Retainers are custom-made dental devices used after orthodontic treatment. Many people ask, can retainers move teeth back? The answer is, teeth retainers only maintain the positioning of your teeth.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, retainers primary purpose is to minimize the natural tendency of teeth to revert to their original positions over time. Retainers can be used after undergoing dental treatments like braces.
It has become a common belief that retainers are used just to align your teeth. Somehow, it’s true, but it can do more than just hold your smile in place. In this blog, you will come to know the benefits of retainers, other than just maintaining your smile.
What Other Benefits Teeth Retainers Offer?
Yes, there are many ways retainers can be beneficial for you. Some of the benefits are given below
- Preventing Bruxism: Retainers act as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth. That’s how it prevents bruxism (teeth grinding).
- Improving Minor Teeth Shifts: The retainer applies consistent pressure and gently shifts your teeth to the corrected positions.
- Jaw Alignment Support: Retainers play a crucial role after post-dental treatment in maintaining the jaw alignment by applying gentle and consistent pressure.
- Speech Improvement: Many people face a slight speech disorder after braces. Retainers help in improving speech.
- Gum and Bone Stabilization: Retainers help stabilize the bite while ensuring jaw bones and gums are directed to their corrected positions.
- Support Overall Oral Health: It is easy to maintain your oral health with retainers, as they are removable.
What Are Some Common Retainer Types?
After your orthodontic treatment, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend one of the following types of retainers:
- Hawley Retainers
These are the classic wire-and-acrylic retainers. They’re durable, adjustable, and allow slight movement of teeth if needed.
- Clear Plastic Retainers (Essix Retainers)
These transparent, removable retainers fit snugly over your teeth like aligners. The clear retainers are discreet and popular for their minimal appearance.
- Fixed Retainers (Permanent)
These involve a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth. Ideal for long-term results, especially for lower front teeth; they require careful cleaning but work 24/7.
The Primary Role: Maintaining Tooth Alignment
Some people think that if they have undergone any dental treatment to align their teeth, it can last forever. However, this perception is wrong. It is very important to maintain the results received after dental treatment using Retainers. If someone omits retainers from their daily life, their teeth can shift back to their original positions.
It is important to maintain consistency in wearing retainers. The wear time for retainers varies depending on the severity of each case. Generally, it is advised to wear retainers for at least a year to maintain aligned teeth.
Orthodontic Relapse
Orthodontic relapse refers to teeth reverting to their original positions after braces or aligner treatment. This relapse can occur in patients not using retainers after braces or at home teeth aligners. Some other factors that can lead to relapse include the natural aging process, jaw growth, and changes.
Myths about Retainers
Myth 1: You Can Stop Wearing Them after a Year
Reality: Many people believe that once their teeth are aligned, retainers are no longer necessary. However, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original position, a process known as orthodontic relapse.
Orthodontists generally recommend wearing retainers consistently, even after years of completing treatment, to keep your teeth stable. Skipping wear can undo all your orthodontic progress gradually.
Myth 2: Retainers Don’t Need Cleaning
Reality: Like your teeth, retainers come into contact with food particles, saliva, and bacteria daily. Failing to clean your retainer can lead to plaque buildup, bad breath, gum disease, and even oral infections.
Whether it’s a clear plastic retainer or a Hawley type, rinsing and gently brushing it daily, occasionally soaking it in a specialized cleaning solution, is essential for hygiene and oral health.
Myth 3: Retainers Can’t Fix Any Movement
Reality: While retainers are primarily used to maintain your smile, however, it can make minor adjustments if teeth start to shift slightly.
Simply, Retainers are not a replacement for full orthodontic treatment and are limited in how much correction they can provide. Early detection and wearing them as prescribed are key to minimizing relapse.
When to Consult an Orthodontist
It is suggested to visit an orthodontist if you
- Find your retainers not fit you perfectly.
- Lose or break your retailers.
- Feel your teeth are still shifting even when using retainers
Wrap Up
This blog has taught us that retainers can do more than just hold your smile. Retainers for teeth can help prevent teeth grinding, improve minor teeth shifting, support jaw alignment, and maintain oral health.
Not using retainers after taking dental treatment can lead to orthodontic relapse. Regular dental checkups can maximize the effectiveness of any dental device. In case of severe dental issues, visit an orthodontist that instant.
Reference
Post-Orthodontic Care | Retainers & Follow-Up Tips. (2025, April 27). https://www.kattnerorthodontics.com/treatment/post-orthodontic-care.
