Do I Need a Retainer After Jaw Surgery?
Retainers are important after orthodontic treatment. Here is what you need to know after jaw surgery.
Yes β you will need to wear a retainer after your braces come off, just like anyone who completes orthodontic treatment. The timeline and type may be a bit different.
- When the retainer is made:
- After your braces are removed (typically 4β6 months post-surgery)
- Impressions or 3D scans are taken of your teeth
- A custom retainer is fabricated
- Types of retainers:
- Clear plastic retainer (Essix) β removable, nearly invisible, common for upper jaw
- Fixed wire retainer (bonded) β a thin wire glued behind your front teeth, stays in place 24/7
- Combination β both types may be used
- How long to wear it:
- Full-time (except eating and brushing) for 4β6 months
- Nighttime only for 1β2 years
- Long-term: a few nights per week indefinitely
- Why retainers matter after jaw surgery:
- Your teeth have been moved extensively
- The bone and soft tissues need time to stabilize
- Without a retainer, teeth can shift (relapse)
- The retention phase is critical after orthognathic surgery
Clinical Guidance
You will need a retainer after jaw surgery to prevent your teeth from shifting. The retention period is especially important because your teeth and bone have been through significant changes. Plan on wearing a retainer nightly for at least 1β2 years.