I just found out that my 12-year-old son needs a retainer. He's already had braces for the past year and a half. Is this added expense and equipment really necessary?
– Cheryl

Most people who have braces have to wear a retainer for at least a little while after getting their braces off. The most common reason is to help the teeth stay in place. It's important for your child to wear the retainer because after the braces are removed, the teeth can shift (shift occurs even after growth is done, like in teens and adults with braces).

Discuss any concerns with your orthodontist. It might be that a retainer is an option you can forgo, but if the orthodontist feels it's needed, you might want to make the investment.

For more information, check out these articles:

Keeping Your Child's Teeth Healthy
Mouth and Teeth
Why Are Rubber Bands Sometimes Used With Braces?

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: October 2006
Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD

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