Retention After Orthodontics:
Keeping Your New Smile
You’ve invested time and money into a straighter smile. Here’s how to make sure it stays that way.
Once your braces come off or you finish your last aligner tray, your teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original positions.
This is called relapse.
The same periodontal ligament that allowed your teeth to move during treatment also allows them to shift once the pressure is removed. Think of it as muscle memory, your teeth want to return to what they know.
A retainer applies just enough gentle pressure to hold your teeth in place while the bone and gum tissue fully stabilise around their new positions. Without one, months of treatment can be undone in a matter of weeks.
Important: Without retention, months of treatment can be undone in weeks.
The most common type. It looks like a clear aligner tray and is worn over your teeth.
Pros: Easy to clean, can be removed as needed
Cons: Can be lost or misplaced, requires discipline to wear consistently
A thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth, invisible from the outside.
Pros: Always working, invisible, nothing to remember
Cons: Makes flossing harder (use a floss threader or water flosser), can break if you bite on something hard
Your provider will recommend the best option based on your case.
Some patients use both, a bonded retainer on the lower teeth and a removable one on top.
Brush gently with unscented antibacterial soap (not toothpaste, which can scratch the surface)
Use a retainer cleaning solution or alcohol-free mouthwash
Always keep it in its case when not in use. Never wrap it in a napkin (the number one way retainers get thrown away)
Don’t leave it in hot water, direct sunlight, or a hot car. Heat warps the plastic.
Use a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser to clean around the wire
If the wire feels loose or detached, see your provider promptly
Biting into hard items can break the bond
The honest answer: as long as you want your teeth to stay straight.
Most providers recommend full-time wear for the first 3–6 months after treatment, then transitioning to night-time only. Many orthodontists now advise wearing a retainer at night indefinitely, it takes minimal effort and provides permanent peace of mind.
Think of it this way: the cost of replacing a lost retainer is far less than the cost of redoing your entire treatment.
Always brush your teeth before putting your retainer in. A clean retainer on dirty teeth defeats the purpose. And a dirty retainer on clean teeth introduces bacteria. Keep both clean, they work together.
Whether you’re considering treatment for the first time or looking for a new retainer, a qualified dental professional can help you explore your options.
Learn about Clear Aligners →