WE GIVE A HOOT ABOUT YOUR SMILE!
Retainers Keep Your Smile Where It Belongs
THE RULES
- The next 12 months are a supervised “retention” phase, where your teeth stabilize and settle into their new positions. This phase—and your initial retainers—is included in your treatment.
- After that, you’ll “graduate” from being supervised, but retainers remain essential.
- Wear your retainers every night, forever
- Teeth will shift if you don’t
- Significant movement may require additional treatment
If your retainer is lost, damaged, or needs adjustment, contact our office.
REPLACEMENT & REPAIRS
- The sooner you replace it, the easier it is to maintain your smile..
Click below to call or text one of our 2 convenient office locations if you need a replacement.
THE WHY
Why You Need a Retainer?
Teeth naturally shift over time. Without a retainer, your smile can move
back—sometimes quickly. Retainers hold everything in place, so the time, effort, and investment in treatment aren’t lost. Even a short break from wearing your retainer can lead to movement. The longer you go without it, the harder it is to correct.
- • Prevent teeth from shifting (because they can shift quickly)
- • Protect your orthodontic investment
- • Maintain long-term function and alignment
- • Retainers are far easier than starting over
USING A RETAINER
STOPPED USING RETAINER
THE WHAT
Types of Retainers
LOWER FIXED RETAINER (BONDED/GLUED)
TRADITIONAL RETAINER (REMOVEABLE)
CLEAR RETAINER (REMOVEABLE)
KEEP ‘EM CLEAN & SAFE
Caring for Your Retainers
Daily Care
- Clean daily with a soft brush
- Dry before storing
- Do not soak in mouthwash
Avoid Damage
- Keep away from heat (no hot water, cars, or dishwashers)
- Remove when eating or brushing
Storage Habits
- Always store in your case when not in use
- Never wrap in napkins or leave on trays (easy to throw away)
- Keep away from pets
When To Call Us
- If it feels loose, doesn’t fit, or breaks
- Do not try to fix it yourself
Long-Term
- Retainers wear out over time and need to be replaced
- Consistent wear is the key to keeping your smile straight
FOR BONDED RETAINERS
Flossing With A Retainer
Take out any removable retainers
Using a Floss Threader, thread floss through at the gums below the retainer and pull halfway through
Gently work the floss up and down the sides of your teeth and under the gum line
Repeat between each tooth and rinse thoroughly
Using a Floss Threader, thread floss through at the gums below the retainer and pull halfway through
Gently work the floss up and down the sides of your teeth and under the gum line
Repeat between each tooth and rinse thoroughly
HOPE THESE HELP
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any foods I shouldn’t eat when wearing my retainer?
Please be careful when biting into carrots and apples.
How can I clean and care for my retainer?
Rinse after wear and give it a gentle brush with cool water and a soft toothbrush. Safe cleaners are mild, non-abrasive options only. Skip whitening toothpaste, alcohol-based rinses, or harsh chemicals that can scratch or cloud. Make sure you wipe it dry with a clean towel before storing your retainer.
A few other quick tips: If it’s not in your mouth, it’s in its case—not a pocket, backpack, or napkin. Cases protect against drops, bends, and “accidental tosses.” Avoid heat. Hot water, car dashboards, and dishwashers can warp retainers. Keep it cool to keep the fit. Pets love to chew retainers—stash the case high and closed.
My glued bottom retainer came loose. What should I do?
If a glued retainer comes loose, please let us know as soon as possible. Do not throw it away! Bring it to your appointment to have it re-attached. Otherwise there will be a lab fee to remake it.
What’s the most common retainer that you recommend?
How long do I have to wear my retainer?
What if my retainer feels tight?
Do retainers hurt?
Can I get a replacement?
DON’T WING IT
Take Off on Your Smile Journey
No pressure. We’ll walk you through your options,
so you can confidently move forward with a plan
designed for your smile.
