Orthodontic Retainers: For Life or Just for a While?

Retenedor fijo.

When you finish orthodontic treatment, whether with braces or aligners, it's normal to think the hard part is over. And in a way, it is... but there's still one more step we can't ignore: retainers . Yes, those clear trays or wires that stay on your teeth to keep everything in place. Are they important? Absolutely. Do you have to wear them for life? Well... here's the answer in simple terms.

What types of retainers are there?

First things first. There are two types of retainers:

1. Removable: These are clear acetate plates that completely cover your teeth, like a cap. You can take them out and put them back in, which sounds convenient, but it also depends on your consistency.

2. Fixed braces: These are thin bars of special wire that are placed on the back of the front teeth and bonded with dental resin. You can't remove them yourself, which has its advantages, as you'll see.

Both types are good. But based on scientific evidence, fixed retainers tend to work better in the long term . This doesn't mean removable retainers are useless, only that their success depends heavily on the patient using them correctly.

And how long do I have to wear the retainers?

Ah, the million-dollar question! This is the doubt we all have when we leave the dentist's office with our teeth perfectly straight. Let's take it step by step, because the answer depends on your age.

In adults

If you're past adolescence and finished your treatment as an adult, the minimum time to wear retainers is one year . Why? Because after teeth are moved, the surrounding structures—like the bone, periodontal ligament, and gums—need time to adjust to their new position. This adjustment process takes about 12 months.

But be careful: that's the minimum recommended ; it doesn't mean that after 12 months you can forget about the retainer and run away.

In adolescents

Here's where things change. If you finished your orthodontic treatment as a teenager, retainers should be worn until adulthood , around age 18. Why so long? Because the body is still developing. And yes, the face also grows, and with that, teeth can shift again even if they're already properly aligned.

In other words, even if you already have your perfect smile, your body hasn't finished changing. So you need to maintain those results until growth stabilizes.

And after that time, can I leave them?

Here's where it gets interesting. Technically, after a year for adults, or after 18 for teenagers, you could stop wearing retainers. But if you want to keep your smile intact for a long time… it's best to keep wearing them.

The truth is, teeth naturally shift throughout life , even without braces. It's part of aging. Just as you get gray hair or your skin changes, your bite can also change. And if you've already gone through treatment to straighten your teeth, you don't want that effort to go to waste, do you?

So… for life?

The truth is , yes, ideally you'd wear them for life . It sounds drastic, but it's not so bad when you look at it from a practical perspective. Think about it: fixed retainers are there and you don't even notice them. You just have to maintain good hygiene and check that they're still in good condition at your check-up appointments. And removable retainers, if they're comfortable and don't bother you, you can wear them just at night.

It's not about living enslaved by a device, but about maintaining the results you worked so hard to achieve.

What happens if I don't use them?

Spoiler alert: teeth do move . It's not a matter of luck or "it didn't happen to me." It's a fact. Some people return to the dentist's office years after treatment because their teeth have become crowded again or a gap has opened up.

And it's not the orthodontist's fault or the treatment's fault: it's simply that teeth don't stay still forever.

In addition, other factors that can influence this movement must be taken into account, such as:

• The natural growth of the jaw or maxilla.

• Habits such as clenching or grinding your teeth.

• Loss of a tooth.

• Periodontal problems (of the gums and bone).

So, if you skip the retention phase, you could ruin all the previous work.

Which is better: a fixed or removable retainer?

Good question. And while it depends on the case, the evidence suggests that fixed retainers provide better long-term results . Why? Because they don't depend on the patient's willpower. Once they're in place, they do their job 24/7.

However, removable dentures have the advantage of allowing for better cleaning of the teeth, and can be an excellent option if the patient is consistent.

In many cases, a combination is used: fixed braces for the lower teeth (which are the most likely to shift) and removable braces for the upper teeth. This way, you get the best of both worlds.

What if I lose my retainer?

If it's removable and you lose it, rush to the orthodontist! Don't wait too long because your teeth can start to shift within days. And if they've already shifted, you might need to have them corrected.

If it's a fixed wire and it comes loose, it's also important to repair it as soon as possible. Even if the rest of the wire is still in place, that weak point can cause a tooth to shift.

In summary…

Wearing retainers after orthodontic treatment isn't optional ; it's a fundamental part of the process. Just as you wouldn't leave a prescription unfinished, you shouldn't neglect this phase if you want your smile to stay beautiful for years to come.

And while the idea of wearing retainers "forever" might sound exaggerated, the reality is that it's a simple and effective way to maintain your progress. You hardly notice a fixed retainer. A removable one can be worn just at night. It's not so bad!

So now you know: if you want your smile to last forever, your retainers should too .

Dr. Carlos Humberto Alayola Cáceres

Dental Surgeon - UADY

Orthodontics Specialist - UNAM

Tel.: (999) 9285939

WhatsApp: (999) 2479443

www.ortodonciaenmerida.com