A retainer holds your teeth in their new position after braces or clear aligners so your results last. At Robert Stoner Orthodontics in Greensboro, we provide removable and fixed retainers and teach you how to wear and care for them. Because teeth shift throughout life, we recommend wearing a retainer indefinitely, full-time for the first few months, then nightly.
The hardest part of orthodontic treatment is behind you, and now the goal is keeping that beautiful smile for good. Teeth naturally drift over a lifetime, whether or not you have had braces, so retention is not an afterthought, it is what protects everything you have worked for. Here is how retainers work, the types we offer, and how to keep yours in great shape.
Why Retainer Wear Matters
When your braces come off or you finish your aligners, the bone and soft tissue around your teeth need time to stabilize. For several months, your teeth can still move easily, so wearing your retainer exactly as instructed is essential. Skipping it can let your teeth drift back toward where they started, which may mean repeating treatment. Because teeth keep moving throughout life, we believe anyone who has had orthodontic treatment should wear a retainer indefinitely.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers are made of a smooth thermoplastic material and lift out for eating and cleaning. After your braces are removed, you wear your retainer full-time for a few months while your smile settles. After that, you can switch to wearing it just at night. If your wisdom teeth have not come in yet, consistent retainer wear helps protect your alignment as they develop.
How to Care for Your Removable Retainer
- Keep it cool. The thermoplastic material is sensitive to heat. Keep retainers away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards, and anywhere temperatures climb above 115 degrees Fahrenheit, which can warp them.
- Store it safely. Always keep your retainer in its case when it is not in your mouth, and keep it away from pets, who love to chew on them.
- Clean it gently. Because the material is slightly porous, plaque clings to it. Gently scrub with a toothbrush and a mild liquid soap before and after wear. A denture cleanser such as Efferdent helps remove plaque and tartar. Rinse thoroughly afterward so no cleanser residue remains. For our hard Greensboro water, see our guide on how to clean retainers and aligners in Greensboro’s hard water.
Your original treatment includes one set of retainers after your braces come off. Retainers are worn for years and may eventually need replacement, and if they are lost or damaged through neglect, a replacement fee applies. If your retainer becomes loose or breaks, contact our office right away.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind your teeth, out of sight, that holds them in place around the clock. It is designed to stay in place long-term. The main exception is if your family dentist finds it is hard to keep clean and is starting to affect your gums or bone, in which case the wire should be removed and replaced with a removable retainer worn as prescribed. A fixed wire helps protect your teeth as you age and your facial muscles tighten. Have your dentist check it at your regular six-month checkups.
Habits and Conditions That Call for Stronger Retention
Some patients are more prone to shifting and benefit from closer attention to retention. These include:
- Mouth breathing
- Clenching or grinding (muscle hyperactivity)
- Tongue thrusting or low or abnormal tongue posture
- Playing a musical instrument with a reed
- Lip sucking
- Pen or pencil biting
- Noticeable spacing between teeth before treatment
- Severely rotated teeth before treatment
If any of these apply to you, we will tailor your retention plan and talk through what to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to wear my retainer?
Plan to wear a retainer indefinitely. You wear it full-time for the first few months after braces, then switch to nights only. Because teeth shift throughout life, nightly wear is the best way to keep your smile straight for good.
What is the difference between a removable and a fixed retainer?
A removable retainer lifts out for eating and cleaning and is usually worn at night after the initial full-time period. A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind your teeth that stays in place around the clock. Some patients use one type, some use both. We will recommend what is best for your smile.
How do I keep my retainer clean?
Gently brush it with a toothbrush and mild liquid soap, and rinse thoroughly with cool water. You can also use a denture cleanser like Efferdent. Keep it away from heat above 115 degrees Fahrenheit, which can warp it. In our hard-water area, an occasional deeper clean helps prevent mineral buildup.
Questions About Your Retainer?
We Can Help
Lost, broken, or loose retainer? Need a replacement? Call our Beaman Place office at (336) 274-7649 or our Lake Brandt office at (336) 644-1464, or request a visit online. Robert Stoner Orthodontics proudly serves Greensboro, Summerfield, and the surrounding Guilford County communities.