What to Expect with Your Retainers After Braces or Invisalign
What Is a Retainer?
A retainer is a small device made just for your mouth. After your braces or aligners move your teeth into the right spots, a retainer holds them there while your mouth gets used to the changes.
If you skip wearing your retainer, your teeth might slowly move back to where they started—and nobody wants that!
Why it matters:
- Keeps your teeth from moving
- Helps your gums and bones settle around your teeth
- Protects all the work you did with braces
- Keep your smile looking great!
Types of Retainers
Your orthodontist will give you the best retainer for your teeth. Here are the main types:
Clear Retainers
- Made of clear plastic
- Almost invisible
- Fit over your teeth like a thin mouthguard
- Easy to wear, but you have to be careful not to lose them
Wire Retainers (Hawley)
- Has a wire across the front and a plastic part that sits on the roof of your mouth
- A bit more noticeable, but super strong
- You can even get fun colors!
Fixed Retainers
- A tiny wire glued behind your front teeth
- You can’t take it out
- Great if you don’t want to worry about remembering to wear it
How Long Do You Have to Wear It?
It depends, but here’s a general idea:
First 3–6 Months
- Wear your retainer 20–22 hours every day
- Only take it out to eat, drink (except water), or brush your teeth
After That
- Most people only need to wear it at night
- Some need to wear it a few nights a week… others might need it forever
- Trust your orthodontist—they’ll tell you what’s best for your smile
Taking Care of Your Retainer
Retainers are easy to take care of once you get the hang of it!
Cleaning Tips:
- Rinse it with cool water after wearing it
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap
- Don’t use hot water—it can melt the plastic
- Never clean it with toothpaste—it can scratch
Storage Tips:
- Always keep it in its case when not wearing it
- Never wrap it in a napkin—it might get thrown away!
- Don’t leave it in a hot car or near heat
- Add your name to the case, just in case it gets lost
When Should You Get a New One?
Retainers don’t last forever. You may need a new one if:
- It feels super tight or doesn’t fit right
- It cracks or gets damaged
- It starts to smell weird (even after cleaning)
Usually, removable retainers last 1–3 years with good care.
Helpful Tips to Remember
- Keep it away from pets (especially dogs—they love chewing them!)
- No heat! Hot water, hot cars, or dishwashers can melt your retainer
- Bring it to your orthodontist appointments
- Call your orthodontist if you lose or break it—they’ll help right away
Lucas Orthodontics is Here to Help
Wearing your retainer might feel a little annoying at first, but it’s a small step that makes a huge difference. It helps protect your smile and all the work you’ve already done. If you’re not sure about anything, just ask Dr. Albert Lucas, Dr. Lucas Jr. or Dr. Jonathan Lucas. Contact Lucas Orthodontics and get the answers you need.
