Quick summary
One of the questions we hear most at Billericay Dental Care is, “Why do I need to wear a retainer?” The answer? It keeps teeth from drifting back to their old positions. We provide custom retainers and expert advice to keep your smile straight for life.
At A Glance
- Retainers stop teeth from relapsing to their original positions
- Most people need to wear them for life; first full-time, then nightly
- Skipping nights can undo months or years of progress
- Modern retainers are thin, clear, and comfortable, and our membership plan offers free, custom-made retainers annually.
Introduction
Many patients visit our Billericay dental practice expecting their teeth to stay straight forever after childhood orthodontics. Often, they’re shocked or even horrified when I tell them that teeth can naturally drift back over time. The solution? Retainers!
People tell me that they were never told to wear retainers after childhood ortho treatment, or they lost them and didn’t understand the importance of wearing them. In truth, retainers are essential for maintaining a straight smile.
Imagine planting a beautiful garden and never watering it, or buying a new car and never getting it serviced. The same thing happens to your smile. The time, effort, and investment are wasted if you don’t maintain it.
So, Why Do I Need To Wear A Retainer?
Put simply, retainers are the easiest way to keep teeth straight once orthodontic treatment ends.
While treatments like braces and aligners are designed to move teeth, they aren’t immediately ‘set’ in place upon completion. This is because while the newly created bone is soft, the periodontal ligament – the fibrous connective tissue that anchors teeth into the bone socket – wants to pull the tooth back to its original position.
Think of it like bending a branch or stretching a rubber band. As soon as you let go, it wants to spring back to where it started.
This is known as orthodontic relapse and is pretty common. Studies suggest that only 30% to 50% of people who have undergone orthodontic treatment retain perfect alignment after 10 years.
Moreover, as we age, our bodies are continually changing, and our smile is no exception. Small changes in the jaw can also affect tooth alignment. This is where orthodontic retainers can help.
How Long Should You Wear Your Retainer?
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- First 6–12 months: Wear your retainer all day, every day. If it’s removable, take it out only for meals and cleaning. This ensures that teeth don’t shift during the most crucial period – while the surrounding bone remodels and stabilises.
- After 12 months: Reduce wear to nighttime only. This allows teeth time to settle while still providing sufficient support to prevent relapse.
- Long-term maintenance: Even after a year or two, wearing your retainer a few nights a week indefinitely is highly recommended. Teeth naturally shift over time, so ongoing retainer use helps maintain your smile for life.
How Our Retainers Can Help You
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- A new retainer: Sometimes an old retainer is worn or warped, and a new custom version is all it needs to get your smile back on track.
- A short series of clear aligners – For more noticeable but small changes, I may suggest a short series of aligners, which can be used to pull a crooked smile back on track. We call this an Invisalign touch-up, and it typically takes just a few months. Touch-ups are then followed up with a retainer as normal.
Remember, should you notice your teeth have shifted, there are things that my team and I can do to straighten your smile. It doesn’t mean you’re stuck with uneven teeth for good. Modern retainers make fixing relapse easier.
Tips for Making Retainer Wear Easier For Our Essex Patients
If you are advised to wear retainers, here are some top tips to make life easier…
- When it’s not in your mouth, it stays in your case: Protect your retainer when it’s not in your mouth. This is the number #1 way to prevent it from damage or loss.
- Set daily reminders: Phone alerts help you remember to wear your retainer, especially during the transition from full-time to nighttime wear.
- Clean regularly: Brush your retainer daily with lukewarm water and a soft brush. Avoid hot water or abrasive cleaners that could warp the appliance.
- Join our membership programme: This ensures you get new retainers annually.
- Check for fit: A snug fit is essential. If your retainer feels loose or uncomfortable, contact us promptly.
- Stay consistent during travel: Even when away from home, keep your retainer in its case and maintain your wear schedule to prevent setbacks.
Keep Your Smile Straight With Billericay Dental Care
Maintaining your straightened smile is just as important as achieving it. At Billericay Dental Care, we’re committed to helping you preserve your results.
If you have questions about why you need to wear a retainer or you would like a check-up to ensure your existing retainers fit correctly, don’t wait. Contact Billericay Dental Care today. Book a personalised retainer consultation and keep your smile looking perfect for years to come. Call 01277 625 456 or schedule an appointment online.
