Why are teeth retainers so important after braces or aligners? This guide explains why teeth move back, the types of retainers available, how long you need to wear them, and how to look after them properly.
You've spent months — maybe over a year — wearing aligners or braces to straighten your teeth. The trays are off, the brackets are removed, and you finally have the smile you've been working towards. So what happens next? The answer is teeth retainers — and they're arguably the most important part of the entire treatment. Without them, your teeth will gradually drift back towards their original positions, undoing the results you invested time and money to achieve. This guide explains why retainers matter, the different types available, how long you'll realistically need to wear them, and how to look after them properly.
📋 What This Guide Covers
- Quick answer: why are retainers important?
- Why teeth move back after treatment (relapse explained)
- Types of retainers: removable vs. fixed
- How long you may need to wear retainers
- How to look after retainers (cleaning and storage)
- What happens if you stop wearing your retainer
- Retainer costs and replacements in the UK
- FAQs
This guide is for anyone who has finished orthodontic treatment — whether with clear aligners or traditional braces — and wants to understand why retainers after braces or aligners are essential. It's also useful if you're about to start treatment and want to know what to expect once the active phase is complete. As with all our content, this is general information — your clinician will provide personalised retainer guidance based on your specific case.
Quick Answer: Why Are Teeth Retainers Important?
Teeth retainers hold your teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment. Without retainers, teeth naturally drift back towards their original alignment — a process called relapse. This happens because the bone and soft tissues around your teeth take time to stabilise, and natural ageing forces continue to act on your teeth throughout life. Most orthodontic professionals recommend wearing retainers every night indefinitely. Retainers are not optional — they are an essential part of any orthodontic treatment, whether you had braces or clear aligners.
Why Teeth Move Back After Treatment (Relapse Explained)
One of the most common questions patients ask is: "If my teeth are straight now, why would they move back?" It's a reasonable question, and the answer involves understanding a bit about how orthodontic tooth movement works.
Bone Remodelling Takes Time
When braces or aligners move your teeth, they do so by applying controlled force that causes the bone around your teeth to remodel — bone is gradually removed on one side and rebuilt on the other. When active treatment ends, the new bone hasn't fully matured. It takes months for the bone to consolidate and strengthen around the teeth in their new positions. During this period, teeth are particularly prone to drifting back.
Soft Tissue Memory
The gum fibres and ligaments that connect your teeth to the surrounding bone have a "memory" — they want to pull the teeth back towards where they came from. These fibres take longer to adapt than the bone itself. This is one of the reasons why teeth that were significantly rotated are especially prone to relapse — the twisted fibres exert a persistent rotational force.
Natural Ageing and Ongoing Forces
Even teeth that were never orthodontically treated shift over time. The pressures from your lips, tongue, cheeks, and chewing forces — combined with the natural forward drift that occurs with ageing — mean that teeth are never truly "settled." This is why retainers after aligners or braces aren't just a short-term precaution; they're a long-term commitment to maintaining your result.
Real-World Perspective
Relapse isn't a failure of treatment — it's a normal biological tendency. The British Orthodontic Society states clearly that "teeth may move if retainers are not worn as instructed" and recommends long-term or indefinite retainer use. Orthodontic treatment moves your teeth into position; retainers keep them there.
Types of Retainers: Removable vs. Fixed
There are two main categories of teeth retainers, and many patients end up using a combination of both. Understanding the types of retainers available will help you discuss the right option with your clinician.
Removable Retainers
Clear (Essix-Type) Retainers
These look similar to clear aligner trays — thin, transparent plastic shells that fit snugly over your teeth. They're the most commonly prescribed removable retainer after aligner treatment. They're discreet, comfortable, and effective. However, they do wear out over time and will need replacing — typically every 6–12 months depending on wear patterns and whether you grind your teeth.
Hawley Retainers
These are the traditional retainers with a metal wire across the front of the teeth and an acrylic plate that sits against the roof of the mouth (or behind the lower teeth). They're more durable than clear retainers and can be adjusted by your clinician. They're less discreet but can last several years with proper care. Less commonly prescribed after aligner treatment, but still a valid option.
Vivera Retainers
Vivera retainers are a specific brand of clear retainer made by Align Technology (the company behind Invisalign). They're produced using the same 3D scanning and manufacturing technology. They tend to be slightly more rigid than standard Essix retainers and are supplied in sets of multiple retainers. Whether they're offered depends on the aligner system your clinician uses.
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
Fixed retainers are thin metal wires bonded to the back (tongue side) of the front teeth — usually the lower front 4–6 teeth, and sometimes the upper front teeth as well. They're completely invisible from the front and work 24 hours a day without any action from you.
Advantages of Fixed Retainers
- No compliance required — they work constantly without you needing to remember to wear them
- Invisible from the front
- Particularly effective for teeth that were significantly crowded or rotated
- Can last many years with proper maintenance
Limitations of Fixed Retainers
- Can make flossing more difficult — you'll need to use floss threaders or interdental brushes
- The wire can debond (come loose) — if this happens, you need to see your clinician promptly before teeth shift
- They don't protect the back teeth or prevent changes in the bite — only the teeth they're bonded to are held in position
- May not be suitable for patients with certain bite patterns or those who grind heavily
Fixed vs. Removable: Which Is Better?
Many clinicians recommend both a fixed retainer and a removable retainer — the fixed wire provides constant retention for the most relapse-prone teeth, while the removable retainer (worn nightly) provides additional security across the full arch. This combination approach offers the most comprehensive protection against relapse.
How Long Do You Need to Wear Retainers?
This is one of the most asked questions about teeth retainers — and the answer is more straightforward than most patients expect.
The Honest Answer
Most orthodontic professionals in the UK now recommend indefinite nightly retainer wear for removable retainers. This means wearing your retainer every night for as long as you want your teeth to stay straight. The British Orthodontic Society's patient information leaflet on retainers makes it clear that teeth may move if retainers are not worn as instructed.
Typical Retainer Wear Schedule
First 3–6 Months After Treatment
Full-time or near-full-time wear (similar to aligner wear — 20–22 hours daily). This is when bone is still consolidating and teeth are most prone to movement. Some clinicians start with nightly wear from the outset — follow your clinician's specific guidance.
6–12 Months After Treatment
Transition to nightly wear only (while sleeping). The bone has stabilised significantly, but the soft tissue memory is still active.
Long-Term (12 Months Onwards)
Continue nightly wear indefinitely — or at minimum for several years. Many patients establish a lifelong habit of wearing retainers at night, similar to wearing a night guard. This is the most reliable way to maintain your result.
Note: These are general guidelines. Your clinician will provide a personalised wear schedule based on your case, the type of movements that were made, and your relapse risk. Always follow your clinician's specific instructions.
How to Look After Your Retainers
Proper retainer care is straightforward but important. A well-maintained retainer lasts longer, stays hygienic, and continues to fit correctly.
Cleaning Your Removable Retainer
✅ Daily Retainer Cleaning Routine
- Rinse immediately after removing — cold or lukewarm water (never hot — heat can warp the plastic)
- Brush gently — use a soft-bristled toothbrush with water or a small amount of non-abrasive liquid soap. Avoid toothpaste — most are too abrasive and can scratch the surface
- Soak periodically — use a retainer cleaning tablet or denture cleaner dissolved in lukewarm water once or twice a week for a deeper clean
- Rinse thoroughly after soaking — before placing the retainer back in your mouth
- Store properly when not wearing — always keep your retainer in its case when not in your mouth. Never wrap it in tissue (the most common way retainers end up in the bin)
Things to Avoid
- Hot water or boiling: heat distorts the plastic and ruins the fit permanently
- Abrasive toothpaste: creates micro-scratches that harbour bacteria and cloud the retainer
- Mouthwash for soaking: some mouthwashes contain alcohol or colourants that can stain or degrade the retainer material
- Leaving it exposed: an uncased retainer on a bedside table attracts dust, bacteria, and is easily lost or damaged
- Eating while wearing: removable retainers should be taken out for eating — biting forces can crack or warp them
Looking After a Fixed Retainer
Fixed retainers require a bit more attention during your daily oral hygiene routine:
- Use interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean between and behind the bonded teeth — the wire makes regular flossing impossible in those areas
- A water flosser can be a helpful supplement, though it shouldn't replace physical flossing entirely
- Attend regular dental hygiene appointments — your hygienist can clean around the wire more thoroughly and check that the bond is intact
- If you notice the wire feels loose, has shifted, or a section has come unglued, contact your clinician promptly — teeth can shift surprisingly quickly once the wire is compromised
What Happens If You Stop Wearing Your Retainer?
This is worth addressing directly, because many patients discover the importance of teeth retainers the hard way — by stopping and then noticing their teeth shift.
Days to Weeks Without Retainer
Minor shifts may begin, particularly in the lower front teeth. You might notice your retainer feels tighter when you put it back in — this is a sign that teeth have already started moving.
Weeks to Months Without Retainer
Noticeable relapse may occur. Teeth that were crowded or rotated are particularly prone to shifting back. Your retainer may no longer fit properly, meaning a new one — or potentially further treatment — may be needed.
Months to Years Without Retainer
Significant relapse is common. Teeth may return towards their original positions, and the investment in orthodontic treatment may be partially or fully undone. Retreatment would be required to re-straighten the teeth.
If Your Retainer Doesn't Fit Anymore
If you've stopped wearing your retainer and it no longer fits, don't force it. Contact your clinician — they can assess whether a new retainer can accommodate the current tooth position, or whether some retreatment is needed. The sooner you act, the less movement is likely to have occurred.
Retainer Costs and Replacements in the UK
Retainers are an ongoing cost that's worth factoring into your overall treatment budget. Here's what to expect:
Note: These are approximate UK ranges. Costs vary by provider and location. Always confirm whether retainers are included in your treatment package before starting — this is one of the most important questions to ask. Check our pricing page to see what's included in our aligner packages.
Questions to Ask About Retainers Before Starting Treatment
💬 Retainer Questions for Your Provider
- Are retainers included in the treatment fee, or are they an additional cost?
- What type of retainer will be provided — removable, fixed, or both?
- How many replacement retainers are included (if any)?
- What is the cost of replacement retainers when they wear out?
- What retainer wear schedule do you recommend?
- How often should I come in for retainer checks?
- What should I do if my retainer breaks or no longer fits?
Safety and Compliance Notes
Retainers and Treatment Responsibility
Any orthodontic treatment provided by a GDC-registered professional should include a clear retention plan as part of the overall treatment. The GDC's guidance on advertising requires that providers are transparent about what treatment includes — retainer provision and ongoing costs should be clearly communicated before you commit to treatment.
Direct-to-Consumer Aligner Services
If you've had treatment through a direct-to-consumer (at-home) aligner service, check carefully whether retainers are included and how you'll access replacements. The GDC's guidance on aligners sent to your home highlights the importance of ongoing support — retainer provision is a key part of this. If your provider doesn't offer ongoing retainer support, you may need to arrange this through a local dental practice.
What to Do If You've Lost Contact with Your Provider
If the provider who carried out your orthodontic treatment has closed or you've moved, any GDC-registered dentist can:
- Take new scans or impressions to create replacement retainers
- Check and rebond a loose fixed retainer
- Assess whether any teeth have shifted and advise on next steps
Don't go without retainers simply because you've lost contact with your original provider — replacement retainers can be made by any dental professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to wear my retainer after braces?
Most orthodontic professionals now recommend wearing removable retainers every night indefinitely — or at minimum for several years. The risk of relapse doesn't disappear after a set period. Teeth naturally drift throughout life, so long-term retainer wear is the most reliable way to maintain your result. Your clinician will provide specific guidance based on your case.
What happens if I don't wear my retainer?
Your teeth will gradually shift back towards their original positions. This can happen within days to weeks for minor shifts, and over months for more significant relapse. Teeth that were severely crowded or rotated are particularly prone to moving back. If your retainer no longer fits after a period without wearing it, contact your clinician for assessment.
Can I wear my retainer only a few nights a week?
This depends on how long ago your treatment finished and your individual relapse tendency. In the early months after treatment, nightly wear is strongly recommended. Over time, some patients find they can gradually reduce to every other night without noticeable movement — but this should be done cautiously and in consultation with your clinician. If your retainer ever feels tight when you put it in, it means your teeth have shifted and you should return to nightly wear.
Are fixed retainers or removable retainers better?
Neither is universally "better" — they have different strengths. Fixed retainers provide constant, compliance-free retention for the bonded teeth. Removable retainers cover the full arch but rely on you wearing them consistently. Many clinicians recommend both: a fixed retainer for the most relapse-prone teeth (usually the lower front teeth) plus a removable retainer worn at night for comprehensive coverage.
How much do replacement retainers cost?
In the UK, replacement clear retainers typically cost £80–£200 per arch. Vivera retainer sets cost approximately £250–£400. Fixed retainer rebonding costs approximately £150–£350 per arch. Always check whether your original treatment fee includes any replacement retainers and how many.
Can I get retainers if I didn't have braces or aligners?
Retainers are designed to maintain the result of orthodontic treatment — they hold teeth where they've been moved to. If you haven't had orthodontic treatment, a retainer won't straighten your teeth. However, if your teeth are currently well-aligned and you want to prevent future natural shifting, speak to your dentist about whether a retainer could help maintain your current alignment.
How do I clean my retainer properly?
Rinse your retainer with lukewarm water when you remove it, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and water (avoid toothpaste — it's too abrasive), and soak it in a retainer cleaning solution once or twice a week. Never use hot water, as heat warps the plastic. Always store your retainer in its case when not in use.
Do retainers hurt?
Retainers should not cause pain. When you first start wearing a retainer after treatment, there may be a mild sensation of pressure — this is normal and usually settles quickly. If your retainer causes pain, pinches your gums, or feels significantly tight after a short break from wearing, contact your clinician. A tight-feeling retainer after missing a few nights suggests your teeth have started to shift.
What type of retainer do I get after clear aligners?
After clear aligner treatment, most patients receive a clear (Essix-type) removable retainer, as it's similar in appearance and fit to the aligner trays. Some clinicians also place a fixed bonded retainer, particularly on the lower front teeth. The specific type depends on your case, your clinician's preference, and what's included in your treatment package. Vivera retainers may be offered if your treatment was with the Invisalign system.
📚 References and Further Reading
- British Orthodontic Society — Patient Information: Retainers (PDF)
- NHS — Orthodontics Overview
- GDC — Aligners or Braces Sent Directly to Your Home
- GDC — Guidance on Advertising
- British Orthodontic Society — Patient Information and Resources
- ASA/CAP — Dental Advertising Guidance
- British Dental Association — Patient Information Hub
Thinking About Straightening Your Teeth?
Retention is part of the plan from day one. Book a consultation to discuss your options — we'll explain exactly what's included in your treatment package, including retainers, so there are no surprises.
Book Your ConsultationDisclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute dental or medical advice. Retainer recommendations vary by case and should be discussed with your treating clinician. Costs are approximate UK ranges and will vary by provider. Always follow your clinician's specific retainer instructions to maintain your orthodontic result.
Written by Pro Aligners Team
Medically reviewed by Pro Aligners Team • GDC: 195843