Orthodontic Retainers to Prevent Teeth Shifting
Completing orthodontic treatment is a major milestone, but keeping your smile straight and healthy requires ongoing care. We design a personalized retainer plan so your results last for years to come. Wearing and maintaining your retainers is the most effective way to protect the investment you’ve made in your smile.
Why Retainers After Braces or Invisalign Clear Aligners Matter
When braces or Invisalign clear aligners are removed, your teeth are not permanently fixed in place. The surrounding bone and soft tissue need time to adapt to their new alignment. Without a retainer, your teeth can slowly drift back toward their original positions, undoing months or years of treatment.
Even after stability is reached, everyday forces like chewing, swallowing, and muscle movement can influence tooth position. For this reason, most orthodontists recommend lifelong retainer wear to ensure your smile remains as straight as the day treatment ended.
Types of Retainers We Offer
Removable Retainers
Typically worn full-time for the first year, except while eating and brushing
After one year: usually worn at night while wisdom teeth are developing
- Once wisdom teeth are addressed, wear at least once a week to prevent natural shifting
- Regular check-ups every 6–9 months, with X-rays every 18 months, help monitor long-term stability
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
A thin wire is securely bonded behind the teeth to hold them in place permanently
Especially helpful for patients at higher risk of relapse or with complex bite corrections
Must remain in place unless gum or bone concerns arise from plaque buildup
If removed, it is replaced with a removable retainer
The wire should be inspected during routine dental cleanings to ensure it stays intact and free of buildup
Clear Retainer
Fixed Retainer
How to Care for Your Retainer
Dr. Terrence Campbell recommends the following guidelines to keep your retainers in great condition:
Avoid heat: Keep away from dishwashers, hot cars, or any surface over 115°F
Store properly: Always use the protective case when not wearing your retainer
Keep away from pets: Dogs especially, tend to chew on retainers
Clean daily: Use mild soap and a soft toothbrush after each wear
Deep clean regularly: Products like Efferdent help remove tartar and buildup
Replace when needed: One set is included with treatment; lost or damaged retainers may require a replacement fee
Report issues quickly: If your retainer feels loose, breaks, or doesn’t fit correctly, call our office right away
When Extra Retention May Be Needed
Some patients benefit from additional retainer wear, particularly if they have:
Mouth breathing habits
Teeth clenching or grinding
Tongue thrusting or abnormal tongue posture
Reed instrument playing
Lip sucking or chewing on objects
Large gaps or rotated teeth before treatment
Continue Regular Dental Care
A retainer is just one part of maintaining your results. To keep your smile healthy and stable:
Brush and floss daily
Visit your family dentist every 6 months for cleanings and exams
At Gather Orthodontics, our mission is simple: to help your smile stay just as radiant as the day your braces came off. With consistent retainer wear and good oral care, you can enjoy the benefits of orthodontic treatment for a lifetime.