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REFERRALS 
However, there is one important step remaining - retention.
Retainers are the key to maintaining your results and protecting the investment you have made in your smile. Without them, teeth can gradually move out of position over time.
At Embrace Orthodontists, your Specialist Orthodontist will create a personalised retention plan designed to keep your smile stable for years to come.
Why retention matters
Orthodontic treatment moves teeth through bone and supporting tissues. Even after treatment finishes, these structures continue adapting and remodelling.
The fibres around your teeth naturally try to pull them back towards their original positions, particularly during the first year after treatment.
Other factors can also influence tooth movement, including:
Natural ageing changes
Tongue posture and muscle pressures
Everyday chewing forces
Previous crowding patterns
Retainers help counter these forces and maintain the alignment achieved through treatment.
Think of retention as ongoing maintenance for your smile.
Will teeth move without a retainer?
In many cases, yes.
Some patients notice subtle movement within days or weeks of stopping retainer wear, while others experience gradual changes over months or years.
The likelihood and speed of relapse depend on:
The amount of crowding before treatment
Bite complexity
Age
Gum and bone health
How recently treatment ended
One of the first signs of movement is a retainer feeling tighter than usual.
If this happens:
Resume wearing it consistently
Wear it full-time for several days if advised
Contact your Specialist Orthodontist if it will not seat properly
Early intervention can often prevent more significant relapse.
How long do you need to wear retainers?
Retention is a long-term commitment.
A typical schedule may include:
Immediately after treatment
Full-time wear
Removed only for eating, drinking anything except water, and oral hygiene
After the settling phase
Transition to night-time wear
Long-term maintenance
Ongoing night-time wear indefinitely
Teeth can move throughout life, so long-term retainer wear is the best way to preserve your result.
Your Specialist Orthodontist will customise your schedule based on your individual needs.
Types of retainers explained
There is no single retainer that suits everyone. Your treatment team will recommend the option that best matches your bite, lifestyle, and goals.
Clear removable retainers (Essix or Vivera)
These clear trays fit closely over your teeth and are commonly used after Invisalign® treatment.
Advantages
Discreet appearance
Comfortable fit
Easy to wear
Excellent for maintaining alignment
Considerations
Can crack or wear over time
Sensitive to heat damage
Require consistent use
Vivera retainers are manufactured by Invisalign® and are known for their durability and precision fit.
Hawley retainers
A Hawley retainer combines an acrylic base with a thin wire across the front teeth.
Advantages
Durable and adjustable
Can accommodate minor tooth movement corrections
Long-lasting with proper care
Considerations
More visible than clear retainers May temporarily affect speech during adjustment
Fixed bonded retainers
A fine wire is bonded behind the front teeth.
Advantages
Provides continuous retention
Invisible when smiling
Particularly effective for lower front teeth
Considerations
Requires careful cleaning
May occasionally need repair
Often used alongside a removable night-time retainer
Many patients benefit from combining a bonded retainer with a removable clear retainer for maximum stability.
What if you stop wearing your retainer?
Life happens, and occasionally retainers are forgotten, lost, or damaged.
Missed a few nights
Resume wear immediately
Consider full-time wear for several days if advised
Missed a week or longer
Try the retainer carefully
Contact your clinic if it feels extremely tight or does not fit
Lost or broken retainer
Arrange a replacement promptly
Delaying replacement increases the risk of tooth movement
Retainer no longer fits
Book a review appointment
Early treatment may prevent larger corrections later
How to clean and care for your retainer
Proper care helps maintain both your retainer and oral health.
For removable retainers
Rinse with cool water after removal
Brush gently using a soft toothbrush
Use mild liquid soap if recommended
Avoid hot water and abrasive toothpaste
Store in a ventilated protective case
For fixed retainers
Use floss threaders or interdental brushes daily
Clean carefully around the wire
Attend regular maintenance checks
Keep retainers away from:
Hot cars
Direct sunlight
Household pets
Heat and accidental damage are among the most common causes of replacement.
Replacement costs and health fund rebates
Retainers form an important part of your overall treatment plan.
Replacement costs vary depending on:
Retainer type
Whether new scans or impressions are required
The level of replacement needed
Many private health funds offer orthodontic retainer rebates under specific item numbers. Benefits depend on your individual policy, annual limits, and waiting periods.
Our team can provide itemised invoices to assist with claims.
When should you book a retainer review?
Contact your Specialist Orthodontist if:
Your retainer feels unusually tight
It no longer fits correctly
You notice teeth shifting
The appliance becomes cracked or warped
A bonded retainer becomes loose
You are due for a routine retention review
Regular reviews help ensure your smile remains stable.
Frequently asked questions
Will my teeth move if I stop wearing my retainer?
Yes, some degree of movement is likely, especially during the first year after treatment.
How long do I need to wear my retainer?
Most patients transition to long-term night-time wear and continue indefinitely.
What types of retainers are available?
Common options include clear retainers, Hawley retainers, and fixed bonded retainers.
How should I clean my retainer?
Use cool water, a soft toothbrush, and gentle cleaning products. Avoid hot water and abrasive toothpaste.
Are retainers covered by health funds?
Many health funds provide rebates, depending on your level of cover and available orthodontic benefits.
Your next step
Retention is one of the most important parts of orthodontic treatment. A properly fitted retainer and a consistent routine can help protect your smile for decades.
If your retainer feels uncomfortable, has been lost, or you are unsure about your retention plan, book a free consultation with Embrace Orthodontists.
Our Specialist Orthodontists can assess your smile, review your retainer fit, and ensure your results stay stable long after braces or Invisalign® treatment is complete.
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