Orthodontic Retention

You’ve Earned Your Beautiful Smile — Now Keep It!

Your braces are off, and your smile looks amazing — straight, confident, and metal-free! But your orthodontic journey isn’t quite finished yet. To maintain your new smile, wearing a retainer is essential. Retainers help stabilize your teeth and prevent unwanted shifting while the gums, bone, and muscles adjust to their new positions.

Types of Retainers

Custom-made retainers are removable and come in two popular styles:

Traditional (Hawley) Retainers
These have a metal wire that wraps around your front teeth, attached to an acrylic arch resting against the roof of your mouth. These retainers can be adjusted as primary teeth exfoliate and permanent teeth erupt.
Clear Retainers
These look like clear aligners and are a more discreet option. They cover all your teeth to maintain their positions.

Retainer Care & Wear Tips

Wear your retainer as directed — usually 16 hours per day initially, then gradually reducing to just while sleeping.
Remove your retainer when eating or drinking anything other than water to avoid damage or staining.
Clean your retainer daily by gently brushing it with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic.
Store your retainer in its case whenever you’re not wearing it to prevent loss or damage.
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or toothpaste when cleaning, as these can damage your retainer.

Wearing and caring for your retainer properly is the best way to protect your beautiful smile for years to come. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to help!