Finishing orthodontic treatment is a major milestone. After months (or years) of wearing braces or aligners, you finally have the straight, confident smile you’ve been working toward. But before you toss out your aligner trays or celebrate by ditching oral care routines, there’s one more step you can’t skip: wearing your retainers.
Retainers are the key to protecting your investment. Without them, your teeth can begin to shift—sometimes surprisingly quickly. In fact, post-treatment relapse is one of the most common reasons patients end up back in orthodontic care.
If you want to keep your results looking just as good years from now as they do today, here’s everything you need to know about retainers—and how to care for them properly.
Why Retainers Are So Important After Treatment
When your braces or Invisalign are removed, your teeth are in their ideal position—but they’re not yet stable. The bones and ligaments that hold them in place need time to “lock in” to their new alignment.
Without a retainer, your teeth may begin to shift back toward their original position, especially in the first year post-treatment. This natural movement is called orthodontic relapse, and it can undo months of hard work if not prevented.
Retainers help:
- Maintain alignment — Holding your teeth in place as your jawbone stabilizes
- Protect your investment — Avoiding the need for re-treatment later on
- Prevent shifting — Particularly in areas prone to relapse, like lower front teeth
- Keep your bite healthy — Supporting proper function and long-term comfort
Even if your teeth only shift slightly, small changes can affect your bite, oral health, and overall smile aesthetics.
Types of Retainers You Might Be Prescribed
There are two main types of retainers, and your orthodontist will recommend one (or both) based on your treatment and lifestyle:
Removable Retainers
These are custom-molded appliances made to fit your teeth exactly. They’re easy to take out, clean, and wear on a schedule.
- Clear plastic retainers — Thin, nearly invisible trays (similar to Invisalign) that cover your teeth
- Hawley retainers — Acrylic and wire designs that rest on the roof of your mouth and around your teeth
Pros: Easy to clean, discreet (especially clear plastic), and adjustable
Cons: Can be lost or damaged if not stored properly
Fixed (Permanent) Retainers
These are thin wires bonded to the back of your front teeth—usually on the lower arch.
Pros: Always working, no need to remember to wear them
Cons: Can be harder to clean around, and may require floss threaders or water flossers
Some patients use a combination of both: a bonded retainer for the lower teeth and a removable one for the upper arch.
How Often Do You Need to Wear Your Retainer?
Your orthodontist will provide specific guidance, but most patients follow a phased approach:
- First 3–6 months — Full-time wear (20–22 hours per day), removing only for eating and brushing
- 6–12 months — Nighttime-only wear
- After 1 year — Nightly wear indefinitely for lifelong results
Everyone’s smile is different, so follow your provider’s recommendations closely. Think of your retainer as your smile’s insurance policy—wearing it consistently is what keeps your results intact.
Best Practices for Retainer Care
To make your retainers last (and keep them clean and comfortable), here are some key care tips:
Daily Care Tips
- Rinse after removal — Rinse with lukewarm water to prevent buildup
- Clean gently — Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap—avoid toothpaste, which can scratch
- Soak weekly — Use a retainer cleaning solution or denture tablets to remove stains and bacteria
- Store properly — Always place in a ventilated case when not wearing. Never wrap in napkins or leave exposed
What to Avoid
- Hot water — Can warp the plastic or weaken the material
- Harsh cleaners — Bleach, alcohol, and toothpaste can damage retainers
- Pets — Dogs love to chew on retainers left out (seriously!)
- Eating or drinking — Always remove retainers before meals or hot beverages
With good care, most removable retainers can last several years. If you notice warping, cracking, or looseness, schedule a replacement promptly.
What Happens If You Stop Wearing Your Retainer?
Skipping a few nights here and there may not seem like a big deal—but the longer you go without wearing your retainer, the greater the risk of teeth shifting.
In many cases:
- Mild shifting can occur in just a few days
- Moderate relapse may require a new set of aligners to correct
- Significant relapse could mean restarting full orthodontic treatment
The good news? Staying consistent is much easier than starting over. Wearing your retainer becomes a simple part of your nighttime routine, like brushing your teeth or setting your alarm.
Retainers in LA: What You Should Know
Living in Los Angeles often means a fast-paced lifestyle—and that makes it even more important to build your retainer routine into your daily habits. Whether you’re bouncing between work, events, or the beach, here are a few local-friendly tips:
- Keep a second retainer case in your bag or car for travel or overnights
- Pack a small toothbrush and travel-size cleaner in your purse or gym bag
- Set a nightly reminder on your phone if you’re prone to forgetting
Many patients in LA are also balancing aligner touch-ups, whitening, or cosmetic treatments post-orthodontics—so keeping your teeth from shifting is key to long-term aesthetic goals.
Your Smile Is Worth Protecting
Retainers aren’t just an afterthought—they’re the final (and ongoing) step in your orthodontic journey. By wearing and caring for your retainer consistently, you’re protecting everything you worked so hard to achieve.
It’s not about perfection—it’s about preservation. And with a little effort, your smile can stay just as stunning as the day your treatment ended.
Need Help with Your Retainer Routine?
Whether you need a replacement retainer, a quick check-up, or tips for keeping your smile stable long-term, Beverly Hills Orthodontics is here to help. Our team offers personalized support to make sure your results last—and your confidence does too.
Let’s keep your smile right where it belongs. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
