Orthodontic Retainers to Prevent Teeth Shifting
Finishing orthodontic treatment is a big milestone, but keeping your smile looking its best requires ongoing care. At Shift Orthodontics, Dr. Kelly Pohlman creates personalized retainer plans to help ensure your results last for years to come.
Wearing and caring for your retainer is the most important step in protecting your investment and maintaining your beautiful new smile.
Why Retainers Are Important After Treatment
After braces or clear aligners are removed, your teeth are not yet fully stabilized. The surrounding bone and soft tissues need time to adjust to their new positions. Without proper retainer use, teeth can gradually shift back toward their original alignment.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
Removable Retainers
Because teeth can continue to shift throughout life, we recommend that all patients wear their retainers indefinitely to maintain their results. Immediately after treatment, retainers should be worn as much as possible for the first year, only removing them for eating and oral hygiene.
After this initial phase, most patients transition to nighttime wear. Long-term, consistent use is essential, even years after treatment, to prevent natural shifting caused by everyday forces like chewing and muscle movement.
Dr. Pohlman will continue to monitor your smile during periodic visits and guide you on the ideal wear schedule based on your individual needs.
Clear Retainer
Clear retainers are made from transparent plastic and fit snugly over your teeth, similar to clear aligners like Invisalign®. They are comfortable, discreet, and highly effective at maintaining alignment after orthodontic treatment.
How to Care for Your Retainer
Proper care is essential to keep your retainer clean, effective, and long-lasting:
- Clean your retainer before and after wearing it using a soft toothbrush and mild soap
- Use a retainer-specific cleaner, such as Retainer Brite®, for deeper cleaning
- Avoid heat, including hot water, dishwashers, or leaving it in a hot car
- Always store your retainer in its protective case when not in use
- Keep it away from pets, as they can easily damage it
- Contact our office if your retainer becomes loose, damaged, or no longer fits properly
Because retainers are worn long-term, they may need periodic replacement. If lost or damaged, a replacement fee may apply.
When Extra Retention May Be Needed
Some patients may require more consistent retainer wear to maintain their results, especially if they have:
- Mouth breathing habits
- Teeth clenching or grinding
- Tongue thrusting or improper tongue posture
- Habits such as lip chewing or biting objects
- Larger spacing or significant tooth rotation prior to treatment
Dr. Kelly Pohlman will guide you on the best retainer routine based on your specific needs.
Continue Regular Dental Care
Retainers are just one part of maintaining your smile. Daily brushing and flossing, along with routine dental visits every six months, are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
At Shift Orthodontics our goal is to help your smile remain as beautiful as the day your treatment is complete. With consistent retainer wear and proper care, your results can last a lifetime.