written by Dr Shaik Farhatulla, Reviewed by Dr satish Chandra date: 08.07.2025 "Why Retainers After Treatment Are So Important" 📌 Introduction You’ve spent months—or even years—wearing braces or clear aligners to achieve a straight, healthy smile. But your orthodontic journey doesn’t end when the appliances come off. The final, crucial step is wearing your retainer. At Mydent, we emphasize that retainers are not optional—they are essential to maintaining the results of your treatment. Let’s explore why. 🦷 What Is a Retainer? A retainer is a custom-made appliance worn after orthodontic treatment to hold teeth in their new position. Retainers can be: Removable (e.g., Hawley or clear plastic retainers like Essix) Fixed (bonded wire retainers placed behind the teeth) 📉 Why Teeth Tend to Shift After Treatment Orthodontic treatment moves teeth by remodeling the bone around them. But once the braces or aligners are removed, the ligaments, gums, and bone need time to stabilize. Without retention: Teeth naturally drift back to their original position Growth changes, particularly in adolescents and young adults, can alter alignment Habits like tongue thrusting or teeth grinding can cause relapse 🔍 According to Johnston et al. (2005), without retainers, up to 70% of orthodontic patients experience some form of relapse. ✅ Benefits of Wearing a Retainer Prevents Relapse The main role of a retainer is to prevent your teeth from shifting back after active treatment. ➤ Reference: Little RM. The irregularity index: a quantitative measure of mandibular anterior alignment. Am J Orthod. 1975. Stabilizes Bite and Bone Structure Retainers give the bone and gums time to reorganize around the new tooth positions. ➤ Reference: Blake M, Bibby K. Retention and stability: A review of the literature. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1998. Supports Aesthetic Results Consistent use ensures that your investment in a straight, beautiful smile is long-lasting. Maintains Speech and Function Shifting teeth can affect speech patterns and how your teeth come together. Retainers help preserve proper occlusion and function. Can Prevent Additional Costs Without retainers, some patients require repeat orthodontic treatment—which means more time, money, and effort. 🕒 How Long Do You Need to Wear a Retainer? Immediately after treatment: Full-time wear is typically advised (20–22 hours/day) for the first 3–6 months, depending on the case. Long-term: Nighttime wear is usually lifelong to ensure stability. 👩‍⚕️ Dr. Zachrisson (1997) emphasized that long-term wear, especially in the lower arch, may be necessary for lifetime stability. ➤ Reference: Zachrisson BU. Third-generation self-ligating brackets. J Clin Orthod. 1997. 🛑 What Happens If You Don’t Wear Your Retainer? Teeth may crowd or rotate again You may notice gaps reappearing Bite alignment can become impaired, affecting chewing or speaking You might eventually need orthodontic retreatment 💡 Tips to Care for Your Retainer Clean daily with a soft brush and mild soap or retainer cleaner Store in a case when not in use Avoid hot water, which can warp the appliance Bring it to check-ups so your dentist can ensure it still fits well 📣 Mydent’s Advice Your smile is an investment—and retainers are your insurance. Wearing them consistently is the simplest way to protect the time, money, and effort you’ve already committed. At Mydent, we provide: Custom-fit retainers for comfort and durability Education and follow-up support Remake and repair services if your retainer is lost or broken