Orthodontic Retention

Why Retention is Important

Once your braces come off or your Invisalign treatment ends, you still have to maintain your smile. Left to themselves, your teeth will gradually move and shift into other positions. As a result, all of the hard work you put into straightening your teeth could fade away over time.

To prevent that, we prescribe retainers and recommend that all patients use them at the close of their orthodontic treatment. Your retainer plays a vital role in ensuring that the beautiful results you see at the end of your treatment last a lifetime.

We offer both removable and permanent retainers to our patients. We’ll figure out what’s best for you based on your needs, teeth, and lifestyle. And we’re always here to help if something goes wrong with your retainer.

Permanent Retainers

Glued, Wire Retainers

This is a semi-permanent type of retainer. We will put a metal band on the back of your teeth and glue it into place.

How to Care for Wire Retainers

  • Keep the area around the retainer as clean as possible.
  • Schedule appointments with us every 6 to 12 months for professional cleanings and checkups.
  • If you feel that any of the glue has come off, see us as quickly as possible.

Removable Retainers

Clear Transparent Plastic Retainers

Clear plastic retainers are custom-made and molded to your teeth. They are nearly invisible and can be worn comfortably for a lifetime.

How Long You Should Wear Plastic Retainers
For the first week, you should wear your retainer at all times, removing it only to eat, drink, brush your teeth, and play contact sports. After the first week, you can switch to wearing your retainer only at night for a period of 2 years. Once the 2 years are up, you should wear your retainer every other night indefinitely.

How to Care for Plastic Retainers

  • Always remove your retainer from the sides, not the front.
  • Clean your retainer using a mild soap, not mouthwash or toothpaste.
  • You can also clean the retainer by soaking it in a mix of water and Listerine (half and half) for 1 hour.
  • You can use denture tablets to clean your retainer, but only with cold water.
  • Do not bend or squeeze your retainer. This can cause cracking and breaking.

Plastic and Metal Wire Retainers

Custom-Made Retainers

Plastic and metal retainers are custom-made. While they are easily visible, they are also comfortable to wear and can be used for a lifetime.

How Long You Should Wear Plastic and Metal Wire Retainers
For the first 3 to 6 months, you should wear this retainer at all times, only removing it to eat, drink, brush and floss, and play contact sports. After 6 months of full-time wear, you can wear the retainer every other night as long as possible.

How to Care for Plastic and Metal Wire Retainers

  • Always remove your retainer from the sides, not the front.
  • Clean your retainer using a mild soap.
  • You can also clean the retainer by soaking it in a mix of water and Listerine (half and half) for 1 hour.
  • You can use denture tablets to clean your retainer.
  • No matter what cleaning method you choose, use only cold water.

Retainers for Life Program

We know that life happens. Retainers get lost and broken, but if they do, we’re here for you. Even if it has been years since you last saw us, we can replace or repair your retainer. No matter how long it’s been, you will never pay full price for a retainer again!

Because we want everyone to enjoy straight teeth for a lifetime, we’re also happy to work with patients who did not have their original work done by us. Please contact us for more details.

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