Retainers After Braces: How to Prevent Your Child’s Teeth From Shifting Back
After months or years of commitment, the day your child gets their braces removed is always an exciting one. But it is important to remember that the orthodontic journey doesn’t end there.
Teeth don’t stay in place on their own. They naturally shift over time and without retainers, there is a real risk of teeth moving after the braces have been removed, undoing all the progress made.
In this article, we aim to help you and your child understand the role of orthodontic retainers to hopefully ensure that your child sees the value of wearing them regularly to help maintain their new, confident, healthy smile.
What Are Retainers?
A retainer is a device worn after braces to keep teeth in their new positions. Both children and adults may be fitted with either a removable or fixed retainer, depending on their orthodontist’s recommendation. Retainers help prevent relapse, which occurs when teeth gradually shift back toward their original alignment. This happens because the bone and gum tissues need time to settle and stabilize after braces are removed. By holding the teeth in place during this critical adjustment period, retainers protect the results of braces and ensure that your child’s straight, confident smile lasts for the long term.
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Types of Retainers for Children
There are three main types of retainers commonly recommended for children.
- Removable retainers: These are usually clear plastic devices that fit snugly over the teeth and are very discreet. They are sometimes referred to as Essix retainers and work by gently keeping the teeth in place. It is usually recommended that these retainers be worn at night after an initial period of wearing them all the time. They are very easy to clean and don't impact speech at all.
- Fixed/bonded retainers: These are thin wires discreetly bonded behind the teeth and work by staying in the mouth full time to provide continuous retention without the need for daily reminders to wear them. These are excellent for long-term stability.
- Combination approach: Some children benefit from a bonded retainer and a removable one worn at night. This offers maximum stability for long-term retention of the teeth.
Comparison of retainer types
| Type of Retainer | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Plastic Retainers | Almost invisible, easy to use, removable | Can warp, may be lost, requires daily wear, can warp when exposed to heat |
| Bonded Retainers | Always in place, no routine to remember | Harder to clean, can occasionally break |
| Combination | Extra stability, supports all teeth | More maintenance as includes both types |
How Long Should Children Wear Retainers
Every child’s orthodontic needs are unique, so your orthodontist will provide personalized instructions. In most cases, removable retainers are worn full-time initially, usually for a few months, while your child’s teeth and gums settle into their new positions after braces are removed.
Once this adjustment period is complete, most children only need to wear their retainer at night. Many orthodontists even recommend nighttime retainer wear for life to prevent teeth from shifting back.
Consistent retainer use is essential not just for maintaining a straight, confident smile, but also for supporting long-term oral health, protecting your child’s investment in their braces, and ensuring lasting results.
Practical Tips for Kids and Parents
We understand that adjusting to wearing a retainer can be tricky, particularly when your child has just had their fixed braces removed. So we have put together some tips and tricks to make the process from brace to retainer an easier one, and will help their retainer last longer and work more effectively:
Removable Retainers
- Establish a consistent evening routine to help set the habit of wearing the retainer
- Don’t expose retainers to heat (hot cars, dishwashers, hot drinks) as the plastic can warp
- Avoid the “napkin trick” when eating out. Retainers wrapped in tissue often get thrown away easily
- Use phone reminders or charts for younger children
- Clean the retainer with mild soap or retainer cleaner. Avoid toothpaste as it can often be abrasive and scratch the retainer
- If the retainer becomes lost or broken, contact your child’s orthodontist immediately. Just a few days of not wearing it can cause movement in the teeth.
- Always use the retainer case provided. Don’t use pockets or bags
Fixed Retainers
- Brush carefully around the wire using small circular motions
- Use floss or interdental brushes to clean between the teeth and around the wire.
- Avoid biting hard foods with front teeth: Cut chewy or hard food into smaller pieces before biting and avoid biting directly into food like apples or crusty bread
- Watch for signs of damage such as a wobbly or lifted section of wire, rough edges or discomfort
- Keep up with regular check-ups with the orthodontist to ensure the wire is fully bonded to the teeth, that cleaning is efficient and that the teeth are staying in the desired position
Special Retainers for Active Kids: Sports Retainers and Retainer Mouthguards
Children who play contact sports may need sports retainers or a retainer mouthguard to protect their teeth and their orthodontic appliances. These are designed to keep their teeth safe while maintaining proper retention. It is important to inform your child’s orthodontist if they regularly play sports, in case this is something that needs to be considered.
The Role of Your Orthodontist
Your child’s orthodontist will offer essential support throughout retention, including:
- Ongoing aftercare appointments
- Monitoring changes in tooth position
- Helping choose the right type of retainer
- Providing replacement retainers if needed
- Offering guidance on costs, wear time and maintenance
Common Questions Asked by Parents
Can my child eat with their retainer in?
Only if it is a bonded retainer. Removable retainers should always be taken out for eating.
Can we adjust a tight retainer at home?
No. Never try to bend or fix a fixed or removable retainer yourself. This can cause damage or an improper fit.
Do children really need retainers after braces?
Yes. Everyone, children and adults alike, needs to be fitted with retainers after braces to prevent relapse.
Common Myths About Retainers
Myth: “Once my child’s braces are off, their teeth won’t move”
Teeth always move without retention.
Myth: “Retainers only need to be worn for a few months”
Long-term or lifetime night-time wear is the most reliable way to maintain results.
Would You Like More Information on Children’s Retainers?
Accessible Orthodontics is here to help you protect your child’s smile for life after braces. We pride ourselves on offering an exemplary, bespoke service to every one of our patients and have been proudly treating adults and children for almost 20 years.
Book a consultation or speak to a member of our team today to find out more about the right retainer option for your child.
