Dentist Reveals Exactly How Long You Should Be Wearing Your Retainer For

A California-based dentist has told Newsweek about how long retainers should be worn for, with the answer surprising many of her private patients and viewers online. Dr. Shahira Saad, a general and cosmetic dentist based in Newport Beach, posted a video to Instagram on June 3, 2024. She said teeth are always shifting and that wearing a retainer every night for life is "essential" for maintaining a straight, healthy smile. Her post, which has been liked more than 4,200 times, hits on the importance of retention after orthodontic treatment and has resonated with many braces-using viewers. Saad, who opened LALUME Dental Studio, a boutique practice in Newport Beach, spoke about the science behind her advice and why she believes retainers should be a lifelong habit. "I truly believe that oral care is self-care, and through my content, I aim to share helpful tips and information that can improve people's dental and overall well-being," Saad, 33, said. "I was discussing the crucial role of wearing retainers every night for life, even after orthodontic treatment. "Many patients are unaware that our teeth are constantly shifting, whether or not they have had braces," she added.

Why Retainers Matter

The Instagram video, which features Saad looking into the camera as overlaid text reads, "my patients when I tell them their teeth are always moving and their retainers need to be worn every night for the rest of their life," has drawn widespread engagement. In the caption, Saad outlined why retainers are a necessity that should not be relegated to an afterthought. She told her followers that retainers help maintain a straight smile and a healthy bite, prevent wear and tear on teeth, and can even offer relief for people who grind or clench their teeth at night. "The number one cause of orthodontic relapse is not wearing a retainer," Saad, who graduated from UCLA's School of Dentistry, wrote in her post. "As we get older, our teeth will shift forward, creating crowding that is most often seen on the lower front teeth."

Her explanation highlights a common but often-overlooked aspect of post-orthodontic care. While many patients assume that retainers are only necessary for a few years after braces or Invisalign treatment, Saad's video emphasizes that stopping retainer use can lead to gradual shifting over time, undoing many months and years of expensive orthodontic work. "Retainers help prevent orthodontic relapse, maintain proper occlusion, and even protect the edges of your teeth from wear and tear, which can shorten your teeth over time," Saad said. "Just like sunscreen, retainers should be an essential part of your antiaging routine to protect your smile."

The Long-Term Commitment to Retainers

Many orthodontists recommend wearing retainers nightly for at least a few years, but Saad's advice aligns with a growing consensus that retention should be lifelong. She suggests bringing retainers to regular dental cleanings to have them professionally cleaned using an ultrasonic device, ensuring they remain hygienic and effective for nightly use. Teeth movement is a natural process that continues throughout life due to factors such as jaw growth, daily chewing forces, and aging. Without a retainer, teeth may gradually shift out of alignment, leading to crowding, gaps, or bite changes. "Many patients do not realize that, even if they have never had orthodontic treatment, their teeth can still move over time," Saad said. "Retention is not just about aesthetics—it is about function, longevity, and overall oral health." For those who have undergone orthodontic treatment, retainers act as a safeguard to maintain their investment. Whether using removable retainers like clear plastic trays or fixed retainers bonded to the back of the teeth, long-term wear is key to preventing relapse. While some commenters on Instagram expressed surprise at the idea of wearing retainers indefinitely or stories about how their own teeth have stayed aligned despite binning their retainers years ago, others shared their experiences of teeth shifting after discontinuing use. "Permanent retainers are [key]," one viewer said. "Went through braces and Invisalign twice." "Not me running to go put in my retainers," another added. "I wish my orthodontist told me that instead of telling me to start using it rarely after a year," a third viewer posted. "I made my own retainer at another place when I noticed, but they are not as straight as they were and I am considering braces again."

A Preventative Approach to Oral Health

Beyond maintaining alignment, retainers can also play a role in preventing other dental issues. Saad said that they can help reduce wear and tear on teeth, particularly for individuals who grind their teeth at night. Some retainers even include small bite ramps designed to relieve muscle tension and protect against excessive force on the teeth. For patients who have recently completed Invisalign or traditional braces, or even those with naturally straight teeth, Saad's message is clear: retainers are not optional. Is there a health issue that is worrying you? Let us know via health@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.