Completing orthodontic treatment is an exciting moment—you finally get to see the results of all your hard work. But the journey doesn’t end the day your braces or Invisalign come off. The next step, known as the retention phase of orthodontics, is what keeps your teeth from slowly moving back to where they started. At Swenson Family Orthodontics, we guide patients in Lewiston and the surrounding community through this important stage with custom-made orthodontic retainers that help protect a brand-new smile for life.
Braces and aligners move teeth into healthier positions, but the bone and soft tissues that hold them in place need time to adapt. Without a retainer, small shifts can begin almost immediately, and those shifts add up. Many patients ask, “How long do I need to wear retainers?” The answer depends on your teeth and treatment, but in most cases you’ll wear them more often at first, then gradually shift to just wearing retainers at night. This routine may sound simple, but it’s the key to keeping your results stable. Orthodontic treatment retention is the bridge between the active part of treatment and the lasting smile you’ve been waiting for.
No two smiles are alike, so retainers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Our office provides several options, and each has its own advantages.
Our team will help you find a design that works for both your treatment and your lifestyle, whether you want fixed retainers that stays in place or a removable one that you can take out.
It can be surprising how quickly teeth shifting after braces happens. Even a small change in alignment can affect your bite or appearance. That’s why the retention stage is not optional—it’s essential. Patients who take care of their retainers after braces don't have to go through treatment again and can be sure that their smile will stay healthy and stable. This step is just as important for people who wear Invisalign. Retainers for Invisalign are custom-made to continue the discreet, comfortable fit you’ve come to expect.
When you first receive your retainer, you may need to wear it nearly full-time. As your teeth settle, that schedule typically shifts to nighttime wear. We’ll see you for follow-up visits to check the fit, make any needed retainer adjustments, and answer questions. If your retainer breaks or goes missing, don’t worry—retainer replacement is straightforward. The key is contacting us quickly so your teeth don’t start moving.
Good retainer maintenance will make it last longer and feel better. You should clean removable retainers gently every day, and you should brush and floss carefully around the bonded areas of fixed wires. Taking care of your teeth not only keeps them healthy, but it also makes the appliance last longer.
Most patients wear their retainer full-time for a few months, then transition to wearing it at night long-term. Many orthodontists recommend indefinite nighttime wear to prevent shifting.
Even a short break can cause slight movement. If it feels tight when you put it back in, that’s a sign your teeth have begun shifting.
Each has strengths. Permanent retainer works constantly, while removable retainers allows for easier cleaning. Your orthodontist will help you decide which is best for you.
Yes. Retainer replacement is common, and we encourage patients to call us right away if something happens to theirs.
Yes—retainers for Invisalign are just as necessary as for braces. Without them, your teeth may drift back to their old positions.
Getting your teeth straightened is good for your health and your self-esteem. Getting the right retainer will help your investment last. At Swenson Family Orthodontics in Lewiston, ID, we'll be with you every step of the way during the retention phase, giving you advice, making changes, and providing ongoing support. If you’re finishing braces or Invisalign—or if you need a replacement retainer—call our office today. Our team is here to help you keep your smile exactly where it belongs.