Retainer Care Guide
Keep your smile protected and preserve your results for the long run.
Why Are Retainers So Important?
Once your braces come off, your teeth naturally try to drift back toward where they started, which is completely expected. Retainers keep everything in its new, polished position while the surrounding bone and tissues adjust and become stable.
Think of your retainer the same way you’d think about healthy habits after reaching a fitness goal. You’ve put in so much effort to achieve your new smile, and wearing your retainer is what keeps those results lasting for life.
Remember: Wearing your retainer as directed is essential if you want to keep your smile looking the way it does now. The number one regret people share after orthodontic treatment is not sticking to their retainer routine.
Types of Retainers
We’ll recommend the best retainer type for your needs
Hawley Retainers
Benefits:
Care: Clean daily with toothbrush and mild soap, soak weekly
Clear Retainers
Benefits:
Fixed Retainers
Benefits:
Retainer Wear Schedule
Immediately After Braces
Duration:
First 3-6 months
Schedule:
Full-time (22-24 hours per day)
Clean daily with toothbrush and mild soap, soak weekly
Transition Phase
Duration:
Schedule:
Long-Term Retention
Duration:
Schedule:
Types of Retainers
We’ll recommend the best retainer type for your needs
Daily Cleaning
Daily Cleaning
Storage
Types of Retainers
We’ll recommend the best retainer type for your needs
Do’s
Don’ts
Lost or Broken Retainer?
Don’t stress, but do reach out right away. Even a short break from wearing your retainer can lead to unwanted shifting. Contact our office as soon as you can, and we’ll set up a visit to take new impressions and get a replacement retainer made for you quickly.
Replacement retainers come with an added cost, which makes it essential to care for them properly and store them in their case whenever they’re not in your mouth.