Retainers After Braces Why They Are Just as Important

April 21, 2025, Falconridge Dental

Discover why wearing a retainer after braces is essential to maintain your smile and prevent teeth from shifting. Learn how to protect your orthodontic results.

Finally getting your braces removed is an exciting moment. After months or even years of orthodontic treatment, you can finally see your straight, beautiful smile in full. But before you toss your orthodontic gear into the past, there’s one more important step to complete your journey: wearing your retainer.

Many people think the job is done once the braces come off, but that’s not entirely true. Retainers are a crucial part of your orthodontic care and play a major role in maintaining your results. In this blog, we’ll explore why retainers are just as important as braces—and why skipping them could undo all your hard work.

What Is a Retainer?

A retainer is a custom-made appliance that helps keep your teeth in their new, corrected positions after braces. There are two main types: removable retainers (typically made of clear plastic or acrylic and wire) and fixed retainers (a small wire bonded to the back of your teeth).

Your orthodontist will recommend a retainer type based on your specific needs and lifestyle. No matter which one you use, its job is the same—preventing your teeth from shifting back to their original misaligned state.

Why Teeth Shift After Braces

After your braces come off, your teeth still need time to stabilize. During orthodontic treatment, braces gently move your teeth through the bone to new positions. While your teeth may look straight, the surrounding bone and soft tissues haven’t fully adapted yet.

This means that without the support of a retainer, your teeth are likely to drift back to their old positions—a process called orthodontic relapse. This is especially common in the first few months after braces are removed, which is why consistent retainer use is critical during this period.

Retainers Preserve Your Investment

Let’s face it—braces are an investment of both time and money. Skipping the retainer stage can quickly undo all of that progress. Even a slight shift in your teeth can impact your bite, oral hygiene, and appearance. By wearing your retainer as instructed, you’re protecting the results you worked so hard to achieve.

Think of your retainer as your long-term insurance plan for your smile. Just as braces moved your teeth into place, retainers hold them there for the long haul.

How Long Do You Need to Wear a Retainer?

The timeline for wearing retainers varies by person, but here’s a general guideline:

Immediately after braces: Most patients are advised to wear their retainers full-time (except while eating or brushing) for at least 3–6 months.

After the initial phase: Many can switch to wearing their retainer only at night.

Long-term: To maintain alignment for life, nighttime wear may be needed indefinitely.

The key is consistency. Even if your teeth feel “set,” they can still move over time due to age, genetics, or habits like grinding and clenching.

Caring for Your Retainer

Just like braces, retainers require proper care to stay effective. Here are a few tips:

Clean daily: Rinse and brush your removable retainer gently with water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water—it can warp the shape.

Store safely: Always use a case when not wearing your retainer to avoid loss or damage.

Avoid bending: Don’t try to adjust your retainer yourself; if it doesn’t fit properly, contact your orthodontist.

Don’t Skip the Final Step

If you're nearing the end of your braces journey or have already completed it, make sure retainers are part of your conversation with your orthodontist. A trusted dental clinic near you will ensure you receive a personalized retainer plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.

For those in Alberta, our dental clinic NE Calgary offers comprehensive post-braces care, including custom-fit retainers to help maintain your perfect smile. Whether you’ve had braces NE Calgary or elsewhere, our team is here to guide you through every step—even after the braces come off.

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