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Your Orthodontic Journey: Questions Uncovered

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American Association of Orthodontists›FAQs

How long do retainers last?

With proper care, retainers can last many years. However, remember that retainers are similar to any other device and likely will need to be replaced at some point. Proper care of retainers will extend the lifetime of the retainer. “Proper care” consists of:

  • Storing removable retainers in their cases when the retainers are not in the mouth.
  • Keeping retainers away from heat sources, including the inside of hot cars.
  • Keeping retainers away from pets.
  • Don’t put your retainers in your pocket without the case.
  • If your retainer appears to have lost its shape, or if it no longer fits when you attempt to place it on your teeth, inform your orthodontist.

How long will I need to wear a retainer?

Typically, a retainer is necessary for a lifetime, though the frequency of wear

may decrease over time. Your orthodontist will provide guidance based on the stability of your teeth alignment. A memorable phrase to keep in mind regarding wearing your retainer is: “Nighttime for a lifetime to ensure your hard-fought results!”

Why are retainers prescribed?

Retainers are prescribed for two reasons: first, to allow the bone that holds teeth to rebuild after teeth have moved, and second, to maintain the healthy new positions of teeth after active orthodontic treatment ends. Your body changes your whole life, and your teeth change too. The only way to keep your teeth in the ideal position created by your orthodontic treatment is to wear retainers for life!

Surgery has been recommended for me. Where can I get more information?

Seven videos about different kinds of surgical procedures are available here.

Is the surgery performed by the orthodontist, or by an oral surgeon?

Surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who works in conjunction with your orthodontist. The two specialists work as a team to design and execute your plan of care.

Can surgery by itself align teeth and jaws?

It is highly unlikely that surgery alone can correct both misaligned teeth and misaligned jaws. Orthodontic treatment is necessary to ensure teeth are in the right positions within the jaws

Is orthodontic treatment always required with surgical
orthodontics?

Yes.

Is surgical orthodontics performed only on adults?

For correction of misaligned jaws and teeth that are the result of a growth problem, surgical orthodontics is performed on patients who have finished growing.

Is surgical orthodontics only necessary for jaws that are misaligned?

Surgical orthodontics is generally recommended for adults who have a severe problem with the positions of their teeth and jaws that cannot be corrected by orthodontic treatment alone. Sometimes surgical orthodontics may be needed for those whose jaws are injured in an accident, or to correct a birth defect.

Which comes first – surgery or orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment usually comes before surgical orthodontics. The purpose is to align teeth so that they fit correctly after surgery is performed. Orthodontic treatment continues for a time after surgery to bring teeth into their final, optimal positions for good functio