Retainers
Retainers keep your smile steady after the braces come off.
Braces move the teeth. Retainers make sure they stay put. Once the wires come off or the last aligner is done, your teeth are still a little unsettled. Without something to guide them, they’ll try to shift back—slowly, stubbornly—to where they started.
That’s where a retainer comes in. It holds your new alignment in place, letting your teeth settle into their new position. Most people start out wearing one full-time, then taper off to nights only. Some wear it for months. Others need it long-term. The type, the timing, the plan—it all depends on your teeth and how likely they are to drift.
This is care that protects the results you worked for.
Retainers are simple by design, but they play a big role in protecting all the time and effort you’ve already put in. They’re most often prescribed right after orthodontic treatment, but in some cases, a retainer can be used to make minor shifts on its own—no braces required.
Your provider will recommend the best option for your case. It might be one arch (top or bottom), or both. It might be temporary or something you wear for years. Either way, it’s there to prevent relapse and hold your smile where it belongs.
It’s not one-size-fits-all. And it’s not forever.
There are a few types of retainers. Each has its pros, depending on your needs.
• Bonded retainers are permanent and sit behind the front teeth. A thin wire is cemented in place, making them ideal for people who might forget to wear a removable one.
• Hawley retainers use a plastic base and a visible wire in front. They’re durable and adjustable—good for long-term use, though a bit bulkier than other options.
• Clear plastic retainers are subtle and molded to your teeth. They’re easy to wear and nearly invisible, but they need to be replaced more often.
Most people wear their retainer day and night at first, removing it only to eat or drink anything besides water. Over time, your provider will tell you when it’s safe to scale back. Just don’t skip days on your own—teeth remember where they came from, and they’re quick to shift.
Your retainer questions, answered.
Keep Your Smile in Place with the Right Retainer.
Your teeth have worked hard to get where they are—don’t let them drift. Whether you’re finishing up orthodontic treatment or looking for long-term retention, a custom retainer will keep your smile steady. Find the right solution for your needs today.