The day your braces are removed or you finish your last Invisalign tray is a moment to celebrate — a true milestone on your path to a stunning, confident smile. Here at MyOrthodontist in Fayetteville, NC, our dedicated team, including Dr. Larry J. Moray, Dr. Gisela Borget, and many other skilled orthodontists, is proud to help you reach this achievement. But the journey doesn’t end when the braces come off. This marks the start of the retention phase, a critical step to ensure you maintain the beautiful smile you worked so hard to achieve.
Why Do Teeth Shift After Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment moves teeth by gently adjusting the bone and ligaments supporting them. After your teeth are repositioned, the bone and periodontal ligament need time to solidify around the new alignment. During this healing period, your teeth are vulnerable to moving back toward their original spots — a process known as relapse.
Even once your bone has fully adapted, natural forces like chewing, speaking, and swallowing continue to exert pressure that can cause slight changes over time. This is a lifelong reality, which is why wearing a retainer is not just a short-term requirement but a long-term commitment to preserving your smile.
Choosing the Right Retainer for You
At MyOrthodontist, we create customized retention plans tailored to your unique treatment history, age, and lifestyle. The two main types of retainers we offer are:
- Removable Retainers: These custom-fit devices can be taken out for eating and cleaning. The most popular style is the clear, nearly invisible Essix retainer — comfortable, discreet, and easy to wear. Typically, patients wear them full-time at first, then gradually transition to nightly wear as retention stabilizes.
- Fixed (Bonded) Retainers: A thin wire is bonded behind your front teeth, hidden from view and providing constant support without any effort on your part. Fixed retainers are especially helpful for patients who experienced significant tooth movement or have a history of relapse.
| Retainer Type | Visibility | Compliance Needed | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Removable | Nearly invisible | High — consistent wear | Most patients; aesthetic and easy |
| Traditional Hawley | Slightly visible | High — consistent wear | Those needing durability and adjustability |
| Fixed Bonded Wire | Invisible (behind teeth) | None — permanent | High relapse risk; front tooth stability |
The Importance of Wearing Your Retainer
Many patients wonder what happens if they stop wearing their retainer. Unfortunately, even short gaps in wear can lead to teeth shifting, especially within the first year after treatment. If relapse is severe, further orthodontic care might be necessary — something we strive to help you avoid through proper retention.
Think of your retainer as a lifelong partner in keeping your smile perfect, just like regular brushing and flossing. Protecting your orthodontic investment is our priority, and our team is here for ongoing retainer adjustments, replacements, and support.
Ready to safeguard your smile for years to come?
Contact MyOrthodontist today at 1-800-MY-ORTHO or visit https://www.myorthodontistnc.com/contact to schedule your retention consultation.
Explore our options for Braces & Clear Aligners and learn more about how we care for your smile beyond the treatment phase.
