What Happens After Braces Come Off?
Why Do You Need a Retainer After Braces?
After your braces are removed, your teeth are not quite settled into their final positions yet. This is where retainers become important. A retainer is a dental appliance that holds your teeth in place while the bone and tissue around them stabilize. During orthodontic treatment, your jaw and surrounding facial bones move frequently. Once the braces come off, the bone structure needs time to rebuild and harden around your teeth in their new positions.
Think of it this way: your teeth have a kind of memory for their old positions. Without a retainer, they might try to shift back to where they used to be. Wearing your retainer as directed helps prevent this movement and protects the investment you made in your smile.
How Long Should You Wear Your Retainer?
The first few months after braces are removed are the most important for retainer wear. Here is what you can expect:
Initial Phase (First Few Months)
- Wear your retainer day and night
- Remove only for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth
- This allows the jaw bones time to mature and stabilize
Transition Phase (After Several Months)
- Switch to wearing your retainer only at night
- Your orthodontist will tell you when you are ready for this step
- Continue nightly wear for approximately one year
Maintenance Phase (Long-Term)
- Wear your retainer a couple of nights per week indefinitely
- This helps maintain your smile for life
- Regular wear prevents gradual shifting over time
Phase | Duration | Wear Schedule |
Initial Phase | First few months | Day and night (except during meals and brushing) |
Transition Phase | Several months to 1 year | Nights only |
Maintenance Phase | Indefinitely | A few nights per week |
What Happens at Your Final Braces Appointment?
When you come in to get your braces off, the process is quick and painless. Your orthodontist will carefully remove the brackets and wires from your teeth. After the braces are removed, any remaining adhesive will be cleaned off, and your teeth will be polished to a beautiful shine.
You will see your new smile for the first time! Many patients are amazed at the transformation. During this appointment, you will also be fitted for your retainer. We use 3D scanning technology, which eliminates goopy impressions and makes the process more comfortable.
How Do You Take Care of Your Retainer?
Taking good care of your retainer is essential for keeping it clean and making it last. Follow these simple tips:
Daily Cleaning
- Use a dedicated toothbrush just for your retainer (do not use your regular toothbrush)
- Clean with liquid soap, hand soap, or baking soda (avoid toothpaste as it can scratch the plastic)
- Rinse thoroughly with water after cleaning
Deep Cleaning
- Soak your retainer in a 50/50 solution of warm water and vinegar for up to 30 minutes
- For yellow stains, use hydrogen peroxide
- Rinse well and soak in mouthwash to remove any vinegar taste
Storage and Protection
- Always keep your retainer in its case when not in your mouth
- Never wrap it in a napkin (it can easily get thrown away by mistake)
- Keep it away from pets who might see it as a chew toy
- Avoid leaving it on counters, couches, or in cars
What to Avoid
- Never boil your retainer or expose it to hot water (this will warp the plastic)
- Do not use bleach to clean it
- Remove your retainer when swimming to avoid losing it
Can Your Teeth Still Move After Treatment?
Yes, your teeth can still move even after orthodontic treatment is complete. Your teeth are held by elastic tissue that is attached to them and to the jawbone. Throughout your life, your bite can change as bone continues to break down and rebuild naturally. This is why wearing your retainer as directed is so important.
Even if you had braces as a teenager, you might need orthodontic treatment again as an adult if you did not wear your retainer consistently. We treat many adults who need correction due to relapse from not wearing their retainers long-term.
What Other Services Does Stone Oak Orthodontics Offer?
Beyond traditional braces, we provide a full range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages:
- Invisalign: Clear aligners that are a nearly invisible alternative to traditional braces
- Ceramic Braces: Clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your natural teeth
- Self-Ligating Braces: Advanced braces that use specialized clips instead of elastic bands
- Adult Orthodontics: Treatment options designed specifically for adult patients
- Airway Orthodontics: Treatment methods that expand the airway to address sleep apnea and breathing issues
- Dentofacial Orthopedics: Treatment that guides jaw growth and facial development in children
- Surgical Orthodontics: Combined orthodontic and surgical treatment for severe jaw irregularities
Quick Overview: Life After Braces
Getting your braces off is just the beginning of maintaining your new smile. Here are the key points to remember:
- You will need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions
- Retainers must be worn day and night initially, then transitioned to nighttime wear only
- There are three main types of retainers: Hawley, Essix, and permanent retainers
- Proper cleaning and storage of your retainer prevents damage and keeps it hygienic
- Your teeth can still shift throughout life, making long-term retainer wear essential
- Contact your orthodontist immediately if your retainer is lost, broken, or feels uncomfortable
- We offer flexible payment plans and 0% in-house financing
Ready to Start Your Smile Journey?
Do not let concerns about what happens after treatment hold you back from getting the smile you have always wanted! At Stone Oak Orthodontics in San Antonio, TX, our team is committed to supporting you through every step of your orthodontic journey, from your first consultation through lifetime retention. Whether you are considering braces, Invisalign, or other orthodontic treatments, we will create a personalized plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and discover how we can help you achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime!