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Retainers for Smile Maintenance
Congratulations – you've completed your active orthodontic treatment. Once we remove your braces at either our Chesley or Wallingford office, we will move into the dental retainer stage.
Maintaining your results is crucial for success. The retention phase lasts at least 24 months. Your final result depends on your retainers, so continue the effort you’ve put in.
There are a variety of retainer styles available at CDF Family Orthodontics:
- A Hawley retainer is a removable device made of metal wires and acrylic that keeps teeth in place. Custom-made from impressions, it fits snugly in the roof of the mouth and can be personalized with colors and patterns.
- Fixed retainers are permanently bonded to the inside surface of your lower front teeth, from canine to canine. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent your lower teeth from shifting over time.
- The Essix retainer is a clear, removable option that fits over your entire arch of teeth. With no metal wires, these retainers are virtually invisible, durable, and easy to wear.
Retainers are the final and important step in your orthodontic journey, and our Smile Protection Program is here to make this phase smooth and hassle-free.
Smile Protection Program
Our 7-Year Smile Protection Program makes retainer replacement simple and affordable. For a one-time enrollment fee of $785, you’ll be covered for retainer replacements for up to 7 years.
Peace of Mind for 7 Years
- $30 copay per replacement retainer
- First replacement is free within 6 months of debanding or initial delivery
- Flexible payment options available
- No stress, no surprises - just protection for your smile.
Why You Need a Retainer
There are two main reasons you need a retainer after completing active orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign, and they are closely related: stabilization and prevention.
During the active phase of your orthodontic treatment, your aligners or braces continuously work to shift your teeth, including their roots, into new positions. As the roots move, the surrounding bone must regenerate around them to securely hold them in place again.
As you can probably imagine, this process requires time. It can go on for many months after the roots have initially moved.
Preserving Your Results
Wearing a retainer stabilizes your teeth by allowing the surrounding jawbone to reform and harden around the roots. This process helps prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions, ensuring your orthodontic results last for months or years after treatment is complete.
Retainer FAQs
Read these FAQs to learn more about the basics of retainers and answers to some commonly asked questions.
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How long do I have to wear my retainer?
Retainers are a long-term commitment for orthodontic patients, ensuring your new, straighter smile stays after braces or Invisalign treatment.
You'll need to wear your retainer full-time for at least 8 weeks after your active orthodontic treatment is complete, and then nightly with your orthodontist's approval.
Even people who have never had orthodontic treatment will experience their teeth shifting over time. Orthodontic patients are even more prone to this and should wear retainers for as long as they want to maintain their straight teeth.
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How often do I have to wear my retainer?
For the first few months after wearing your retainer following active orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will instruct you to wear it 24 hours a day, every day. This is because these early months of the retention phase are when your teeth are most likely to relapse (shift back to their pre-treatment positions).
During this time, you'll remove your retainer only to eat, brush and floss your teeth, or play sports (when you'll need to wear a sports mouth guard instead).
Over time, your teeth will settle into their new positions, and the risk of relapse will decrease. When your orthodontist determines you're ready, you'll be able to wear your retainer for fewer hours each day. For many people, this means wearing their retainer only overnight.
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How often should I replace my retainer?
With a little proper care and the right use, most retainers can stay in good shape for many years. Taking the time to care for your retainer ensures it works well, allowing you to enjoy a healthy smile for years to come.
The following signs indicate that a new retainer might be in order:
Cracks or Chips
Whenever you see chips or cracks in your retainer, it's a good idea to get it replaced. These kinds of damages tend to worsen as time goes on, and they can also weaken the retainer's structure, making it less effective.
Poor Fit
Retainers are designed to be sturdy and durable, but they may start to loosen over time with wear. It's essential to replace your retainer if you notice that the fit is loose, as it will no longer effectively support your teeth at that point.
Excessive Buildup
You should clean your retainer regularly to maintain its condition. However, even with consistent cleaning, stubborn buildup can develop over time. If your retainer has buildup that cannot be removed through thorough cleaning, it needs to be replaced.
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Can I eat or drink while wearing my retainer?
Always remove your retainer when eating and also when drinking hot or highly pigmented liquids to prevent warping or staining.
It's completely okay, however, to drink water while wearing your retainer.
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How do I clean my orthodontic retainer?
Clean your retainer at least once a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild, unscented liquid soap. This helps to clear away food particles, plaque, and bacteria, keeping your retainer clean and fresh. After cleaning, rinse it with cool or room-temperature water to wash away any soap residue.
We also suggest soaking your retainer using specially made retainer cleaning tablets dissolved in water as needed. This can help loosen any stubborn buildup and leave your retainer feeling fresh.
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How do I store my retainer?
When you're not wearing or cleaning your retainer, it's important to keep it in a safe place to prevent it from getting lost or damaged. We suggest storing your retainer in the case it came with whenever it's not in your mouth.
Always remember to clean and dry your retainer and its carrying case thoroughly first, to prevent bacteria from forming.
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What happens if I forget to put my retainer in?
Wearing your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist is essential for maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment.
That said, if you occasionally forget to wear your retainer for short periods of time, you probably have nothing to worry about. Just go back to wearing it consistently as soon as you remember.
If you don't wear your retainer regularly, your teeth may shift out of place, and you may need additional orthodontic treatment to straighten them again. To prevent this, make sure to wear your retainer as instructed.