Posted on February 4, 2026
You’ve done the work – months, maybe even years – investing in orthodontic care to get the smile you’ve always wanted. But what happens next? After the braces come off, or your Invisalign trays are complete, your journey isn’t quite over. One of the most common concerns patients share is, “Will my teeth move back after treatment?” The short answer: they can, but they don’t have to. Proper retainer care is the key to protecting your beautiful new smile for life.
At Stoutland and Hayes in Ridley Park, we believe that nothing should stand in the way of your long-term results – not even time. In this Retainer Care 101 guide, you’ll learn how to prevent orthodontic relapse with simple, effective practices that keep your smile aligned, confident, and healthy.
Orthodontic relapse is when teeth begin to shift back toward their original positions after braces or Invisalign treatment. It’s more common than you might think – especially in the first year after treatment, when bone and tissue around your teeth are still stabilizing.
A few reasons relapse might occur include:
The solution? Consistent and proper use of your retainer. At our Ridley Park office, Dr. Alicia Stoutland and Dr. Hayes guide each patient through the retention phase with the same care and attention we bring to every stage of treatment. Because maintaining your smile should feel just as empowering as creating it.
No two smiles are the same – and neither are the retainers we recommend. Depending on your treatment plan, teeth alignment, and lifestyle, your orthodontist may advise one of the following:
Made with acrylic and wire, these removable retainers can be custom-colored and are easy to adjust. They’re durable and allow your bite to “settle” into its new position naturally.
Designed for discretion, these clear retainers are custom-molded to fit snugly over your teeth. They’re comfortable, virtually invisible, and great for everyday wear – but they should be handled with care to avoid cracking.
Bonded directly behind the teeth, fixed retainers provide continuous support without the hassle of daily removal. They’re often recommended for the lower front teeth, where shifting is most common.
All of these options have one thing in common: they’re most effective when worn exactly as prescribed by your orthodontist. At Stoutland and Hayes, we personalize each retainer solution to meet your individual needs – because orthodontic care should never be one-size-fits-all.
Protecting your smile doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with a few simple habits, you can make retainer care part of your normal routine:
While the duration varies, most people will need to wear a retainer nightly for the rest of their lives. It’s a small but essential habit that protects your investment.
Call Stoutland and Hayes right away at (610) 459-2545. The sooner you replace it, the less chance your teeth will begin to shift. We often offer quick turnarounds for replacement retainers to get you back on track.
Yes. Over time, materials can wear down or warp, especially in removable retainers. We recommend annual check-ins to ensure your appliance is still doing its job effectively.
Orthodontic relapse isn’t limited to teens. Adults are just as vulnerable to shifting teeth, especially during major life moments like pregnancy, menopause, or as natural aging occurs. That’s why retention is a lifelong commitment – just like brushing or flossing. When you choose comprehensive care from our trusted practice in Ridley Park, you’re not just getting aligned teeth – you’re gaining a dedicated partner in long-term dental wellness.
At Stoutland and Hayes, our commitment to your smile doesn’t end when your braces come off. Dr. Alicia Stoutland and Dr. Hayes are passionate about providing personalized, high-quality orthodontic care from start to finish – and that includes keeping your results intact with industry-leading retention strategies. Our eco-conscious office blends cutting-edge technology with compassionate care, making it easy to maintain your smile in a supportive, family-oriented environment.
With rave reviews from patients across all ages and generations, we’ve built a reputation for orthodontic excellence in Ridley Park. Whether you’re finishing up braces or navigating retainer upkeep years later, we’re here with answers, support, and expert care tailored just for you.
Your new smile deserves protection – and that begins with proper retainer care. Preventing orthodontic relapse is entirely within your control, and our team is here to guide you every step of the way. If you’re unsure about your current retainer use, feel discomfort, or think your teeth are starting to shift, don’t wait.
Call Stoutland and Hayes in Ridley Park today at (610) 459-2545 to schedule an appointment. From personalized care to long-term results, we’re proud to be your family’s trusted partner in orthodontics – today, tomorrow, and for years to come.