After orthodontic treatment, a retainer is an important tool for maintaining the new alignment of teeth. These custom-made devices hold teeth in their corrected positions, preventing them from gradually shifting back to their original places, a process known as relapse. Retainers provide the necessary support to preserve the results of orthodontic work.
The Initial Phase of Retainer Wear
The period immediately following the removal of braces is important for tooth stabilization. During this phase, the teeth and surrounding bone and gum tissues are still adapting to their new positions. Wearing a retainer full-time, typically for 20 to 22 hours a day, helps these structures solidify around the newly aligned teeth.
This intensive wear schedule is recommended for the first three to six months, though it can extend up to ten months. Teeth are most susceptible to movement during these initial months, making consistent retainer use important to prevent significant shifting.
The Lifelong Commitment
Following the initial full-time period, the retainer wear schedule transitions to nighttime-only use. This adjustment allows individuals to maintain their dental alignment while offering more flexibility during the day. Wearing a retainer is generally considered a lifelong commitment to ensure the longevity of orthodontic results.
Teeth naturally undergo subtle shifts throughout a person’s life, influenced by factors such as continuous pressure from the tongue, lips, and chewing, and age-related changes in the jawbone and gum tissues. This ongoing movement means consistent retention is necessary to counteract these natural forces. While wear frequency might eventually decrease to a few nights a week, regular use remains important to prevent undesirable changes in tooth position.
Even minor changes in facial structure or the eruption of wisdom teeth can influence tooth alignment over time. Continued retainer wear helps preserve the results of orthodontic treatment. This long-term approach prevents teeth from gradually moving back towards their pre-treatment alignment.
The Risks of Skipping Retainer Wear
Failing to adhere to the prescribed retainer wear schedule carries several potential consequences. The most common outcome is orthodontic relapse, where teeth shift back toward their original, often misaligned, positions. This can manifest as the reappearance of gaps between teeth, increased crowding, or a misalignment of the bite.
Even a short period without retainer wear can lead to noticeable changes, with teeth feeling tight or the retainer no longer fitting comfortably when reinserted. If significant shifting occurs, further orthodontic treatment, such as re-bracing, may become necessary to correct the relapse. This can result in additional time and financial costs, undoing the progress previously achieved.