Jun 4, 2025

The Role of Retainers in Maintaining Your Smile

Name: L&L Orthodontics
Telephone: (03) 9650 0037

Completing your orthodontic treatment is a major milestone, wearing your retainer consistently is the key to maintain your straighter smile, long term.

The Role of Retainers in Maintaining Your Smile

At L&L Orthodontics, we provide clear guidance and high-quality retainers to help you maintain your beautifully aligned smile for years to come.

Here's what you need to know:

Why Retainers Matter

After orthodontic treatment, your teeth can naturally want to shift back to their original positions. Retainers prevent this relapse by holding your teeth in their new position as your bone and soft tissue stabilise.

Without consistent wear, even minor changes in alignment can occur potentially requiring further treatment. That is why retainers are not just a short-term tool, but a lifelong commitment to maintaining your smile.

Your Retainer Routine

For the 12 months after treatment you will most likely wear your clear removable retainers every night for 8–12 hours. This is a critical phase during which your teeth are most vulnerable to movement.

After 12 months, you may reduce your wear to every second night, or a minimum of 3 nights per week. However, if your retainers begin to feel tight, it’s a sign your teeth are shifting, you may need to resume nightly wear until they feel comfortable again.

Indefinite use of your retainers is essential. If maintaining your straight smile is your goal, wearing your retainers consistently is non-negotiable.

Caring for your Retainers

Daily Cleaning is essential. We have OrthoBrite Cleaning Tablets or a sonic cleaner available via our online store to help keep your retainers sparkling clean.

Always store your retainers in their protective case when not in use and keep them away from pets, particularly dogs, which are often attracted to the scent. If you lose or break your retainers, contact us as soon as possible so we can organise a replacement. Additional fees will apply.

Retainers typically last 2–5 years, depending on care and factors like teeth grinding and how well it is looked after. Wearing your retainer is a small daily habit that makes a big difference. It helps protect the time and investment you’ve made in your smile – and gives you confidence that your results will last.

If you have questions about your retainer, contact us today.

Back

Let’s Get Social

Our Locations

Our Collins Street and Templestowe practices are beautifully designed with calming interiors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere - so you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in.