Finishing braces or aligners is not the end of treatment. Teeth move back towards their old positions unless retainers hold them, and that tendency never fully disappears.
Why teeth drift back
Teeth sit in bone, surrounded by fibres that have spent years holding them where they were. After orthodontic treatment those fibres and the bone need time to reorganise around the new positions. Even afterwards, teeth continue to shift slowly throughout life, which is why retention is treated as a long-term habit rather than a short phase.
Types of retainer
- Removable retainers — clear plates worn for a set number of hours, usually at night after the first phase.
- Fixed retainers — a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth, invisible from the front and working without you thinking about it.
Your orthodontist will advise which suits your case, and sometimes both are used together.
How long do you need them?
Most guidance is: full-time wear for an initial period, then night-time wear long term. Patients who stop after a year are the ones most likely to return years later with crowding that needs treating again.
Looking after a retainer
- Clean it as advised — rinse and brush gently; do not use very hot water, which distorts plastic.
- Keep it in its case when it is not in your mouth. Retainers left in a napkin get thrown away.
- Never bend or adjust the wire yourself.
- If it feels tight after a break, that means the teeth have already started moving. Contact your dentist rather than forcing it.
- With a fixed retainer, clean carefully around the wire, because plaque collects there.
If you lose or break it
Contact the clinic promptly. Going without a retainer for weeks is enough for noticeable movement, and a replacement is far simpler than repeating treatment.
Common questions
Are retainers uncomfortable? They feel unusual for a few days, then become routine.
Do they affect speech? A removable retainer may for a short period while you adjust.
Can teeth move even with a fixed retainer? Behind the wire they are held, but teeth elsewhere can still shift — which is why check-ups continue.
Read more about braces treatment and invisible aligners, or book a consultation.