One of the most important parts of protecting your smile after a dental treatment like braces is consistently wearing your retainers. These clever tools protect the work your braces have done, keeping your smile as straight as the day they were removed.
In this blog, we’ll cut through the noise and explore the reasons why wearing your retainers is so important. Let’s get into it.
Key Takeaways
After you’ve gone through orthodontic treatment to get that perfect smile, retainers play a big role in maintaining the straight teeth you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
They hold your teeth in their new position as they settle into the jawbone and gums, stopping your teeth from moving back to their natural position.
Not wearing your retainer gives your teeth more space to move around and could mean you need more dental treatments in the future.
There are two main types of retainers: removable retainers and permanent retainers.
Removable retainers can be taken out when you eat or brush and are made of clear plastic or a combination of wire and acrylic.
Permanent retainers, on the other hand, are fixed wires placed behind your teeth, staying on all the time.
Retainers do more than just keep your teeth straight; they play a big part in your oral health. They prevent teeth from shifting back – known as a tooth relapse – saving you from potentially needing to straighten your teeth again.
By keeping your teeth aligned, retainers also help prevent spaces where food particles could get trapped, leading to plaque build-up and other dental issues.
The length of time you need to wear a retainer varies. Initially, you might need to wear it full-time for a few months, except when eating or brushing. Later, you might only need to wear your retainer at night or for a few days per week. Recommendations vary, from full-time for 4-6 months to nightly for several years or even indefinitely for a few hours per day. Your dentist will recommend the right timescale for your specific dental needs, making sure you can enjoy a straight smile for years to come.
Not wearing your retainers after treatment can lead to your teeth shifting back to their original positions. This could mean more orthodontic treatment is needed to fix the regression.
Keeping your retainer in good shape, maintaining a strong dental hygiene routine and following your dentist’s wearing schedule is key to keeping your teeth straight.
Struggling with a crooked smile? We can help with our comprehensive range of cosmetic dental treatments in Leeds.
At Aesthetique Dental, we know the importance of a personalised approach to dental care. That’s why we provide custom retainers that are tailored to your unique smile. Our friendly and caring team uses modern technology and techniques to create a comfortable, effective retainer that feels like it was made just for you—because it was.
Visit our Leeds dental clinic and take the first step to a happier, more confident smile. Book your consultation today.
Back to BlogAesthetique Dental Care 21 Wharf Street, The Calls Leeds West Yorkshire LS2 7EQ
We’re in the heart of Leeds - accessed by bus and train and have convenient on street parking.
Dental Design | Site last updated: March 2025