One of the most common questions that we get asked is will my teeth stay straight after braces?

The answer is ….yes and no.

Every part of our body changes with time and so do the teeth. This is why Orthodontists provide their patients with retainers to help keep their teeth straight and allow settling of the teeth into the new bite.

How long you wear your retainers depends on several factors and also what your teeth were like beforehand. Believe it or not some crowding of the teeth as we get older is normal.

So let’s take a deeper dive into retainers, tips for looking after them and what to do if you loose or break them.

Understanding orthodontic retainers

Orthodontic retainers are custom-made fixed and/or removable devices designed to hold the teeth in the correct position after the braces have been removed. There are a number of conditions of the teeth that are more prone to teeth going back than others.

Types of orthodontic retainers

There are two main types of retainers removable and fixed retainers.

Fixed retainers are small fine wires that are glued on the back of the upper and lower front teeth. They are not visible from the front and are comfortable but do need some extra care with flossing.

Fixed wires may be recommended if you had quite crooked and crowded teeth or spaces between your teeth. We commonly place them on the back of the lower front teeth as we know that these are the most prone to moving with age.

Removable retainers are either clear plastic removable retainers or acrylic (plastic and wire) removable retainers. These are ideal for oral hygiene as you can remove the retainer and brush and clean between your teeth.

How often do I need to wear my orthodontic retainer?

Most Orthodontists will recommend that you wear your retainer full time after the braces have been removed for a couple of weeks and then go to nights. You may be able to reduce your retainer wear to 3 to 5 times a week at night after 6-12 months.

How do I clean my orthodontic retainers?

To clean your retainers scrub with a tooth brush and warm water. Or for a deeper clean with mild dish soap. Don’t use toothpaste as it can scratch the retainer surface.

Soaking retainers in effervescent retainer tablets once a week is another good way to break down the bacteria. Ultrasonic retainer cleaning machines are becoming increasingly popular. They work by high frequency sound waves to remove buildup on retainers. Some have an inbuilt UV light as well. They vary in their quality and we would recommend doing your research before purchasing one of these.

Keep your retainer in a dry container. Do not expose the retainers to high temperatures or the sun. And don’t soak the retainer in liquids overnight.

And keep them out of reach of your dog who may mistake it for a chewing toy!

How long will I have to wear my orthodontic retainers for?

The longer you wear your retainer the straighter you teeth will stay. Over time and as you get older your teeth will shift due to the normal ageing process. As such it is common to wear your retainer for years if not decades. While this sounds like a big ask, it’s not as tough as it sounds. Retainers only need to be worn at night time and after a while a couple of nights a week.

What happens if I grind my teeth at night?

Our Orthodontist will often prescribed a thicker material for your clear plastic retainer. This will reduce the ability for holes to get created when you are grinding.

How long will my retainers last?

Removable retainers should last several years when they are cared for properly. Fixed retainers on the back of the upper and lower front teeth last even longer sometimes decades.

What should I do if my retainer breaks, doesn’t fit or is lost?

If you have large cracks in your retainer or it has been a long time since you have worn it and it doesn’t fit anymore contact your Orthodontist about getting a new set of retainers. Make sure to bring your old molds or old set of retainers to the appointment. If you don’t have these not a problem, our Orthodontist will be able to take a mold of your teeth and make you a new one.

With our digital scanners we can also create a 3D model of your teeth and send you a digital file straight to your email so that you will never have to worry about loosing your molds again!

If you are concerned about your retainers or your teeth shifting contact one of our friendly team on 03 546 6981 or click here.