Retainers

What Are Retainers?

Retainers are custom-made appliances that hold your teeth in their new, corrected positions after we remove your braces or your clear aligner treatment ends. They come in various types, including removable and fixed options. Think of them as the final step in your orthodontic treatment, ensuring your beautiful smile lasts a lifetime.

Types of Retainers

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers are designed to be taken out when needed, such as when eating, brushing your teeth, or cleaning the retainer itself. They can be made from a clear material or feature a small acrylic plate with metal parts that fit comfortably around your teeth.  

Fixed Retainers

Fixed or permanent retainers are a more permanent solution, bonded directly behind your teeth. A thin metal wire keeps your teeth in place without the need for removal. While they’re often used on the lower teeth, they can also be placed on the upper teeth if necessary.

Pros And Cons

Retainer Dos and Don’ts

Do

• Do put your retainer in your case every time you remove it from your mouth. As Dr. Dyer says, it should either be in your case, or in your face!
• Do clean your retainer after you brush your teeth using mild dish soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Do wash your retainer case a few times a week with mild soap and lukewarm water.
• Do disinfect your retainer with a retainer cleaning solution at least twice a week.
• Do clean your retainer before and after each use to remove plaque and buildup, and rinse it thoroughly to remove any soap or cleanser residue.

Don’t

• Don’t expose your retainer to heat, as it can warp and become ineffective. Never put it in the dishwasher, hot water, or leave it in your car.
• Don’t leave your retainer within reach of pets —they might mistake it for a chew toy!