Why Retainers Are Just as Important as Braces

What Are Retainers?

Retainers are custom-made dental appliances that help keep your teeth in their newly aligned positions after orthodontic treatment. Once braces or clear aligners have moved your teeth into the desired location, retainers ensure those results are maintained as your bones and gums stabilise around the new tooth positions.

There are two main types of retainers:

• Removable Retainers:
  These are worn during the day or night and can be taken out when eating or brushing. The two most common designs include:
  • Hawley Retainers – Made of a combination of acrylic (which sits on the roof of the mouth or behind the lower teeth) and a metal wire that wraps around the teeth. These are durable, adjustable, and allow for slight realignment if needed.
  • Essix Retainers – Clear plastic trays that resemble Invisalign aligners. They’re nearly invisible and a popular choice for aesthetics, but they require proper care to avoid cracking or warping.
• Fixed (Permanent) Retainers:
  These consist of a thin wire bonded to the back of the front teeth, typically on the lower jaw. Because they stay in place 24/7, they’re ideal for patients at higher risk of relapse or for those who might forget to wear removable retainers.

Each type of retainer has its pros and cons. If you are looking for a Singapore orthodontist who will recommend the best option based on your teeth, treatment history, and lifestyle habits, contact us at PKWY Dental today.

Learn more: Braces for Adults vs Teenagers: What’s the Difference?

Why Do Teeth Move After Braces?

Teeth are held in place by ligaments and bone, but after orthodontic treatment, these supporting structures need time to stabilise. Without a retainer, the teeth can begin to “rebound” toward their previous positions — a process known as orthodontic relapse.

This movement can be influenced by:

• Natural ageing and changes in jawbone structure
• Incomplete bone remodelling after braces
• Pressure from habits like tongue thrusting or grinding

What Retainers Do That Braces Can't

While braces move teeth into place, retainers help:

• Preserve your results by holding teeth in alignment
• Stabilise the bite and maintain occlusion
• Prevent costly re-treatment in the future
• Support new bone growth around repositioned teeth

Skipping your retainer for even a few nights can lead to noticeable shifting, especially during the first year after your braces are removed.

How Long Do I Need to Wear My Retainer?

Most orthodontists recommend full-time wear (except while eating or brushing) for the first 3 to 6 months, followed by nighttime wear indefinitely. While this may seem like a long-term commitment, it’s far easier than going through braces again.

Tips to Care for Your Retainer

Proper care of your retainer is essential not only for hygiene but also to ensure its effectiveness and longevity. Here are some key tips:

• Clean removable retainers daily:
  Use a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water to gently clean your retainer at least once a day. Avoid using hot water as it can warp the plastic. For deeper cleaning, you can soak it occasionally in a non-alcoholic retainer cleaner or a mixture of water and baking soda.
• Avoid harsh chemicals:
  Do not use toothpaste, mouthwash, or dish soap to clean your retainer. These can be too abrasive and may damage the material.
• Store retainers properly:
  Always keep your retainer in a ventilated protective case when not in use. Never wrap it in tissue as it can easily get lost or accidentally thrown away.
• Keep it away from pets and children:
  Pets, especially dogs, are known to chew on retainers. Always place your case in a safe spot out of reach.
• Don’t expose it to heat:
  Retainers can warp if left in hot cars, near boiling water, or exposed to direct sunlight. Always use lukewarm water for cleaning and avoid heat exposure.
• Maintain oral hygiene:
  Brush and floss your teeth before wearing your retainer to avoid trapping plaque and food particles against your teeth.
• Caring for fixed retainers:
  For permanent (bonded) retainers, clean the area thoroughly by:
  • Using floss threaders or interdental brushes to get between the teeth and behind the wire.
  • Paying extra attention during brushing to avoid plaque buildup around the retainer.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups:
  Your dentist or orthodontist will examine your retainer during your appointments to ensure it still fits well and hasn’t suffered damage.

Are There Alternatives to Retainers?

If you're hoping to avoid wearing a retainer after braces, it’s important to know that there is no true substitute. Retainers are the only proven method to keep teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment.

However, depending on your specific case and orthodontic history, your dentist may offer adjustments to your retention plan, such as:

• Permanent (bonded) retainers:
  For patients who prefer not to manage a removable appliance, a fixed retainer can be a hassle-free, long-term solution that stays in place.
• Extended aligner wear:
  If you’ve undergone treatment with clear aligners (like Invisalign), your final aligner tray may be temporarily repurposed as a short-term retainer. This is not a long-term solution but may serve as a transitional step.
• Retainer schedule modifications:
  Over time, some patients can reduce wear to a few nights per week — but this must be guided by your orthodontist. Skipping retainers completely is not recommended.

While it might be tempting to look for alternatives, no device or habit can replace the role of a retainer in preventing orthodontic relapse. Wearing one is a small, simple step to protect your investment and preserve your smile.

What If I’d Rather Use Invisalign Instead of a Retainer?

Some patients ask if they can wear Invisalign or other clear aligners long term instead of using a retainer. While Invisalign trays resemble retainers in appearance and feel, they are not designed to serve the same function.

Here’s the key difference:

• Invisalign is a form of active orthodontic treatment. Its purpose is to move teeth gradually into alignment using a sequence of trays.
• Retainers, on the other hand, are used after treatment to maintain the final position of your teeth and prevent them from shifting back.

That said, your final Invisalign tray is sometimes used temporarily as a retainer, especially right after treatment. However, over time, a dedicated retainer made from more durable materials is recommended to preserve your results.

If you’ve completed Invisalign treatment, your dentist will likely provide a custom-made Essix retainer (which looks similar) or discuss the option of a fixed retainer depending on your needs.

Final Thoughts

Retainers are not an afterthought — they are an essential part of your orthodontic journey. Wearing them consistently preserves the alignment you've worked hard to achieve and helps prevent future complications.

If you’ve just completed your braces treatment or are noticing changes in your bite, don’t wait. Wearing your retainer as instructed could be the difference between maintaining your perfect smile and starting over.