Retainers are crucial for maintaining your beautiful, straight smile after orthodontic treatment. Wearing them as instructed will protect the time and effort you’ve put into your orthodontic journey, ensuring your smile remains stunning for years to come.
Protect your beautiful smile safely without delay! With same-day retainer fabrication, you’ll receive your custom retainer shortly after removing your braces or aligners, ensuring your teeth stay perfectly aligned. After your braces are taken off, make sure to follow these guidelines to maximize the long-term benefits of your treatment.
The Importance of Retainer Wear After Braces
After your active orthodontic appliances are removed, Drs. Bruce and. Brad Evans, and our team will provide you with retainers to help maintain your new smile. In the months following treatment, the bones and soft tissues around your teeth are still stabilizing, making it crucial to wear your retainers as instructed to prevent unwanted shifting.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
Removable Retainers
Teeth can continue to shift slightly throughout life, which is why consistent retainer wear is recommended for the long term. For the first year post-treatment:
- Wear your retainers as much as possible to maintain your new smile. After this initial period, wearing them at night is often sufficient.
This approach helps preserve your results even as your wisdom teeth develop. Our doctors will check on your progress every 6–9 months and take an X-ray every 18 months to monitor your wisdom teeth. Once they’ve been assessed, you can reduce wear to once a week, helping to counteract the natural tightening of muscles around your teeth that can lead to crowding as you age.
Once your wisdom teeth are assessed, you can reduce wear to once a week, helping to counteract the natural tightening of muscles around your teeth that can lead to crowding as you age.
Clear Retainer
The clear retainer is our most popular option, made from transparent plastic for a discreet and comfortable fit. It helps maintain your smile with a nearly invisible appearance, making it ideal for most patients.
Hawley Retainer
Although clear retainers are our primary choice, a Hawley retainer may be utilized in specific cases. Constructed from acrylic and stainless steel, it offers additional retention when necessary for particular situations.
Care Instructions for Removable Retainers
- Daily Cleaning
Clean your retainers before and after wearing by brushing gently with a mild soap and toothbrush. The material of retainers can be porous, so plaque can build up. You may also use a denture cleaner like Efferdent to prevent plaque and tartar. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after each cleaning. - Avoid Heat Exposure
Keep retainers away from high heat to prevent warping. Avoid leaving them near heaters, in the dishwasher, on car dashboards, or in any area where temperatures exceed 115°F. - Storage and Safety
Place your retainers in their designated case when not in use. Avoid leaving them where pets might reach them, as animals are known to chew on retainers. - Replacement and Maintenance
Retainers are designed for long-term wear and may need replacement over time. Your initial treatment includes one set of retainers, but replacements for lost or damaged retainers due to neglect may incur an additional fee. If you notice any damage or if your retainer becomes loose, contact our office for a replacement.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
A fixed retainer is attached to the back of the teeth and can stay in place indefinitely unless your dentist identifies that it is causing gum or bone problems. If such issues arise, the fixed wire can be removed, and a removable retainer can be prescribed.
This permanent wire helps keep your teeth aligned over time, especially as facial muscles tighten with age. Be sure to have your dentist check it during your routine six-month dental checkups.
