Treatment
Retainers and retention
Retention is the stage after braces or aligners, when retainers hold your teeth in their new positions. Teeth naturally tend to drift back toward where they started, especially in the first months after treatment, and a retainer is what stops that happening.
Retention is planned from the start of every treatment at Luminary Orthodontics, so you know before you begin which retainer you will have and how to wear it.
Awaiting clinical review by Dr. Camille J. Rose Kong, orthodontist.
Who needs a retainer?
Retention is for everyone who finishes orthodontic treatment. It is also worth a conversation if:
- You are finishing braces, clear aligners or hybrid treatment.
- Your retainer is lost, broken, or no longer fits.
- You had treatment years ago, stopped wearing your retainer, and notice your teeth have moved.
- You have a bonded retainer and a wire feels loose or rough.
- You are unsure how often you should still be wearing your retainer.
What happens when retention begins?
Retention begins on the day your braces come off or your last aligner is finished.
Records for your retainer
We take a digital record of your teeth in their finished positions, so your retainer is made to fit them exactly.
Fitting
We fit your retainer, check that it seats comfortably, and show you how to put it in, take it out and clean it.
Your wear schedule
Your orthodontist explains how many hours a day to wear it at first, and when that can usually move to night-time wear as your teeth settle.
Check-ups
Follow-up visits check that your teeth are stable and that your retainer still fits. Bring your retainer to every visit.
How long do I need to wear a retainer?
Retainers are often worn full-time for a period after treatment and then at night. Because teeth can shift throughout life, some retainer wear, often at night, is recommended for as long as you want to keep your result.
Your own wear schedule is set by your orthodontist and explained in writing. Your plan may differ from someone else’s, and it can change at your check-ups.
What types of retainer are there?
Some people have a bonded retainer and a removable one together. Your orthodontist recommends the combination that fits your teeth and your routine.
- Clear removable retainers: thin, custom-made trays that look like clear aligners. Discreet and easy to clean.
- Wire and acrylic removable retainers, sometimes called Hawley-style: a thin wire across the front teeth held by an acrylic plate. Durable and adjustable.
- Bonded (fixed) retainers: a thin wire attached to the back of the front teeth. It stays in place, so there is nothing to remember, though it needs careful cleaning.
How do I care for my retainer?
- Clean it daily with cool water and a soft brush. Avoid hot water, which can change its shape.
- Keep it in its case whenever it is out of your mouth, and away from pets.
- Brush your teeth before putting a removable retainer back in.
- If a bonded wire feels loose or rough, call or text us rather than waiting for your next check-up.
What if a retainer is lost or broken?
Retainers are lost and broken more often than people expect. Call or text us as soon as it happens, because teeth can begin to move within days. We will explain the options and how replacement works, and help you get back into a retainer quickly.
Questions we are often asked
Do I really need to wear a retainer?
Yes. Without a retainer, teeth tend to drift back toward their old positions. Wearing it as directed is the simplest way to protect the result you worked for.
My teeth have moved since my braces. Can a new retainer fix that?
A new retainer can hold teeth where they are now, but it cannot move them back. If they have shifted noticeably, a short course of treatment may be worth discussing at a Smile Analysis.
Does a retainer hurt?
A new retainer, or one you have not worn for a while, can feel tight for a day or two. If it hurts or will not seat, call or text us.
What should I bring to a retention check-up?
Your retainer and its case. We check the fit against your teeth and adjust or replace it if it is no longer doing its job.
Sources
- Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontics?American Association of Orthodontists. Read September 30, 2026.
Your next step
The simplest way to find out what is right for you is a complimentary Smile Analysis. Reserve a time online, or call or text us and we will be glad to help.