Do I really need to wear a retainer after braces are removed? (Orthodontic Retainer)

After orthodontic treatment

Do I really need to wear a retainer?

Orthodontic retainer

One of the main factors that makes people hesitate to start orthodontic treatment

is the ‘duration.’

Even the treatment period alone

takes one to two years,

and since they are told that the orthodontic retainer must be worn for life,

it can be burdensome to keep a man-made appliance attached to the teeth continuously.

Reason for the orthodontic retainer

The principle of orthodontic treatment is

to attach orthodontic appliances to the teeth

and apply constant pressure continuously,

so that the jawbone repeatedly resorbs and regenerates in the direction of that pressure,

causing the teeth to move to the desired position.

When the braces are removed after orthodontic treatment ends,

the tissue of the jawbone that has repeatedly resorbed and regenerated

takes time to fully remodel.

Because the human body tends to return to its original state,

teeth that have been moved also try to return to their original position,

so if an orthodontic retainer is not worn,

relapse, one of the side effects of orthodontic treatment, will occur.

Retainer period

Then, if the jawbone tissue is fully remodeled,

could the orthodontic retainer be removed?

You may wonder about this,

but because the human body is also affected by aging,

teeth tend to shift more as we get older.

Teeth that were shifting forward continue to shift forward,

and teeth that were shifting outward continue to shift outward.

Especially after orthodontic treatment,

this phenomenon can appear even more strongly.

Therefore, it is recommended to wear the orthodontic retainer permanently as much as possible,

and it must definitely be worn for 6 months to 2 years after treatment ends.

It is also recommended to wear it for at least 5 to 6 years after treatment ends.

The retainer should not be removed arbitrarily,

and the decision should be made through consultation with the medical staff.

Orthodontic retainer types

• Fixed retainer

A fixed retainer

is attached to the inside of the teeth

and takes the form of a thin wire.

It improves retention,

is attached on the lingual side to enhance aesthetics,

and reduces discomfort because it is thin.

Thanks to this, the movement of the mouth and tongue is free,

and there is no strain on the gums or teeth.

• Removable retainer

A removable retainer

is worn on the front and back of the teeth

and takes the form of wire and plastic.

It is used together with a fixed retainer and can be removed,

and because it applies strong force, it causes some discomfort.

Wear it for at least 20 hours a day for 6 months,

and then wear it only while sleeping for about 1 year.

• Clear retainer

A clear retainer

covers the occlusal surface

and has the shape of clear aligners.

So it offers high aesthetics and convenience

and does not interfere with daily life at all.

How to choose an orthodontic retainer

A retainer is not chosen according to the type the patient wants,

but rather requires the medical staff to select the one that suits each individual patient,

based on factors such as the degree and severity of the teeth alignment and occlusion,

and the likelihood of relapse resulting from them.

In this way, orthodontic treatment, from the start to retention,

relies on diagnosis, treatment planning, and aftercare,

and the medical staff’s professional knowledge and expertise

determine the orthodontic outcome.

Specialized in celebrity orthodontics

NanoLiner advisory committee member

Specialized in orthognathic orthodontics

Adjunct professor at Severance Hospital

Meet a different level of orthodontic process,

from start to retention,

with Director Jeon Jae-min!

New smile

New beginning