What is retention after orthodontics?

Retention is the phase aimed at maintaining the tooth alignment and bite achieved with active orthodontic treatment until the surrounding tissues adapt to the new position. The removable or fixed appliances used in this phase are called retainers. The success of treatment is measured not only by how the teeth look on the day the braces come off, but by how stable they remain years later.

Why do teeth shift back?

Orthodontic textbooks highlight three main reasons for relapse after treatment:

1. Remodelling of the supporting tissues: During tooth movement, the periodontal ligament that attaches the tooth to the bone widens and its fibres become disorganised. After the appliances are removed, this tissue takes about 3–4 months to recover. The fibres within the gum adapt much more slowly; some elastic fibres can still be strong enough to pull the tooth even after a year. This is why teeth that were badly rotated at the start are particularly prone to rotating back.
2. Soft tissue forces: The constant light pressure of the lips, cheeks and tongue on the teeth can push them back if they have been placed in an unstable position. For example, this risk is high in cases with marked arch expansion.
3. Continuing growth: Jaw growth can continue after adolescence, especially vertically, into the twenties. If the growth pattern that created the original problem continues, the bite can deteriorate again.

In addition, mild crowding of the lower front teeth with age is common even in people who have never had orthodontics. Long-term studies have shown that in a significant proportion of treated patients, some crowding of the lower front teeth returns over the years; that is why long-term protection of the lower front region is recommended.

What types of retainers are there?

A common combination is a clear retainer in the upper jaw and a fixed canine-to-canine wire in the lower jaw. The type chosen depends on the original problem, the tooth movements made, gum condition and the patient’s preference. For teeth with reduced bone support due to gum disease, fixed retention is often planned as permanent.

How long should a retainer be worn?

The generally accepted framework in the literature is as follows; however, the exact plan is set for each patient by the orthodontic specialist:

• First 3–4 months: The removable retainer is worn almost full-time, except for eating and brushing.
• At least 12 months: Continued, usually switching to night-time wear, so the gum fibres can adapt.
• In growing teenagers: Until growth has slowed to adult levels; usually late adolescence in girls and the early twenties in boys.
• Long term: Many dentists recommend continuing night-time wear for years or leaving the fixed wire in place to maintain the result.

What are the risks and common mistakes with retainers?

• Stopping wear: The most common cause of relapse is stopping the retainer too early.
• An unnoticed broken fixed wire: When the wire comes away from a tooth, that tooth can move; if you feel a rough spot or gap with your tongue, come in for a check.
• Inadequate cleaning: Tartar and plaque can build up around a fixed wire; use a floss threader or interdental brush.
• Cleaning with hot water: Clear retainers can warp in heat; lukewarm water and a soft brush are preferable.
• Wrapping it in a napkin and losing it: A retainer removed at mealtimes should always be kept in its case.

What can be done if teeth have shifted back?

With mild relapse, teeth can be realigned with a new retainer or a short series of clear aligners. More marked changes require a new comprehensive assessment. For teeth that were badly rotated at the start, a small gum fibre-cutting procedure (fiberotomy) at the end of treatment may be considered to reduce the effect of the gum fibres.

At our clinic, the retention phase is followed up with check-up appointments planned by our orthodontic specialist; gum health is assessed by our specialist in periodontology when necessary.

How should a retainer be cleaned and stored?

Removable retainers come into contact with saliva, plaque and food debris in daily use. If they are not cleaned, odour, discolouration and gum inflammation can develop.

• Clean the retainer gently every morning with lukewarm water and a soft brush, without toothpaste or with a non-abrasive soap.
• Always brush your teeth before putting it in.
• When not in use, keep it in its ventilated case; do not leave it where pets can reach it.
• If you have a fixed wire, use a floss threader or a fine interdental brush to clean under the wire.
• Bring your retainer to check-up appointments; the dentist will assess its fit and wear.

How often are check-ups done?

It is common to plan several check-up appointments in the first year after treatment ends; in later years, check-ups can be combined with routine dental examinations. Fixed wires are examined at every check-up for detachment, breakage and tartar build-up. Removable retainers are assessed for cracks, discolouration and fit; worn retainers are replaced.

Remember: a retainer is not the “insurance” of treatment, but part of the treatment. Keeping up the same care during the retention phase as during active orthodontics is the biggest contribution to preserving the result for many years. If there has been a lapse in your wearing routine, sharing it openly at your check-up makes it easier for your dentist to adapt the plan to you.

Frequently asked questions

Related pages

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Dt. Mehmet Fuat BozabaSpecialist in periodontology · September 2026

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Sources: Proffit WR, Fields HW, Sarver DM. Contemporary Orthodontics, 5th ed., Elsevier Mosby, 2013; Bishara SE (ed.). Textbook of Orthodontics, W.B. Saunders, 2001.

This article is for information only; diagnosis and treatment planning can only be carried out by a dentist after an examination.