- Categories:
- Health
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- AwarenessInternational
- Where:
- International
- Date change rule:
- Every July 19
- Holiday emoji:
- 🦷
International Retainer Day champions the commitment to a beautiful smile every July 19. This day highlights the critical role retainers play in preserving orthodontic results, preventing teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Commit to your smile by consistently wearing your retainer, share your success story, and spread awareness about post-orthodontic care.
Want to sponsor International Retainer Day? Learn how
Expected International Retainer Day Deals
While International Retainer Day doesn’t typically feature widespread commercial sales, dental and orthodontic practices often use the occasion to highlight the importance of post-treatment care. Look for free consultations on retainer issues, educational webinars from organizations like the American Association of Orthodontists, and special offers on retainer cleaning supplies from brands like Retainer Brite or Philips Sonicare. Some local orthodontists may also run ‘retainer check’ campaigns or offer discounts on replacement retainers. We will update this page with confirmed live programs as July 19 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Retainer Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalRetainerDay. Share before-and-after photos of your smile journey or quick tips for retainer care.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalRetainerDay. Post a poll asking about people’s retainer habits or share an educational infographic.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalRetainerDay. Film a short video demonstrating your retainer routine or debunking common retainer myths.
International Retainer Day Hero
Edward Angle
History of International Retainer Day
Eons ago, the causes of dental problems weren’t well understood. In 5000 B.C., a Sumerian text described tooth worms as causing dental decay, and this idea wasn’t proven false until the 1700s.
Humans have been dealing with tooth pain and rearranging teeth for over 2,000 years. On mummified remains dating back to the Egyptian empire, archaeologists have found devices designed to treat ‘malocclusion’ — abnormal alignment of the teeth and jaw. Crude metal implements have been discovered wrapped around teeth. Pierre Fauchard came to be known as the ‘Father of Modern Dentistry’ thanks to his invention of modern braces. His device used string and flat strips of metal to draw the teeth together.
Despite its crudeness, this equipment was more akin to the retainers used in modern orthodontics. Individual connectors on each tooth were employed in Fauchard’s braces, allowing for more precise adjustment. Since then, orthodontics has evolved to provide more pleasant treatments, such as the inclusion of wiring and rubber bands in the mid-19th century.
Dr. Charles Hawley invented the adjustable retainer that allows for corrections by the orthodontist. It remains one of the most well-known methods for protecting the alignment of teeth.
The Essix retainer invented by John Sheridan in 1993 is becoming increasingly popular. This model of retainer allows for maintenance of teeth alignment while being significantly less obtrusive compared to the Hawley one. It’s made from thin, clear P.V.C. material, making it less noticeable on the wearer. Users can also wear these retainers without impacting their speech or obscuring their smiles.
Today, dental patients have a variety of options to suit their preferences. Now that’s something to smile about!
International Retainer Day timeline
One of the oldest medical professions begins in the Indus Valley Civilization.
The first book entirely devoted to dentistry — “The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth” — is published.
The first dental X-ray is used.
Rolph Behrens, an orthodontist, publishes a paper called "Growth in the Aging Craniofacial Skeleton" that definitively shows that faces continue to grow for life, thus making a case for retainers to be worn for life.
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Retainer Day
Local dental and orthodontic practices can leverage International Retainer Day to educate their communities. Offer free ‘retainer check-ups’ or consultations for patients concerned about their post-treatment stability. Host a social media campaign with tips for proper retainer care, or partner with local schools to give presentations on oral health. Consider offering special discounts on retainer cleaning products or replacement retainers to encourage consistent use and maintenance.
International Retainer Day FAQs
When is International Retainer Day?
International Retainer Day 2026 falls on Sunday, July 19. It’s a perfect weekend reminder to commit to your smile’s long-term health.
How many people wear retainers?
Millions of people worldwide have undergone orthodontic treatment, and a significant percentage of them are advised to wear retainers to maintain their results. In the U.S. alone, approximately 4 million people wear braces or aligners annually, with retainers being a crucial follow-up step.
Why are retainers important after braces?
Retainers are critically important because teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original positions after orthodontic treatment, a phenomenon known as ‘relapse.’ Wearing a retainer consistently prevents this movement, preserving your straight smile.
What happens if you don't wear your retainer?
If you don’t wear your retainer as prescribed, your teeth will almost certainly begin to shift. This can lead to crowding, spacing issues, or a return to the original malocclusion, often necessitating additional orthodontic intervention to correct.
How to Observe International Retainer Day
Smile and share
Share your #InternationalRetainerDay smile on social media. Post photos and videos to let people know about the importance of retainers.
Wear your retainer
This is the whole point of the holiday, so it's only proper that you wear your retainer. If it's been a long since you did, consult your dentist to see if you need a new one.
Visit the dentist
This is a day to show your teeth some extra love. Make a trip to the dentist for a checkup on those pearly whites.
5 Interesting Facts About Teeth
Changes over time
Regardless of dental treatments, human teeth tend to shift with age.
Structure of teeth
Teeth aren't firmly set in the jawbones — they're held in place by periodontal ligaments.
More than one type
There are two main types of retainers — fixed and removable.
Painful beginnings
Before anesthesia was invented, patients had to endure the raw pain of dental treatments.
No self-repair
Teeth are the only part of the human body that can't repair itself.
Why International Retainer Day is Important
Promotes good health
When talking about health, most people don't focus on teeth. International Retainer Day reminds us to check on the health of our teeth.
A day to smile more
A smile a day keeps worries at bay. On International Retainer Day we get to spread good cheer with those we come across.
There's much to learn
Tooth care has come a long way since ancient times. This day encourages us to explore these advancements and be grateful for modern dentistry.
Social Media Tips for International Retainer Day
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