Why do you wear a retainer after braces?
Teeth moved by orthodontic treatment are pulled back toward their original position for a while. This is because it takes time for the gum fibers around the teeth and the alveolar bone (the bone that supports the teeth) to settle into the new position.
Teeth that were rotated straight are especially likely to turn back, because the gum fibers keep pulling on them for a long time. Also, regardless of orthodontic treatment, the lower front teeth gradually overlap a little as people age, and a retainer reduces this too.
How long and how should you wear a retainer?
The basic principle is long at first, gradually only at night, and for a long time. Below is the general course; the duration varies depending on your condition before orthodontic treatment.
| Period | How to wear it |
|---|---|
| 3–6 months right after treatment | Almost all day, removed only for eating and brushing |
| The next 1–2 years | Every night while sleeping |
| After that | Worn at night; if it doesn't feel tight, sometimes reduced to a few times a week |
| Fixed retainer | Stays bonded as long as there are no problems |
There's a simple way to find out whether you can cut back. If you take a few days off and it feels tight or hurts when you put it back in, that means your teeth are moving, so you need to go back to wearing it every day.
What's the difference between a fixed retainer and a clear retainer?
A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth, while clear and removable retainers are ones you put in and take out yourself. The two are often used together.
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed retainer | No chance of forgetting to wear it | Tartar easily builds up around the wire, and if it comes loose you may not notice |
| Clear retainer | Hard to see and holds all the teeth | Easy to lose, and wears down or cracks with use |
| Removable retainer (wire + plastic) | Sturdy and adjustable | The wire runs across the front teeth and is visible |
What happens if you don't wear your retainer?
Relapse can occur, where teeth gradually move back toward where they were before treatment. The first few months after treatment are the most unstable, so if you leave it out for a long time then, changes come quickly.
If you try to put it in after a long break and it won't go in, don't force it; contact us. If the teeth have moved a little, a new retainer is made to keep them from moving further; if they've moved a lot, you may need orthodontic treatment again. If gaps have opened, see If gaps open between my front teeth after braces, do I need orthodontics again?
How do you take care of a retainer?
Clean a clear retainer every day with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Hot water warps it, and if you wrap it in a tissue it's easy to throw away by accident, so always keep it in its case.
Tartar easily builds up under the wire of a fixed retainer, so it's good to thread floss under the wire to clean it and get regular scaling. If the wire feels raised when you touch it with your tongue, one side may have come loose.
How we do it at Wonjin Dental
When orthodontic treatment ends, the type of retainer is chosen to suit your condition before treatment, and at first it's checked at short intervals. Retainer-related costs are as follows.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fixed retainer | ₩300,000 |
| Clear retainer | ₩300,000 |
| Removable retainer | ₩300,000 |
| Fixed retainer rebonding or repair | ₩50,000 each |
| Fixed retainer remake (half / full) | ₩200,000 / ₩300,000 |
| Fixed retainer removal | ₩100,000 |
These are Wonjin Dental's published fees as of September 2026, and cosmetic treatment items include VAT. Other items can be found on the full fee list.
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat with my retainer in?
Clear and removable retainers should be taken out before eating. Chewing with them in can easily break them, and food gets trapped inside the appliance, raising the risk of cavities. A fixed retainer stays bonded, so just be careful about biting into hard food with your front teeth.
I had orthodontic treatment at another clinic. Can I get just a new retainer made?
In most cases, yes. Because an impression is taken of where your teeth are now and a new one is made, any parts that have already moved will be held in that position. If your teeth have shifted a lot, first discuss whether to move them back.
How long can I use a clear retainer before replacing it?
It depends on how you use it, but after a few years it usually wears down, cracks, or gets loose. If it's cracked or doesn't fit snugly like before, it's time to replace it.
