightening options, consider either an at-home clear aligner kit or a new retainer from Straight My Teeth.

Do you have more questions about using clear aligners or retainers after recent teeth straightening? Get in touch with Straight My Teeth today, and a member of our professional team will give you all the answers you need.