Wearing your retainers at the end of treatment is the key to protecting the investment you’ve made in your smile. After your active orthodontic treatment is complete, your responsibilities as a patient continue. To prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions, it’s essential to wear your retainers exactly as instructed, so you can enjoy your results for years to come.
Why Retainers Matter
Once braces or clear aligners are removed, we fit you with custom retainers to maintain your result. That’s because teeth continue to move throughout life.
If retainers are not worn consistently, your teeth may begin to shift, potentially requiring further orthodontic treatment. To avoid this, follow your retention plan closely.
At Charlestown Orthodontics, we encourage all patients to wear their retainers for as long as they want their teeth to stay straight.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
We offer two types of retainers: bonded and removable. Usually, a combination of both bonded and removable retainers is provided, unless contraindicated.
Bonded /Fixed Retainers
Bonded retainers are wires placed behind your upper and lower front teeth to reduce the risk of tooth movement.
They are intended to stay in place indefinitely. However, they may be removed if you decide you no longer want them on, or if your Dentist is concerned by your cleaning. Be sure to have your fixed wire checked every six months as part of your general dental visits.
Removable Night-Time Retainers
Removable retainers are important to protect your smile and bite. Since teeth continue to move throughout life, we typically recommend lifelong retainer wear to preserve your straight smile.
How to Care for Removable Retainers:
Proper care helps your retainers stay clean and last longer:
- Clean daily with a toothbrush, mild liquid soap, and cold water. Avoid toothpaste, which can be abrasive.
- Soak occasionally in a denture-cleaning solution like Sterident to remove plaque and tartar.
- Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning to remove residue.
- Avoid heat exposure—never place retainers near heaters, dishwashers, or leave them in the car.
- Store them dry and in their retainer case when not in use.
- Keep them away from pets, especially dogs, who love to chew on them.
Because retainers are worn over many years, they need to be replaced periodically. Your initial treatment includes one set of retainers. If they become loose or break, please contact our office straight away.
Have questions about your retainers or need a replacement? Contact our office today; we’re here to support your smile at every stage.