One of the most important conversations we have with our patients at Sunna Orthodontics happens not at the beginning of treatment — but at the end.
The braces are off. The smile is transformed. And the question we always ask is: do you know what comes next?
Retention is the final and arguably most critical phase of orthodontic treatment. Understanding it fully is what separates a result that lasts a lifetime from one that gradually undoes itself.
The Biology Behind Retention
Orthodontic treatment works by applying controlled, continuous pressure to the teeth, stimulating a process called bone remodeling, where existing bone tissue breaks down on one side of the tooth and new bone forms on the other, allowing the tooth to move into its new position.
When braces are removed, this remodeling process is not yet complete. The periodontal ligaments, the fibrous tissue connecting each tooth to the surrounding bone, retain a kind of “memory” of the original tooth position and will attempt to pull the teeth back if left unsupported.
This is not a complication. It is a well-documented biological phenomenon, and retention is the clinical response to it.
The Two Types of Retainers We Use at Sunna Orthodontics
Every patient at Sunna Orthodontics receives a personalized retention plan based on their specific case. We work with two types of retainers.
The Fixed Retainer
A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded directly to the back surface of the front teeth. It is invisible from the outside, permanently in place, and requires no active compliance from the patient. It works continuously without interruption, making it particularly effective for the lower front teeth, the teeth most prone to post-treatment relapse.
The removable Retainer
The Essix retainer is a clear, custom-fabricated removable appliance that fits precisely over the teeth. It is discreet, comfortable, and simple to use. At Sunna Orthodontics, we recommend wearing your Essix retainer every night during sleep. One consistent nightly habit is all it takes to maintain the alignment your treatment achieved.
How to Care for Your Retainers
Proper maintenance of your retainers is essential — both for their longevity and for your oral health.
Fixed Retainer Care
Maintaining oral hygiene around a fixed retainer requires extra attention. Brush carefully around the wire as part of your regular brushing routine. For cleaning underneath and around it, use a floss threader or a water flosser, both are effective at removing plaque in areas a regular toothbrush cannot reach. Regular visits to your dentist for professional cleaning are also essential, as buildup around a fixed retainer requires professional attention over time.
Additionally, be mindful of what you bite into with your front teeth. Hard foods, like biting directly into an apple, nuts or ice can dislodge or damage the wire. Your back teeth are perfectly fine for that. It is a simple habit to build and goes a long way in protecting your retainer.
Essix Retainer Care
Rinse your Essix retainer with cold water every morning after removing it. Clean it gently with a soft toothbrush, avoid toothpaste, as its abrasive texture can scratch and cloud the surface over time. Store it in its protective case during the day, away from heat, which can distort its shape. Never eat or drink anything other than water while wearing it.
What Happens If You Stop Wearing Your Retainer?
This is a question we hear often, and it deserves a direct answer.
Teeth will shift. The rate varies from patient to patient, but the direction does not. Without the support of a retainer, the periodontal ligaments will gradually pull the teeth back toward their original positions, undoing months or years of careful orthodontic work.
Retention is the mechanism that preserves everything you have invested in your treatment.
When to Contact Us
If your fixed retainer wire feels loose, has detached, or is causing discomfort, contact Sunna Orthodontics as soon as possible. The same applies if your Essix retainer no longer fits correctly or feels different than usual.
Do not wait. A retainer that is damaged or ill-fitting and left unaddressed can allow teeth to shift in a matter of weeks. Early intervention is always the simpler solution.
The Bottom Line
Orthodontic treatment is a significant investment of time, effort, and trust. Retention is how that investment is protected not for a few months, but for life.
At Sunna Orthodontics, we guide every patient through this phase with the same attention and care we bring to every stage of treatment. Because achieving the right result is only half the work. Keeping it is the other half.