You’ve done it — the braces are off, your teeth are straight, and your smile is picture-perfect. But before you celebrate too hard, there’s one more important part of your orthodontic journey: retainers. While braces get all the credit, retainers are the quiet hero that keeps your smile from shifting back. At Whitehead Orthodontics in Lexington, SC, we want every patient to understand just how important retainers are for maintaining a lifelong smile. Teeth naturally shift over time, especially right after orthodontic treatment. Your teeth are supported by ligaments and bone, and they take time to stabilize in their new positions. Habits like chewing, teeth grinding, and even natural jaw growth can push teeth back out of alignment. Retainers help hold them in place so all your hard work (and investment) doesn’t go to waste.
There are three main types of retainers:
Removable clear retainers are clear plastic trays similar to Invisalign that are nearly invisible and comfortable.
Hawley retainers have an acrylic base with a thin wire and are adjustable and durable.
Fixed (permanent) retainers are small wires bonded behind the teeth that stay in place full-time.
So how long do you need to wear a retainer? The simple answer is: as long as you want your teeth to stay straight. Most patients are advised to wear them full-time for the first few months, then only at night. Eventually, wearing them a few nights per week helps maintain your results for life. Think of it like going to the gym — consistency keeps things in place.
Not wearing a retainer can cause teeth to shift back quickly. Even a couple of weeks without wearing one can make teeth move enough to feel uncomfortable when the retainer is worn again. In severe cases, patients may need braces or aligners again to correct shifting — something that can easily be avoided.
Taking care of retainers is simple: clean them daily with mild soap or retainer cleaner (not hot water), keep them in a case when not wearing them, and keep them away from pets. If it cracks, gets lost, or doesn’t fit anymore, call us right away.
At Whitehead Orthodontics in Lexington, SC, retainer care is part of your smile success story. Dr. Whitehead and our team make sure your smile stays exactly where it should — straight, healthy, and confident.
Keep Your Smile for Life
Braces create your smile. Retainers keep it. If you need a replacement retainer or haven’t worn yours in a while, we’re here for you.
📲 Click “Start My Smile” to schedule a retainer check or replacement at Whitehead Orthodontics in Lexington, SC.
