Maintaining Your Smile After Aligner Treatment: Keeping Your NewSmile Radiant

March 25, 2025

Congratulations! You've completed your clear aligner treatment with NewSmile and are now enjoying a beautifully straight smile. All that hard work and dedication has paid off. However, the journey to a lasting, radiant smile doesn't end with your last set of aligners. Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure your teeth stay in their new, aligned positions for years to come. This article will guide you through the essential steps to maintain your smile after aligner treatment.

The Importance of Retention: Preventing Relapse

One of the most critical aspects of maintaining your smile after any orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners, is retention. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back towards their original positions, a phenomenon known as relapse. To prevent this, your orthodontist or clear aligner provider, like NewSmile, will provide you with retainers.

Types of Retainers:

There are several types of retainers commonly used after aligner treatment:

Essix Retainers: These are clear, removable retainers made of thin plastic, similar in appearance to your aligners. They are comfortable, discreet, and easy to clean. NewSmile typically includes a set of Essix retainers as part of your treatment.
Hawley Retainers: These retainers consist of a metal wire that runs across the front of your teeth and is attached to an acrylic base that fits in the roof of your mouth or along your lower jaw. They are durable and allow for some minor tooth movement if needed.
Bonded Lingual Retainers: These are thin wires that are permanently bonded to the back surfaces of your front teeth (usually the upper and lower). They are not visible and provide continuous retention. However, they require careful flossing to maintain good oral hygiene.

Your Retention Schedule: Following the Guidelines

Your orthodontist or NewSmile treatment plan will specify a retention schedule. This typically involves wearing your retainers more frequently initially and then gradually reducing the wear time. A common guideline is:

Full-time wear (20-22 hours per day) for the first few months after completing aligner treatment. This allows the bone and tissues surrounding your teeth to fully stabilize in their new positions.
Gradual reduction to nighttime wear only. After the initial stabilization period, you'll likely only need to wear your retainers while you sleep.
Long-term nighttime wear. Consistent nighttime wear is usually recommended indefinitely to maintain your alignment over the years.

It's crucial to follow your prescribed retention schedule diligently. Skipping nights or neglecting to wear your retainers can lead to gradual shifting of your teeth, undoing the progress you've made with your aligners.

Caring for Your Retainers:

Just like your aligners, your retainers require proper care to keep them clean and in good condition:

Clean your retainers daily: Gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a specialized retainer cleaner. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and scratch the plastic.
Rinse your retainers after each use: Rinse them thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water after removing them from your mouth.
Store your retainers properly: When you're not wearing them, always store your retainers in their designated case to protect them from damage and bacteria. Avoid wrapping them in tissues or placing them in pockets where they could be crushed or lost.
Avoid exposing retainers to heat: High temperatures can warp or damage the plastic. Keep them away from hot water, direct sunlight, and hot cars.

Maintaining Excellent Oral Hygiene:

Even with perfectly aligned teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy and radiant smile:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque and food particles.
Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque and debris from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach.
Regular dental checkups: Continue to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can monitor your overall oral health and identify any potential issues early on.

Addressing Potential Issues:

Even with diligent retainer wear and good oral hygiene, minor tooth shifting can sometimes occur over time. If you notice any significant changes in your alignment or if your retainer feels tight or doesn't fit properly, contact your orthodontist or the NewSmile support team promptly. They can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.

NewSmile: Supporting Your Smile Journey Beyond Alignment

At NewSmile, we are committed to your long-term smile success. While our clear aligners help you achieve your initial alignment goals, consistent retainer wear is key to maintaining that beautiful smile. If you have any questions about retainers or need to order a replacement set, our customer support team is here to assist you.

Remember, investing in your smile is a lifelong commitment. By following these guidelines and prioritizing retainer wear, you can enjoy the confidence and radiance of your NewSmile smile for many years to come.

Ready to maintain your NewSmile brilliance? Explore our website for more information and support, or revisit our

Fast Track Clear Aligners or Newsmile Monthly Plan pages for any future needs.