Retention After Orthodontic Treatment: Why It's Non-Negotiable
Protect your orthodontic investment! Discover why wearing your retainer every night, for life, is essential for maintaining your perfect smile.
Introduction
Congratulations! Your braces have just been removed and you're finally admiring your new smile in the mirror. But be careful: the work isn't over yet! The retention phase is just as important as the treatment itself. Without it, your teeth can gradually return to their original position.
At Centre Orthodontique du Dr David Benguira, we emphasize this point with all our patients: retention is non-negotiable!
Why Do Teeth Move After Treatment?
Your braces applied forces to move your teeth into their new positions. But the surrounding bone and soft tissues need time to stabilize around this new alignment. Without a retainer, teeth naturally tend to return to their original position — this is called relapse.
Important statistic: 50% of orthodontic relapse occurs within the first two years after braces removal!
Types of Retainers
📌 FIXED Retainers (Bonded Wire)
A thin metal wire is bonded to the back of the front teeth (usually the 6 lower and/or upper front teeth).
Advantages:
- Works 24/7
- No risk of forgetting
- Invisible from the outside
- Excellent long-term stability
Considerations:
- Requires rigorous hygiene (special dental floss)
- Regular check-up visits to verify integrity
📌 REMOVABLE Retainers
Hawley type (with visible metal wire):
- Robust and adjustable
- Can be customized with colors
- Easy to clean
Essix type (clear tray):
- Virtually invisible
- Comfortable and discreet
- Similar to Invisalign aligners
How Long Should You Wear Your Retainer?
| Period | Recommended wear (removable) |
|---|---|
| First 2 months | Full-time wear (day and night), removed only for eating and brushing |
| After that | Every night, for life |
The golden rule: Teeth naturally move throughout life. That's why at Centre Orthodontique du Dr David Benguira, we recommend wearing your retainer every night, for life to maintain your treatment results.
What Happens If I Don't Wear My Retainer?
- Mild relapse: Slight gaps or crowding reappear
- Moderate relapse: Visible changes potentially requiring correction
- Severe relapse: Significant return to original position, requiring new treatment
Neglecting your retainer can lead to alignment or spacing problems, requiring re-treatment with braces or aligners. Wearing your appliance as prescribed protects the investment you made in your smile!
Caring for Your Retainer
For removable retainers:
- Clean daily with a soft toothbrush and cool water
- Avoid hot water which can warp the plastic
- Store in its case when not wearing (never in a napkin!)
- Soak occasionally in denture cleaning solution
For fixed retainers:
- Use a floss threader to clean under the wire
- Brush carefully around the bonded wire
- Contact us immediately if the wire comes loose or seems damaged
Conclusion
Your orthodontic treatment required time, commitment, and financial investment. The retention phase is what protects all those efforts. Think of your retainer as insurance for your smile — a small daily habit for results that last a lifetime.
At Centre Orthodontique du Dr David Benguira, we provide rigorous follow-up for the retention phase. We're here to support you well beyond the removal of your braces!
Questions about your retention? Does your appliance feel tight or no longer fit well? Contact us!
Centre Orthodontique Queen Mary (Montreal): (514) 484-3718
Centre Orthodontique Rive Nord (St-Eustache): (450) 983-4233
