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Introduction
The orthodontic result you paid for is finished the day the braces come off. Keeping it is a separate, lifelong job, and it is much easier than the treatment was.
TLDR;
- Retention is for life; the wear simply reduces over time.
- A bonded wire behind the front teeth plus a night retainer is the usual pair.
- Full-time wear for the first months, then nights only.
- Wisdom teeth are not the main cause of relapse; natural drift is.
- Replacement retainers can be made remotely from a scan or an impression kit.
Fixed retainers
A thin wire is bonded to the back of the front teeth. It works without you thinking about it, which is its great advantage. It needs careful flossing, and it has to be checked once a year because a debonded corner can let a single tooth move.
Removable retainers
A clear vacuum-formed retainer is worn full time for the first two to three months and then at night indefinitely. Keep it in its case, never in a napkin, and never in hot water. Most people replace one every two to three years through normal wear.
What relapse looks like
The lower front teeth crowd first, and it can start within weeks of stopping retention. If a retainer suddenly feels tight, wear it more, not less, and contact us. If it does not seat at all, stop forcing it and send us a photograph.
Treated abroad, followed properly
Patients who finish aligner treatment with us get their retainers before leaving, written instructions in their language, and review by photograph. Replacement sets can be posted after a remote scan.
What we do at Dental Oasis
The orthodontist plans and reviews every case personally, including retention, rather than leaving the outcome to software.
Ask about retention or read our guide on clear aligners versus braces.