Why Retainers Matter So Much
Teeth want to move. Even after treatment perfectly aligns them, the surrounding bone and tissues need time to stabilize. The fibers that hold teeth in place retain a “memory” of where teeth used to be, creating forces that pull teeth back toward their original spots.
Dr. Perera prescribes retainers for every patient who completes treatment. This isn’t optional—it’s essential. Patients who skip retainers or stop wearing them too soon almost always experience some degree of relapse. Their teeth shift, gaps reappear, or crowding returns.
The good news is that consistent retainer wear prevents these problems entirely. Following Dr. Perera’s retention protocol, your smile looks exactly as it did on the day your braces came off.
Types of Retainers Available
Removable Retainers
These are the most common types Dr. Perera prescribes. You can take them out for eating, brushing, and special occasions, then put them back in afterward.
Clear Retainers
Made from transparent plastic that fits snugly over teeth, clear retainers are nearly invisible when worn. They’re comfortable, easy to clean, and don’t affect speech. Most patients prefer this style because it’s so discreet.
Hawley Retainers
These traditional retainers use a combination of acrylic and wire. The acrylic plate sits against the roof of your mouth or behind your lower teeth, while a wire runs across the front of your teeth to hold them in place. They’re extremely durable and adjustable if minor tooth movement occurs.
Fixed Retainers
Also called permanent or bonded retainers, these consist of a thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth. You can’t remove them yourself—they stay in place 24/7.
Dr. Perera often recommends fixed Retainers in Granite Bay for lower front teeth, which are especially prone to shifting. The permanent retention provides constant protection without requiring you to remember to wear anything.
Fixed retainers work wonderfully, but they require diligent cleaning. Food can get trapped around the wire, so thorough flossing becomes crucial. The team teaches you special techniques to keep the area clean and healthy.
Your Retention Schedule
Dr. Perera provides specific instructions tailored to your case. Most patients follow a similar pattern, though individual needs vary.
Initial Phase: Full-Time Wear
For the first three to six months after your braces are removed, you’ll wear your removable retainers all the time except when eating or brushing. This full-time wear allows the bone around your teeth to solidify and stabilize in their new positions.
Transition Phase: Nighttime Only
Once Dr. Perera confirms your teeth have stabilized, you’ll switch to wearing retainers only at night. This typically happens around six months, though some need longer full-time wear.
Long-Term Maintenance: Several Nights Weekly
Eventually, you might reduce wear to a few nights per week. However, many orthodontists now recommend lifetime nighttime wear. Teeth can shift at any age, so consistent retention provides the best protection forever.
Caring for Your Retainers
Proper maintenance keeps your Retainers in Granite Bay clean, fresh, and functional for years.
Daily Cleaning
Brush your retainers gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or retainer cleaner. Avoid using toothpaste, which can scratch the plastic and create hiding places for bacteria. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Deep Cleaning
Soak your retainers in denture cleaner or retainer cleaning solution once or twice weekly. This removes built-up plaque and keeps them fresh. Never use hot water, which can warp the plastic and ruin the fit.
Safe Storage
Always store retainers in their protective case when not in use. Pets love to chew retainers, which are easy to accidentally throw away when wrapped in napkins. The case protects them from damage and loss.
Avoid Heat
Never leave retainers in hot cars, near heaters, or direct sunlight. Heat warps the plastic, destroying the precise fit that keeps your teeth stable.
When Retainers Need Replacement
Even with excellent care, retainers eventually wear out. Clear retainers typically last one to three years before needing replacement. They can crack, develop rough spots, or lose their snug fit over time.
Hawley retainers often last longer—sometimes five to ten years—because the acrylic and wire are more durable. However, the wire can bend or break with rough handling.
Dr. Perera checks your retainers every visit and lets you know when replacement is necessary. Never wear damaged retainers, which won’t hold your teeth properly and can cause irritation.
What Happens If You Stop Wearing Retainers
Life gets busy. You forget to wear your retainer for a few nights, then a few weeks, and suddenly months have passed. Unfortunately, teeth don’t wait long to start shifting.
Some patients notice changes within weeks of stopping retainer wear. Others might go months before detecting movement. The speed of relapse varies by individual, but it almost always happens eventually.
If your retainer stops fitting, contact Elevate Orthodontics immediately. Dr. Perera can evaluate the shifting and determine whether your old retainer will work after consistent wear or if you need new retainers fabricated. In some cases, minor orthodontic treatment might be necessary to correct significant relapse.
The Lifetime Commitment
Think of retainers as part of your daily routine forever, like brushing your teeth. This mindset helps you stay consistent and protects the beautiful smile you worked hard to achieve.
Dr. Iroshini Perera and her team support your retention journey with regular check-ups, replacement retainers when needed, and encouragement to stay consistent. They understand that life happens and are always here to help if problems arise.
Retainers in Granite Bay
Your orthodontic treatment created a Simply Stunning Smile. Retainers from Elevate Orthodontics ensure it stays that way for life. Dr. Perera provides custom retainers designed specifically for your teeth and detailed instructions for successful long-term retention.
Whether you’re finishing active treatment or need replacement retainers, the team is ready to help. Schedule your appointment today at our Granite Bay office. Call or visit our website to book your visit. Your perfect smile deserves protection, and we’re here to provide it.