Retainers, because the finish line is not the end of the race
Braces and aligners move teeth into new positions. Retainers help keep them there.
Without retention, teeth can shift over time. That is why a retainer is not an optional souvenir from orthodontic treatment; it is part of protecting the result. SmileWorks in Tallahassee provides retention guidance after orthodontic treatment and can evaluate patients whose retainer is lost, broken, damaged, or no longer fits.
Why teeth move after orthodontic treatment
Teeth sit in living bone and are influenced by the lips, tongue, bite, aging, and the surrounding tissues. Even after excellent orthodontic treatment, some movement can occur if retainers are not worn as directed.
The risk of relapse is one reason orthodontists emphasize long-term retention.
How long do I have to wear a retainer?
Retention is a long-term commitment. The exact schedule changes over time and depends on the orthodontist's instructions, but many patients transition from more frequent wear immediately after treatment to ongoing nighttime wear.
Do not stop wearing a retainer simply because the teeth "feel stable."
At SmileWorks, most patients receive Vivera or Essix retainers when braces come off, with Hawley retainers for selected cases, and retainers are included in the treatment fee. The schedule we give patients: full-time for the first 8 to 10 weeks, then nightly, and nightly for life.
What if I lose my retainer?
Call sooner rather than later. Teeth can begin shifting, and a replacement made quickly may prevent a small problem from becoming a new round of orthodontic treatment.
If you still have an older retainer, do not force it onto teeth if it is painful or clearly no longer fits. Schedule an evaluation so we can see whether the retainer can still be used safely or whether a new one is needed.
Two things make replacements easier here. If we have your last iTero scan on file, we can fabricate a new retainer without taking new impressions, normally within 1 to 2 weeks, and same-day in-office fabrication is possible. And we replace retainers for patients who were treated at other practices, not only our own. Families travel to us from across North Florida, South Georgia, and South Alabama.
What if my teeth already moved?
Minor relapse can sometimes be handled with a new retainer or a limited orthodontic correction. More significant movement may require clear aligners or braces; see adult orthodontics and Invisalign for adults.
The amount of movement matters. The sooner it is evaluated, the more options you may have.
Retainer care
- Keep the retainer in its case when it is not in your mouth
- Keep it away from pets; dogs are surprisingly efficient retainer destroyers
- Avoid excessive heat that can distort some retainers
- Clean it according to the instructions you receive
- Bring it to orthodontic visits if asked
- Call if it cracks, warps, feels loose, or stops fitting
Questions families ask
How long should I wear my retainer after braces?
Follow the schedule your orthodontist gives you. Long-term nighttime wear is common because teeth can continue to shift throughout life.
Can SmileWorks replace a lost retainer?
SmileWorks can evaluate a lost or damaged retainer and determine the appropriate replacement plan.
My old retainer feels tight. Should I force it in?
No. If the retainer no longer seats normally or causes significant pain, have the fit evaluated before forcing it.
Can a retainer straighten teeth that shifted?
A retainer may help maintain or sometimes accommodate very minor movement, but more significant relapse may require active orthodontic treatment.
Where this fits in the bigger picture
Orthodontics hub
Every orthodontic option at SmileWorks, topic by topic, from the age-7 evaluation to retention.
Orthodontics hub →Adult orthodontics
Clear aligners and ceramic braces for adults, with 7:00 AM appointments and a free consultation.
Adult orthodontics →Invisalign for adults
Discreet, removable treatment planned by orthodontic specialists.
Invisalign for adults →Orthodontic emergencies
Broken brackets, poking wires, lost aligners: what to do and when to call.
Orthodontic emergencies →Lost it, cracked it, or realized it stopped fitting? Call before the teeth move farther.
The sooner a retainer problem is looked at, the more options you keep.