Many people wonder if they need to wear their orthodontic retainer for the rest of their lives after braces are removed. Retainers are essential for maintaining a straightened smile achieved through orthodontic treatment. This article explores the biological reasons for retainer use and outlines typical wear schedules.
Why Retainers Are Essential
Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back towards their original positions after orthodontic appliances like braces are removed, a phenomenon known as orthodontic relapse. This occurs because the periodontal ligaments, which are stretchy fibers anchoring teeth to the bone, have a “memory” of their previous positions and can try to pull teeth back. The bone surrounding the teeth also needs time to remodel and stabilize in the new positions.
Braces work by exerting pressure that causes the bone around the teeth to break down and reform, allowing teeth to move. This bone remodeling process continues even after braces are off, as the bone gradually adapts to the new tooth alignment. Retainers provide the necessary support to hold teeth in their corrected spots while these tissues and bone solidify around them. This consistent support helps prevent the natural forces of shifting, including those from chewing, speaking, and aging.
Understanding the Retainer Wear Schedule
Retainer wear involves two distinct phases after orthodontic treatment. The initial phase requires full-time wear, usually for three to six months following brace removal. During this period, the retainer should be worn for approximately 22 hours per day, removed only for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene. This intensive wear allows teeth and surrounding bone and ligaments to settle securely into their new positions.
Following the initial full-time phase, most patients transition to a long-term, maintenance phase, involving nighttime wear. Consistent nighttime use is recommended indefinitely to preserve treatment results. Individual recommendations for the duration of this nighttime wear can vary, based on the orthodontist’s assessment of the patient’s specific case and how well their teeth have stabilized.
What Happens if You Stop Wearing Your Retainer?
Failing to consistently wear a retainer as prescribed can lead to orthodontic relapse, where teeth begin to shift back to their original misaligned positions. This can result in issues such as crowding, the reappearance of spaces between teeth, or a misaligned bite. Even minor shifts can occur over time, gradually undoing the effort and investment of orthodontic treatment.
If retainers are not worn for an extended period, the changes can become significant enough to require additional orthodontic treatment. Forcing an old retainer onto teeth that have already shifted can cause pain or even damage to the teeth.