Retainers: What to Expect

Patient Education
What to Expect With Your Retainer
Did you just get your braces taken off? If so, congratulations! We are so excited for you! You’re probably aware that after you finish braces or aligners, the next stop in your orthodontic treatment is a retainer. Retainers are a crucial part of orthodontic treatment because they ensure your teeth maintain their new, ideal position and prevent any shifting.
After we remove your braces or clear aligners, our team will take a scan of your new smile to create a retainer custom-made to your teeth. Retainers are crucial for ensuring that your teeth stay in their ideal position after completing orthodontic treatment. If you don’t wear your retainers, your teeth are likely to move, which may require further orthodontic treatment to recover their positions. Please use this FAQ page to provide you with all the information you need to keep your new smile healthy and beautiful for years to come!
About Your Retainer
How to Care for Your Retainer at Home
Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers
Retainers are removable appliances provided after your orthodontic treatment is complete to maintain tooth positions.
If you don’t wear your retainers, your teeth will start to shift back into their original position, undoing all the work of your orthodontic treatment.
Retainers prescription:
- 1 month of full-time wear – all the time except when eating or drinking anything but water. Brush teeth and retainers after eating prior to placing them back in the mouth.
- After one-month, retainers are to be worn every night while sleeping (8 hours) for 1 year. Clean retainers in the morning upon waking.
Clean retainers with cool water and toothbrush and toothpaste.
If you misplace or break your retainer, call the office as soon as possible to see about remaking/repairing the retainer.
Your First Appointment is On Us
Are you ready to start your journey to a new smile? Schedule your free consultation with us today! You will be on your way to a new smile in no time.