Orthodontic Retainers to Prevent Teeth Shifting
At Advanced Orthodontics in Everett, WA, Dr. Lewandowski is committed to helping every patient achieve a healthy, confident smile, and just as importantly, helping that smile last for years to come.
Orthodontic treatment is a lifelong investment, and your cooperation after braces or Invisalign is essential to maintaining your results. Teeth can naturally shift over time, which is why proper retention and good habits play such an important role in protecting your new smile.
Below are the most important patient responsibilities to keep in mind after treatment.
What Habits or Conditions May Require Stronger Retention?
Some patients are more likely to experience shifting after orthodontic treatment due to certain habits or natural conditions. Dr. Lewandowski will guide you on the best retention plan if any of the following apply:
- Mouth breathing
- Clenching or grinding of teeth (muscle hyperactivity)
- Tongue thrusting or low tongue posture
- Playing musical instruments with a reed
- Lip sucking
- Pen or pencil biting
- Spacing between teeth prior to treatment
- Severely rotated teeth
Why Are Dental Cleanings Still Important During and After Treatment?
Even after orthodontic treatment is complete, maintaining excellent oral hygiene remains essential.
Patients should continue:
- Thorough brushing and flossing at home
- Regular dental cleanings and exams
Your family dentist should see you at least every six months, or more often if recommended. Healthy teeth and gums are the foundation of a long-lasting orthodontic result.
What Happens After Braces or Invisalign Are Removed?
Once active orthodontic appliances are removed, patients receive retainers to stabilize the correction.
This is one of the most important steps in treatment.
The bone and soft tissues around the teeth are most susceptible to relapse during the first several months after braces come off, so wearing retainers exactly as instructed is critical. Failure to wear retainers can lead to unwanted tooth movement and may require additional orthodontic treatment in the future.
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Retainers?
A common question we hear is: “Do I really need retainers forever?” Yes, because teeth can continue to move throughout life, Dr. Lewandowski recommends wearing retainers indefinitely.
Typically:
- Retainers are worn full-time at first, as prescribed
- Once teeth stabilize, patients should continue wearing retainers at night long-term
As we age, our bite can change due to muscle activity, clenching, or natural shifting, so retainers help protect your smile for the future.
Retainer Care Tips: How Do I Keep Them Clean and Safe?
Retainers are made from a heat-sensitive thermoplastic material.
To avoid damage, keep them away from:
- Heaters
- Dishwashers
- Hot car dashboards
- Any area above 115°F
When not in your mouth, retainers should always be stored in their case to prevent bacteria buildup or accidental loss.
Cleaning recommendations include:
- Clean retainers before and after wearing
- Gently scrub with a toothbrush and mild liquid soap
- Soak occasionally in a 50/50 vinegar and water mixture to loosen plaque
- Rinse thoroughly to remove cleaning residue
Also, keep retainers away from pets, dogs especially love to chew them!
What If My Retainer Breaks or Gets Lost?
Because retainers are worn for many years, they may need periodic replacement.
Your original treatment contract includes one or two sets of retainers after braces are removed. If retainers are lost or damaged due to neglect, a replacement fee will apply. If your retainer becomes loose, cracked, or broken, contact Advanced Orthodontics immediately so we can help protect your results.
What Is the Retainer Subscription Program?
To make long-term retention easier and stress-free, Advanced Orthodontics offers a Retainer Subscription Program.
This program is designed for patients who want peace of mind knowing they’ll always have access to replacement retainers when needed.
Benefits of our Retainer Subscription include:
- Easy retainer replacement if one is lost or damaged
- Long-term support for maintaining your smile
- Reduced worry about unexpected replacement costs
- Continued protection of your orthodontic investment
Dr. Lewandowski and our team can explain subscription details and help you decide if it’s the right option for you.
What Are Fixed (Bonded) Retainers?
Some patients receive a fixed retainer, also called a bonded wire, placed behind the teeth.
This wire is designed to stay in place indefinitely, helping prevent shifting as you age.
The only exception is if your family dentist feels it is causing gum or bone concerns due to difficulty cleaning. In that case, the wire should be removed and replaced with a removable retainer.
Fixed retainers should be monitored at your regular six-month dental checkups.
Protect Your Smile for the Long Run
At Advanced Orthodontics in Everett, WA, Dr. Lewandowski wants your new smile to stay just as beautiful years from now as it looks on the day your braces come off.
Wearing your retainers, keeping up with dental care, and following instructions will help you enjoy lifelong results. If you ever have questions about retention, retainer replacement, or our Retainer Subscription Program, our team is always here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Retainers are one of the most important parts of protecting your orthodontic results. After braces or Invisalign, many patients in Everett, WA have questions about long-term wear, replacements, and how to keep their smile straight for life. Below are some of the most common retainer questions we hear at Advanced Orthodontics.
Can my teeth shift even years after braces?
Yes. Teeth can naturally shift throughout adulthood due to age, bite changes, or habits like clenching. That’s why long-term retainer wear is essential, even years after treatment ends.
What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?
If a retainer isn’t worn as instructed, teeth may begin to move back toward their original positions. In some cases, this shifting can require additional orthodontic treatment to correct.
How often do retainers need to be replaced?
Retainers can last for years, but they may need replacement over time due to wear, cracking, or changes in fit. Many patients replace retainers every few years to ensure continued protection.
What is a retainer subscription program?
A retainer subscription program provides ongoing access to replacement retainers if yours are lost, broken, or worn out. It’s a great option for patients who want peace of mind and long-term smile protection.
Who should I contact if my retainer breaks?
If your retainer breaks, feels loose, or no longer fits, call Advanced Orthodontics in Everett, WA as soon as possible. Quick replacement helps prevent unwanted tooth movement.