Retention

The day your braces come off is an exciting milestone—it marks the end of active orthodontic treatment and the beginning of the retention phase. Your beautiful final result depends on wearing your retainers as directed. At first, you’ll wear them full time for a few months, followed by nighttime wear. There are several types of retainers, and Dr. Tyan will recommend the option best suited for you.

It’s important to understand that teeth can shift throughout life, whether or not braces were ever worn—just like eyesight changes or hair naturally grays. In fact, studies show that as we age, teeth commonly move, especially the lower front teeth. Even people who never needed braces may experience crowding later in life.

Because of this natural movement, wearing your retainer is essential. How quickly your teeth were moved or how long you wore braces does not prevent future shifting. Braces create your new smile, but retainers help protect it.

After the first year of retention, we recommend continuing to wear your retainer several nights a week to help keep your smile straight and healthy for years to come.