How Long Should Retainers Be Worn Following An Orthodontic Treatment?

 Moving the teeth to the desired position using braces takes a long time. For some patients, the entire course takes months or even years. Most people start counting the days until their braces can be removed after treatment. However, treatment does not end when your braces are removed. After removing your braces, you will still have to don retainers for several months. Retainers are special, customized appliances that hold the teeth in place. Often, patients are prescribed to wear a retainer following orthodontic treatment to keep the bite in its corrected or reshaped position. Wearing a retainer can be uncomfortable sometimes, but not as bad as having braces again.


The details about retainers, types, mechanisms of function, usage time, and hygiene procedures will be discussed in the article. To make the article informative, we have received insights from Dr. Ravneet Kaur - a renowned Orthodontist specializing in and providing affordable Braces treatment cost in Delhi. The braces treatment at this facility ranges from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 1,40,000. Continue reading for more!

Types of Retainers:

There may be two types of retainers, one of which may be given depending on their condition, fixed or removable. Another option is for the orthodontist to advise placing one over their upper teeth and one over the lower teeth. No matter which type one selects, they will be advised how long and when to use them to attain full results.

  1. Removable Retainer

This retainer, usually worn full-time for four months to a year when one is wearing braces, can be taken only when brushing or eating. The orthodontist decides when to prolong the usage of the retainer as per him. Even if orthodontists notice no movement of the teeth after wearing it for the defined time, they may still recommend patients wear the retainer exclusively at night to maintain stability in their straightened teeth. Depending on the teeth, this can go on for a lifetime or a few more months or years.

  1. Fixed Retainer

One does not have to remember to put it in after brushing or eating, but when the retainer is bonded, one must wear it daily and at night. This bonded retainer may have to be worn longer as it is bonded to the teeth in a discreet place, usually at the back of the teeth. Fixed retainers cannot be removed during meals; thus, if one does not follow strict oral hygiene, periodontal problems can develop. However, since these retainers maintain the stability of teeth at all times, one has a better chance of keeping all the advantages they give them. 

How Do Retainers Work?

Braces are applied to move the teeth to a new position. The new position, however, will only partially correct the teeth. It will take some time for the muscles, gums, and bones around the teeth to develop and be supported in their new position.

One may cause malocclusion or misaligned teeth by forcing their teeth during routine activities like chewing food, which may push them back to their original position. This kind of tooth movement can be avoided by putting retainers once the braces are removed.



How Long Does One Have to Wear Retainers?

It depends on one's particular circumstances. The orthodontist will evaluate the patient's teeth after treatment to decide what kind of retainer he or she needs. Some patients get fixed retainers, while others only get removable ones. In some cases, one may start post-treatment with a fixed retainer and then, after the treatment, change to a removable one. Others get both simultaneously (one for the bottom teeth and one for the upper teeth).

The duration that one may have to wear retainers depends on the type recommended by the orthodontist. Patients on removable retainers are expected to wear them religiously for three to six months after receiving them. The retainer should be worn for at least 22 hours a day. It should only be taken off when one needs to eat, floss, or brush teeth.

After this initial stage, the orthodontist will evaluate the patient's condition before treatment by examining their teeth. If there is no visible movement after the period, the orthodontist will advise wearing retainers only at night to stabilize the teeth. After the initial treatment, which usually lasts for a few months or years, one might need to wear the retainer at night forever to keep their teeth straight. One may eventually not need it that much due to getting older, for your teeth will move more slowly, but you might not be able to stop completely from wearing a retainer.

Care Tips for Retainers:

Experts such as Dr. Ravneet Kaur, an orthodontist in Delhi, recommend the following self-care tips for retainers.

For Removable Retainers:

  • One should put the retainer in its case only when it is not in use. One should carry the retainer case, too.
  • Retainers should never be kept near heat sources or animals.
  • As per the orthodontist, clean the retainer either by brushing it or soaking it in a denture-cleaning solution.
  • When wearing a retainer, one should only drink water because other liquids could get trapped between the retainer and the teeth and cause decay.

For Fixed Retainers:

Use an interproximal toothbrush to remove plaque and tartar that may form around fixed retainers besides regular brushing and flossing.

Consult an Expert Orthodontist in Delhi for an Effective Braces Treatment!

A retainer is an appliance that maintains teeth in their new alignment after the removal of braces. It's imperative to follow the orthodontist's instructions for proper use, regardless of the type used. You may also refer to Dr. Ravneet Kaur, the top-rated dentist in Gurgaon.

The experienced orthodontist and the Best Dentist for Children in Delhi, Dr. Ravneet Kaur provides a wide range of procedures for adults and children. This includes pulpectomy, baby tooth extraction, dental fillings, fluoride treatment, space maintainers, Invisalign, braces treatment, and more. Consult Dr. Ravneet Kaur at Smiles By Dr. Ravneet at her dental clinic to have the best experience!

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