By Dr. Richa Bhatnagar | Jacksonport Dental, Calgary
Many people think that once their braces come off, their orthodontic journey is over. The truth? That’s only half the story. While braces or Invisalign move your teeth into place, it’s your retainer that keeps them there.
As a dentist serving families across NE Calgary – Cityscape, Skyview, Redstone, Taradale, and beyond – I often meet patients who didn’t realize how crucial retainers are until their teeth began shifting back. This blog will help you understand why retainers are just as important as braces, and how they can protect the investment you’ve made in your smile.
What Do Retainers Do?
Simply put, retainers “retain” your new smile. After braces or Invisalign, your teeth aren’t set in stone—they’re still settling into their new positions. The bone and gum tissue around them need time to stabilize. Without a retainer, your teeth naturally want to shift back to where they started.
Think of it like this: braces are the hard work, retainers are the insurance.
Types of Retainers
At Jacksonport Dental, we offer different options based on your lifestyle and needs:
- Removable Retainers (Hawley or Clear)
– Easy to take out for meals and cleaning
– Clear retainers are discreet and popular with adults - Fixed Retainers
– A thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth
– Always working, great for patients who may forget to wear removable retainers
Both have their pros and cons, and I always recommend what’s best based on your bite and habits.
Real-Life Example
One of our patients from Savanna finished Invisalign treatment with a beautifully straight smile. A few months later, she admitted she wasn’t wearing her retainer consistently. When she came in, we noticed slight shifting in her lower front teeth. Luckily, we caught it early and made her a new retainer—but it was a good reminder that a retainer is just as important as the braces that created the smile.
How Long Do You Need to Wear a Retainer?
- First few months post-treatment: Wear your retainer full-time (except when eating or brushing).
- After a few months: Switch to nighttime wear only.
- Long-term: Most patients benefit from nighttime retainers for life to prevent natural shifting as we age.
Remember, teeth are always moving—even in adults. That’s why retainers are your lifelong smile partner.
Why Skipping a Retainer Can Be Costly
Skipping retainers might seem harmless, but here’s what can happen:
- Teeth slowly shift back, undoing months (or years) of treatment
- Your bite may feel uneven again
- You might need braces or aligners again (yes, it happens often!)
From a financial perspective, wearing a retainer is far more affordable than paying for another round of orthodontic treatment.
Retainers in Calgary: Jacksonport Dental Can Help
If you’ve recently had braces or Invisalign—or even if you had them years ago and notice your teeth shifting—we can help. At Jacksonport Dental in NE Calgary, we provide:
- Custom removable and fixed retainers
- Affordable replacement retainers if yours is lost or broken
- Guidance on proper care and cleaning
Final Thoughts
Braces or Invisalign give you a beautiful smile, but retainers protect it for life. Think of them as the final, and most important, step in your orthodontic journey.
If you’re looking for retainers in Calgary or you’ve noticed your teeth starting to shift, book a consultation today. Protect the smile you worked so hard for—you deserve it.
👉 Call Jacksonport Dental at 403-815-3040 or visit jacksonportdental.ca to schedule your appointment.
