Here at Wiesemann Orthodontics, we know how much work you have put into your smile, and we are proud of you for sticking with it. Now that you are near the end of your active treatment, you are probably counting down the days until your braces come off or your last set of clear aligners is done. Before you get there, there is one more phase worth understanding. Retention.
Retention is what holds your newly straightened teeth in place after the appliance comes off. You have probably heard that retainers matter, but maybe not the full reason why. This guide covers why retention is so important, the types of retainers we offer, how long you can expect to wear one, and how to keep it clean.
Why are retainers so important?
The straightening effect of braces and aligners does not hold on its own. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward where they started, a process called relapse. It can begin in your late teens or early twenties and it happens even after treatment is finished. A retainer is what keeps that drift from happening.
Here is the reason behind it. Teeth are not fixed straight to the jaw. Each one sits in its socket held by elastic ligaments that connect the root to the bone. Those ligaments are living tissue, and they shift as the teeth move. That is what lets us reposition teeth during treatment in the first place.
Braces and aligners place gentle tension around the teeth, which encourages new ligament and sometimes new bone to form. That is the remodeling phase. Once it is done, all of that new tissue needs time to settle and firm up. That settling is the retention phase. If nothing is holding the teeth steady while it happens, they will almost always drift back toward their old spots. Wear your retainer as directed and you avoid the whole problem.
What types of retainers are available?
Just like we offer both fixed and removable ways to straighten teeth, we offer both kinds of retainers. Dr. Wiesemann will recommend the one that fits your case, your habits and how likely you are to keep up with wearing it. Here is a look at your options.
Fixed retainers
A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind your upper or lower teeth, sometimes both. It works well for patients who had a large gap between the two upper front teeth, since it holds that space closed once treatment finishes. Because the wire spans several teeth, keeping it clean takes the same care a braces patient uses, with a little extra attention to brushing and flossing around it. The upside is you never have to remember to put it in. It is always working.
Hawley retainers
The Hawley is the classic removable retainer, and probably the one that comes to mind when you picture a retainer. It uses a metal wire that wraps around the front teeth, attached to an acrylic piece that rests against the roof of your mouth. It is sturdy, it can be adjusted for minor tweaks, and patients can pick a color for the acrylic. Fewer orthodontists reach for it than they used to, but it still has its place in certain cases.
Essix and Vivera retainers
These are the clear retainers, and they look a lot like an Invisalign aligner. They are made of transparent plastic molded to the exact shape of your teeth, so they are hard to notice when worn. Vivera is a well known brand made by the same company behind Invisalign. Clear retainers are the most popular choice for most patients thanks to how subtle they are, though the plastic does wear over time and needs replacing eventually.
Fixed vs removable retainers at a glance
| Fixed | Hawley | Clear (Essix / Vivera) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Hidden behind teeth | Wire shows in front | Nearly invisible |
| Wear | Always in place | Removable | Removable |
| Cleaning | Extra care around the wire | Easy, remove and clean | Easy, remove and clean |
| Best for | High relapse risk, closed gaps | Cases needing minor adjustment | Patients who want a discreet option |
How long do I have to wear a retainer?
Most patients start by wearing a removable retainer full time, then move to nights only once the teeth have settled. From there, many people stay on a nighttime schedule long term to keep everything in place. Fixed retainers stay put and do their job around the clock without you thinking about it. The exact plan depends on your case, and we will spell out yours clearly when your appliance comes off.
How to care for your retainer
Keeping a retainer clean is simple once it is a habit. Rinse a removable retainer every time you take it out, and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Keep it in its case when it is not in your mouth, since retainers left in a napkin get thrown away more often than you would think. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic, and do not chew gum while wearing one. For a fixed retainer, floss threaders or a water flosser make cleaning around the wire much easier.
If you ever lose or damage a retainer, let us know right away rather than waiting. Teeth can start shifting within days. We cover exactly what to do in our guide on what to do if you lose or damage your retainer.
Keep your smile on the straight and narrow
In the first year after treatment, teeth can begin drifting back in as little as a few days without a retainer. Most patients will wear some form of retainer long term to protect their results, and that is not something to worry about. It becomes just another quick part of your routine before long.
Our team is here to find the right retainer for your smile and to answer anything you are unsure about. Have questions about retainers or the retention phase? Schedule a free consultation or get in touch and we will walk you through it.
Retainer FAQs
How long do I have to wear a retainer?
Most patients wear a removable retainer full time at first, then switch to nights only once their teeth have settled. Many people continue wearing one at night long term to keep their results. Your orthodontist will give you a schedule based on your specific case.
What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?
Your teeth will slowly drift back toward their old positions, a process called relapse. In the first year after treatment this can begin within a few days, which is why regular wear matters so much for protecting the results you worked for.
What is the difference between a fixed and a removable retainer?
A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind your teeth that stays in place all the time. A removable retainer, such as a Hawley or a clear Essix, comes out for eating and cleaning. Fixed retainers need no remembering, while removable ones are easier to clean but have to be worn consistently.
How do I clean my retainer?
Rinse a removable retainer whenever you take it out and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Store it in its case, keep it away from hot water so it does not warp, and clean around a fixed retainer with a floss threader or water flosser.
Are clear retainers or Hawley retainers better?
Neither is better for everyone. Clear retainers like Essix and Vivera are nearly invisible and popular for that reason. Hawley retainers are more durable and can be adjusted for minor tooth movement. The right choice depends on your case and your preferences, which we will talk through with you.