After months of wearing braces or clear aligners, your teeth are finally straight, and your new smile is here to stay—or is it? At Kanning Orthodontics, Dr. Kanning emphasizes the importance of wearing a retainer to keep those results intact. Without a retainer, teeth naturally begin to shift back to their original positions. Let’s break down why retainers are essential and how long you’ll need to wear them to protect your new smile.
Why Are Retainers Important?
Once your braces or clear aligners come off, your smile isn’t entirely set in stone. Teeth naturally want to move back to their original positions, a process known as relapse. This happens because the bone and tissues around your teeth need time to adapt to their new alignment. Retainers play a critical role in preventing this by holding your teeth in place while your mouth adjusts to its new smile.
Without a retainer, you risk losing the results you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Wearing your retainer as instructed by Dr. Kanning ensures that your straightened teeth remain in their ideal positions for the long term. Now that you understand the importance of retainers, let’s explore the different types available at Kanning Orthodontics.
Types of Retainers
At Kanning Orthodontics, Dr. Kanning offers several types of retainers to suit different needs and lifestyles. Here’s a look at the most common options:
Hawley Retainers
These classic retainers are made of an acrylic base with a wire that wraps around the front of your teeth. They are removable, making them easy to clean, and they can be adjusted over time if needed.
Clear Retainers
Also called “invisible retainers,” these are similar to clear aligners and fit snugly over your teeth. They are less noticeable and are also removable for convenience, making them a popular choice for many teens and adults.
Stabilizing Wires
These consist of a thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth, typically used on the lower front teeth. Fixed retainers are an option in certain situations or when a patient requests extra retention. There is no such thing as a permanent retainer. They will all fail eventually.
Each type of retainer has its benefits, and Dr. Kanning will help you choose the best one based on your treatment needs and lifestyle. Now, let’s dive into how long you’ll need to wear your retainer to maintain your new smile.
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Retainer?
The length of time you’ll need to wear your retainer depends on the stage of your post-treatment care. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:
- The First Year After Treatment: We recommend a “home only” schedule, which means we’ll have you wear the retainer while you’re sleeping and then any other time you are at home. We also recommend a minimum of 10-12 hours daily. As Dr. Kanning likes to say, “sleep plus.” That means sleep plus doing homework, watching TV, Netflix, Social Media time, gaming, working from home, etc. If you’re in the house, wear your retainers.
- After the First Year: After about 12 months, you may be able to transition to wearing your retainer only at night. This keeps your teeth in place while allowing more flexibility during the day.
- Long-Term Maintenance: Patients need to continue wearing their retainers at night indefinitely to prevent any shifting. Teeth can still move slightly over the years, so long-term retainer wear ensures your smile stays straight for life. At Kanning Orthodontics, we like to say you only need to wear your retainers until you want to pay for treatment again. Like all things involving our body, changes occur. To minimize shifting, wearing retainers long-term is the best insurance against future shifting. We work with our patients to find the right schedule for them. Our goal is not to “wear retainers” it is to keep your teeth straight.
Sticking to this timeline is key to keeping your smile in shape. Now that we’ve covered how long you’ll wear your retainer. Let’s discuss how to properly care for it.
Caring for Your Retainer
Taking care of your retainer is essential to making sure it lasts and continues to protect your smile. At Kanning Orthodontics, Dr. Kanning recommends the following tips to keep your retainer in top shape:
- Daily Cleaning: Just like your teeth, your retainer needs regular cleaning to prevent bacteria buildup. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or a retainer cleaner to gently clean it each day. Be sure to avoid using hot water, as it can warp the material.
- Proper Storage: When you’re not wearing your retainer, always store it in a sturdy, protective case. This helps prevent it from getting lost or damaged—whether by accidental drops or curious pets!
- Avoid Heat Damage: High temperatures, such as in a hot car or dishwasher, can cause your retainer to warp. Always store it in a safe, cool place to avoid any heat-related damage.
Proper care ensures your retainer lasts and does its job effectively. But what if your retainer is lost or broken? Don’t worry—Kanning Orthodontics has you covered with options for replacement. Let’s explore that next.
What If I Lose or Break My Retainer?
Accidents happen, and at Kanning Orthodontics, we know that losing or breaking a retainer is more common than you might think. If this happens to you, it’s important to act quickly to prevent any unwanted movement in your teeth.
- Lost Retainer: If your retainer is lost, call Kanning Orthodontics as soon as possible. Dr. Kanning will arrange for a replacement to be made and ensure that your teeth haven’t shifted.
- Broken Retainer: If your retainer breaks, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. Bring the pieces into our office, and we’ll assess whether it can be repaired or if a new one needs to be made.
- Quick Action is Key: The longer you go without a retainer, the more likely your teeth will begin to shift. That’s why scheduling a replacement appointment as soon as possible is essential.
Losing or breaking a retainer isn’t the end of the world, but acting quickly to replace it is crucial for maintaining your straight smile. By following these steps, you can ensure your retainer continues to do its job and protect your orthodontic results for the long haul.
Lock In Your Smile for Life
Wearing your retainer is the final step to locking in the results of your orthodontic treatment. Whether you’re wearing it full-time or just at night, consistency is key to keeping your teeth straight and your smile looking great. At Kanning Orthodontics, Dr. Kanning is here to support you through every phase of your smile journey. Schedule a complimentary consultation at our Kansas City, MO, or Liberty, MO, locations to ensure your smile stays perfectly aligned!
