How do retainers work?
Retainers help teeth stay in position after Invisalign or braces treatment. The retainer helps keep teeth steady while the bones, muscles, and gums adapt to new positions.
What Are Retainers?
A retainer is an appliance that helps to finalize tooth positions after orthodontic treatment. Wearing a retainer as prescribed after treatment with braces or Invisalign® ends is an essential step in your orthodontic treatment.
Retainers consist of a resin plate covering most of the palate and metal supports attaching to your teeth. Retainers are usually removable.
Benefits of Retainers
- Express Yourself. Children and teens often enjoy selecting the resin color for their retainer. You can mix or match it with your preferred style.
- Keep Your Results. Without a retainer, you will likely lose the progress you have worked hard to achieve and forfeit your investment in orthodontic care.
- Maintain Better Oral Health. If you continue to wear your retainer, your teeth will stay straight. It will be easier to brush and floss them, and you will experience better oral health with a lower chance of tooth decay and gum disease.
We provide all levels of orthodontic care, from braces and Invisalign to functional appliances and surgery. Dr. Ritu Singh, a board-certified orthodontist, leads our practice with caring and expertise. We have flexible hours Monday through Saturday.
Procedures Offered
Clear Retainers
Clear retainers are the most discreet option. They are often a good choice for patients who do not want to draw undue attention to their orthodontic care.
Colored Retainers
A colored retainer can motivate a child or teen to wear it. When young patients know they have selected their retainer's style, they will be more likely to comply with treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers
How do I care for my retainer?
- Clean the retainer regularly using toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
- Soak it in tablet form with a retainer cleaner.
- Do not rinse it under hot water or run it through the dishwasher, or the plastic will warp and melt
- Keep your retainer away from pets who may chew on it
- Put your retainer on and take it off carefully
- If your retainer does not fit properly or becomes worn, bring it back to have it replaced
Can I take it out when I eat and drink?
Your retainer should come out when you eat and drink anything but water. Be sure to brush your teeth and rinse your retainer in cool water before replacing it in your mouth.
Do I have to wear it when I sleep?
Retainers are highly effective when worn during sleep. Since sleep makes up about a third of your day, wearing your retainer at night helps you stay consistent.
How long do I have to wear my retainer?
Today, orthodontists often recommend that you continue to wear a retainer as long as you want to keep your results.
Call Advanced Orthodontics
If you have questions about your retainer, please call our office at
. We can explain why your retainer is crucial to your treatment and tell you the best way to wear it.