Retainers after treatment: why aftercare matters
For children, the day the braces come off feels like crossing the finish line. From a professional point of view, it’s a milestone along the way: it’s the retention phase that decides whether the result will still look the same in ten years as it did on the day the braces came off.
What happens in the retention phase
Once treatment has been successfully completed, we begin the aftercare or retention phase. This means that, using special technologies, we make sure over the course of a year that your child’s teeth stay in their new position.
This is where retainers come in — also known as tooth stabilisers. They are either fixed or removable. In both cases, their purpose is the same: to secure the results of the braces in the long term.
Why teeth move back at all
Braces move the teeth within the jawbone. To do this, they apply precisely measured forces to the jawbone: the body breaks down bone on the side the tooth is supposed to move towards, while new bone forms on the other side. This remodelling needs time to consolidate.
For up to four years — because the teeth are still somewhat loose — there is a risk of what’s known as relapse, meaning the teeth move back to their original position. Particularly in young people who are still growing, growth or strong muscle forces can have a negative effect. Some people may even have to wear a retainer for life because they are genetically prone to misalignment.
How long and how often it’s worn
The longer the retention phase lasts, the better the result will be. A rule of thumb that has proven itself in our practice: the retainer should be worn for at least as long as the treatment with braces lasted. The retention period can often be longer, too.
For everyday life: the retainer is worn every night. In the first year we recommend 12 hours a day, after which it can be reduced to 8 hours. This is very manageable for families, as it means the retainer is worn almost entirely during sleep.
Don’t skip check-ups
It’s important that you keep the check-up appointments. Always bring the retainer with you so that we can check its fit and effect. If a correction is needed, we can adjust the retainer at any time. This regular check is particularly worthwhile during growth phases.
Keeping the retainer clean and intact
It’s important to clean the retainer every day. The easiest way is to brush it with a toothbrush under cold water and rinse it. There are four things you and your child should definitely avoid, because they can warp or damage the retainer:
- Hot water
- Alcohol
- Household cleaners
- A cycle in the dishwasher
And a practical tip for parents from everyday life at our practice: the retainer always belongs in its case — never in a napkin on the dinner table. That’s exactly where most of them disappear.
Aftercare is included with us
Retainers are included in all our treatment packages, as are all check-ups and aftercare. The retainer stabilises the result so that the teeth don’t move back — which is why we don’t see it as an extra but as part of the treatment. You’ll find all the details on our Costs page.
Stay loyal to your retainer
The most important point to finish with: stay loyal to your retainer. Otherwise, the teeth may move back to their original position after treatment — and all the time invested will have been wasted. If you have questions about your child’s retention phase or aren’t sure whether the retainer still fits properly: simply book an appointment and we’ll take a look.