When To Replace Your Retainers

Learn about the importance of retainer use and replacement here

A retainer helps you maintain the straight, healthy smile you’ve worked so hard for. But, just like your aligners, your retainer should be cared for properly to ensure maximum efficiency. With proper care, retainers should serve you well for about 18 months. Then it’s time for a replacement.

Keep reading this blog post to get a better idea of when to replace your retainer and how to make the process as easy as possible with help from Adirondack Orthodontics.

Why should I wear my retainer?

Following our instructions for wearing your retainer will help you maintain the position of your teeth. If you don’t, you may need to get new scans for a replacement retainer (which involves a rescan fee). Adhere to the proper protocol for your retainer, and replacement retainers can be shipped directly to your home, no office visit required!

What should I do if my retainer cracks?

A cracked retainer is one circumstance that will require replacement before the 18 months is up. Cracked retainers are dangerous and ineffective, potentially causing damage to your mouth, gums, and teeth. If this happens to you, contact us immediately for a replacement.

How can I tell if bacteria has built up on my retainer?

Proper care should keep your retainer clean and bacteria-free. But if cleaning has slipped your mind a few too many times, keep an eye out for signs of concern. Food remnants, bacteria, and plaque can visibly build up on your retainer, causing discoloration and an unpleasant odor. If your retainer has seen better days, you should replace it to keep your mouth healthy.

How can I make sure I remember to replace my retainer?

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we know how time can get away from you. That’s why we have a solution that will keep you in high-quality retainers designed to help you maintain your smile: the Smile Protection Program. After enrollment, each retainer will cost $35 per arch, saving you $150 per piece. Retainers are shipped directly to your home with no effort on your part.

Save money and get the retainers you need by taking part in this program!

Learn More About Our Program

Whether you need to replace a broken retainer or you want to sign up for the Smile Protection Program, we welcome you to give us a call. We will help you achieve and maintain the smile of your dreams!

The Importance of Retainers: Maintaining Your Smile After Braces or Invisalign

Learn how retainers maintain your smile long after orthodontic treatment

Congratulations! You’ve finally completed your journey with braces or Invisalign, and your smile is now beautifully aligned. It’s an exciting moment, one that marks the end of a transformative process. However, before you embark on this new chapter of life with your straightened teeth, there’s one crucial step you mustn’t overlook: wearing your retainers.

Retainers are often an afterthought, seen as a minor inconvenience after the main treatment. Yet, they help ensure your teeth maintain their new alignment over the long term. In this blog post, we’ll explore why retainers are so important and how they contribute to the lasting success of your orthodontic treatment.

What Is a Retainer?

A retainer is a dental appliance that’s customized to fit your mouth perfectly to keep your teeth in the correct positions. Once your treatment is finished, we will take a scan of your teeth to create your custom retainer. To maintain the smile that you worked so hard to achieve, you should wear your retainer each night. All retainers need to be replaced eventually, usually every 18 months.

Why Do I Need a Retainer?

Undergoing orthodontic treatment is a significant investment, both in terms of time and money. Whether you opted for traditional braces or Invisalign, you’ve dedicated months, or even years, to achieving a straighter smile. Retainers are the key to safeguarding this investment.

Our teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original positions. This is due to the constant pressure exerted by the lips, tongue, and facial muscles. Retainers help counteract this force by holding your teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissue stabilize.

In addition to preserving the alignment of your teeth, retainers also contribute to your overall oral health. When your teeth are properly aligned, it’s easier to practice positive oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing.

What Types of Retainers Are Available?

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we offer two types of retainers. One is made of metal with a colorful bite plate and is worn at night (the Hawley retainer), while the other is glued to the back of your teeth to be worn all the time (the lingual retainer). Both can be part of preserving your smile, but we strongly suggest a nightly retainer for all patients.

What Is the Smile Protection Program?

While your first set of retainers will be included in your treatment, we understand that it can be easy to forget to replace your retainer as often as you should. Our Smile Protection Program makes it easy to protect your teeth for life without breaking the bank. Enroll in this program, and replacement retainers will cost $35 per arch and will be shipped directly to your home. The only thing you’ll need to focus on is enjoying your healthy, perfect smile!

Protect Your Smile with a Retainer

When you undergo orthodontic treatment with us, a retainer is automatically part of the process. So, if you’d like to get your teeth properly aligned and keep them that way, turn to us! We proudly serve patients throughout Clifton Park, Albany, Latham, East Greenbush, Schenectady, and Glens Falls. We would be happy to provide you with a free initial consultation and tell you more about how we can help you achieve and keep your best smile. Schedule your first appointment today to get started!