Retainers guide

What a retainer is and what it looks like

Cleveland Clinic describes a retainer as a custom-made device that holds your teeth in their corrected position after braces or aligners, fitted by a general dentist or orthodontist. It describes Essix retainers as clear, molded plastic that covers the teeth, Hawley retainers as having a visible wire, and fixed retainers as a wire glued to the front teeth. The AAO lists the same three: fixed, Hawley and clear, and says Hawley retainers can be personalized with colors and designs.

Do retainers straighten teeth?

No. Cleveland Clinic says braces or aligners straighten teeth and retainers hold them in place, though a retainer may nudge slightly shifted teeth back, but only for small, short-term changes. It also says you cannot fix a retainer that no longer fits yourself, and that waiting makes the problem harder to correct. The question of whether a retainer can move teeth back after a long break has the same answer: only slightly, and only if it still fits.

Are retainers for life?

Generally, yes. Cleveland Clinic says nightly wear is recommended for the rest of your life after at least four to six months of full-time wear, and the AAO says retainers are typically needed for a lifetime, though how often you wear them may decrease. Healthline says nightly wear is usually continued indefinitely. Our guide on how long you have to wear a retainer covers the schedule.

How to clean a retainer

The AAO says to clean daily with a soft toothbrush and water, soak weekly in a retainer-cleaning solution, avoid hot water, alcohol and bleach, and store removable retainers in their case. Cleveland Clinic says to brush removable retainers with antibacterial soap and water, avoid harsh toothpastes, and use an effervescent cleanser only if your provider says it is safe, scrubbing yellowing gently with baking soda and a soft brush. Healthline says to rinse with lukewarm water each time, keep it wet so food does not harden on it, and use a non-abrasive toothpaste, because some toothpastes scratch plastic.

Do ultrasonic retainer cleaners work? None of the sources we read mentions them, so ask your orthodontist before buying one.

Cleaning a fixed retainer

Healthline says to floss around a bonded retainer with a floss threader and to angle your toothbrush both vertically and horizontally to remove plaque and food. The AAO says to brush around the wire and use floss or a similar tool. Because plaque and tartar can build up around a fixed wire, regular dental cleanings matter.

If you stop wearing it

Cleveland Clinic says your teeth will likely shift back. Healthline says skipping wear for weeks or months can make the retainer stop fitting properly and that you may need orthodontic treatment again within 10 years or sooner. If it feels tight, do not force it, and contact your orthodontist.

Replacing a retainer

Retainers wear out. Healthline says they may need replacing after a couple of years and gives rough lifespans for each type in its 2018 article, and the AAO says replacement retainers may cost extra and insurance coverage varies. If a retainer is damaged or does not fit well, consult your orthodontist.

Questions to ask your orthodontist

Ask for your wear schedule in writing so you know what to do after the first months, and ask what to do if the retainer is lost.

A short list helps you remember what to ask at your last appointment.

• Which type of retainer is best for me, and why?
• How many hours a day, and for how many months, should I wear it?
• How often should I replace it, and what happens if I lose it?
• How should I clean it, and what products should I avoid?
• When should I come back for checkups?

Guides in this topic

Frequently asked questions