Orthodontic Retainers to Maintain A Straight Smile
Your orthodontic journey doesn’t end when the braces come off—retainers are the key to maintaining your beautiful, straight smile for years to come. At Sorensen Orthodontics, we encourage all patients to wear their retainers after braces and Invisalign exactly as directed. With the right care and consistency, your results can last a lifetime.
Why Wearing Your Retainers After Braces and Invisalign Matters
Once your braces or aligners are removed, your teeth need time to settle into their new positions. The bone and soft tissues around them are still stabilizing, which makes it critical to wear your retainers as prescribed. Skipping retainer wear can cause your teeth to shift back, potentially leading to re-treatment.
Even after the initial stabilization period, your teeth can continue to shift throughout life. This is especially true as the muscles around your mouth naturally tighten with age. Long-term retainer wear is the best way to protect the investment you’ve made in your smile.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
We offer several types of retainers based on your needs and treatment plan:
Removable Retainers
Wear them full-time for the first year following treatment.
After one year, you can switch to nighttime-only wear.
Once your wisdom teeth have been evaluated and addressed, we recommend wearing your retainers at least one night per week long-term.
Dr. Travis Sorensen will check in with you every 6 to 9 months to evaluate your retainer fit and make recommendations regarding your wisdom teeth. An X-ray is typically taken every 18 months to help guide this process.
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
A small wire is permanently bonded behind your teeth—often on the lower front teeth—to keep them in position 24/7. It should stay in place indefinitely unless your dentist identifies hygiene issues, such as buildup or gum inflammation. If your fixed retainer must be removed, it’s important to replace it with a removable one to maintain your results.
Your family dentist should check the bonded wire at your regular six-month cleanings to ensure it remains intact and clean.
How to Care for Your Retainers
Proper care keeps your retainers clean, effective, and long-lasting:
Clean daily using a toothbrush and mild liquid soap.
Avoid heat—never expose your retainer to dishwashers, hot water, car dashboards, or heaters (anything over 115°F).
Store them in a proper case when not in use.
Keep them away from pets—they love to chew on them!
Consider using a denture-cleaning solution like Efferdent occasionally to help remove plaque and tartar. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
Replace when necessary—your first set is included after treatment, but replacements due to loss or damage may have an additional fee.
Contact us immediately if your retainer breaks or becomes loose.
Habits That May Require Stronger Retention
Some patients are more prone to tooth movement and may require longer or more consistent retainer use. These habits and conditions include:
Mouth breathing
Clenching or grinding (bruxism)
Tongue thrusting or low tongue posture
Playing reed instruments
Lip sucking or biting on objects like pens and pencils
Pre-treatment spacing or severely rotated teeth
Dental Exams and Ongoing Monitoring
Continue practicing excellent oral hygiene and see your general dentist every six months for routine dental exams and cleanings. Regular monitoring helps ensure your retainers and smile stay in top shape.
We’re committed to helping you protect the investment you’ve made in your smile. Your cooperation with retainer wear is essential to ensure long-lasting results. If you have any questions or need a replacement retainer, contact our office—we’re here to help every step of the way.
