Retainers
Beautiful smiles deserve ongoing support.
Retainers help you protect the smile you worked so hard to achieve.
After treatment with braces or clear aligners, you’ll start wearing your custom retainers to lock in your results for life.
What does a retainer do?
Your retainer plays the key role of holding your teeth in their new positions to prevent them from ‘relapsing’. When your braces are removed, or you take your clear aligners out for the last time, your teeth are susceptible to ‘orthodontic relapse’ (reverting back to their original, pre-treatment positions.)
Your new smile requires a period of consistent retention to help it settle and stay right where it belongs.
How long will I wear a retainer after braces or clear aligners?
After active treatment, it’s best to wear your retainer every night, indefinitely! ‘Night time for a lifetime’, as we say.
This is how you’ll maintain the best results, because teeth have a tendency to shift throughout life. Wearing your retainer each night will prevent that from happening.
How much do retainers cost?
Your initial set of retainers is included in your treatment cost.
However, in the event that you lose or break your retainer, there will be a replacement fee.
You will also be given an opportunity to purchase a Lifetime Retainer Plan that will help reduce the cost of retainer replacements over time.
If you lose or damage your retainer, please let us know immediately. We want you to have a new retainer as soon as possible to prevent your teeth from shifting out of place and jeopardizing your hard work.
Types of Retainers
We offer two different types of retainers: removable retainers and fixed (permanent) retainers.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers are custom-made to fit your smile, and can be taken out during the day. We offer both clear retainers (crafted in-house using advanced 3D printing) and traditional Hawley retainers, giving you options based on comfort, durability, and long-term needs.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed, or permanent, retainers are bonded (glued) to your teeth and designed to stay in place for years to come. These retainers include a small metal wire, custom-designed to fit behind the teeth. They’re generally bonded to the back surface of the bottom teeth, but can also be used behind the top teeth, depending on your case.
Retainer Do’s and Don’ts
Do
- Do put your retainer in your retainer case every time you remove it from your mouth.
- Do clean your retainer every time you brush your teeth. You can use a mild dish soap and an extra soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your retainer.
- Do clean your retainer case regularly. You want your clean retainer to be placed back in a clean carrying case every time. You can use a mild soap and lukewarm water to wash your retainer case daily, or at least a few times a week.
- Do soak your retainer in a retainer cleaning solution (like Retainer Brite) to disinfect your retainer a few times a week.
- Do clean your retainer before and after placing it in the mouth. Because the material used for fabrication is slightly porous, plaque tends to cling to the surfaces. Be sure to rinse the retainers thoroughly after cleaning to remove any cleanser or soap residue.
Do Not
- Do not expose your retainers to heat! Your retainer can melt or warp and become ineffective, so it’s important that you do not put them in the dishwasher, use hot water on them, or leave them in your car.
- Do not leave your retainer around your pets. You don’t want to find out how much they love chewing retainers!
Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers
How much do retainers cost?
The cost of a retainer depends on the type you need and whether it is a new retainer or a replacement. During your visit, I’ll evaluate your smile and recommend the option that best fits your needs. We’ll always explain your options and pricing upfront so you know what to expect.
Do I have to wear my retainer forever?
Yes, I recommend thinking of retention as a long-term part of orthodontic care. Your teeth can naturally shift over time, even years after braces or Invisalign®. Wearing your retainer as directed helps maintain the alignment we worked together to achieve. Your specific wear schedule may change over time, but consistent retainer use is the best way to protect your smile.
What happens if my teeth have shifted since I stopped wearing my retainer?
The next step is to have your teeth evaluated. If the shifting is minor, a new retainer may be enough to help maintain or restore your alignment. If your teeth have moved more significantly, we may recommend a short course of orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign®, to get your smile back where you want it.
What should I do if my retainer no longer fits?
Don’t force a retainer that feels too tight or doesn’t fit properly. A retainer that no longer fits can be a sign that your teeth have shifted. I recommend scheduling an appointment so I can evaluate your teeth and determine whether you need a new retainer or additional orthodontic treatment.
Can I get a replacement retainer if I lost or broke mine?
Absolutely. Retainers can be lost, damaged, or worn out over time, and replacing one promptly can help prevent unwanted tooth movement. Contact our office as soon as possible, and we can determine what type of replacement you need and whether we have the records necessary to make your new retainer.
Can a retainer straighten my teeth again?
A retainer is designed to maintain your teeth in their current position, not to make significant corrections. If your teeth have shifted slightly, a retainer may sometimes help with very minor movement, but it isn’t a substitute for orthodontic treatment. I’ll evaluate your smile and let you know whether a new retainer or treatment such as Invisalign® would be the better option.
What should I do if I haven't worn my retainer in months or years?
You’re not alone, and there’s no need to feel embarrassed. The best thing to do is schedule an evaluation rather than trying to force your old retainer back into place. I can check whether your teeth have shifted and determine whether a new retainer is appropriate or whether a small amount of orthodontic treatment is needed to realign your smile.
Lead with a smile.
We’ll make the next steps easy.
Book a complimentary consultation at our Rock Hill orthodontic office, or start with a virtual consult from home first.