Retainers
Protect the Smile You Worked For
Finishing braces or clear aligner treatment is a big milestone, but keeping your smile beautifully aligned takes continued care.
Your retainers help hold your teeth in their new positions while your smile settles after treatment. Wearing them as directed is one of the most important things you can do to protect your results for the long term.
We’re Still Here for Your Smile
At Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics, our care doesn’t end when active treatment does.
We’ll make sure you know how to wear and care for your retainers, continue monitoring your results, and see you for a 12-month retainer check to make sure your smile is staying healthy and stable.
What does a retainer do?
Your teeth can still shift after orthodontic treatment is complete.
Retainers hold your teeth in their new positions and help maintain the alignment created during braces or clear aligner treatment.
Consistent retainer wear is one of the most important things you can do to protect your new smile for the long term.
How long will I need to wear my retainer after braces or clear aligners?
To protect your new smile, it’s best to wear your retainers full-time for the first six weeks after treatment.
Once that period is complete, you can transition to nighttime wear only.
Making your retainer part of your nightly routine is one of the easiest ways to preserve the results you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Types of Retainers
There are two primary types of retainers: removable retainers and fixed retainers.
Depending on your smile and treatment goals, our doctors may recommend one option or a combination of both to help keep your teeth beautifully aligned for the long term.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers are made from clear, durable plastic and custom-designed to fit your teeth.
Similar to Invisalign aligners, these retainers can be easily removed for eating, brushing, and cleaning.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers, sometimes called permanent retainers, are thin wires bonded behind the teeth.
They remain in place continuously and are most commonly used behind the lower front teeth.
What happens If I lose my retainer?
If your retainer becomes lost, damaged, or no longer fits properly, contact our office as soon as possible.
Even a short period without your retainer can allow teeth to begin shifting. Replacing it quickly helps preserve your results and may prevent the need for additional treatment in the future.
How to Clean Your Retainers
A little daily care goes a long way toward keeping your retainers clean, clear, and comfortable to wear.
- Rinse your retainers whenever you remove them.
- Brush them daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap.
- Use lukewarm water only. Hot water can warp the plastic.
- Soak them regularly in a retainer-cleaning solution to keep them fresh.
- Store them in their case whenever they’re not in your mouth.
Keeping your retainers clean not only helps them last longer, but also helps maintain good oral hygiene.
Retainer Care Tips
Do’s:
- Wear your retainers exactly as instructed.
- Store them in their case whenever they’re not in your mouth.
- Clean your retainers regularly to keep them fresh and clear.
- Bring your retainers to your orthodontic appointments if requested.
- Contact our office if your retainers become damaged or stop fitting properly.
Don’ts:
- Don’t expose your retainers to heat, including hot water, dishwashers, or a hot car.
- Don’t wrap your retainers in a napkin while eating, as they’re easy to accidentally throw away.
- Don’t use harsh cleaners, bleach, or toothpaste, which can damage the material.
- Don’t leave your retainers where pets can reach them. You don’t want to find out how much they love retainers!
Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers
How long do I have to wear a retainer after braces?
Retainer wear is an important part of protecting your results after braces.
At Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics, we typically recommend wearing your retainers full-time for the first six weeks after treatment before transitioning to nighttime wear.
Following Dr. Curtis’s instructions consistently helps keep your teeth in their new positions and protect your smile long-term.
Do I have to wear my retainer forever?
Teeth can continue to shift throughout your lifetime, even years after orthodontic treatment is complete.
Continuing to wear your retainer as directed is the best way to maintain your alignment and protect the smile you worked hard to achieve. Dr. Curtis will give you personalized instructions for how often to wear your retainer based on your smile and treatment.
What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?
If you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth may gradually begin shifting out of their corrected positions.
The amount of movement can vary from person to person. If your retainer no longer fits or you’ve gone without wearing it for a while, contact us before trying to force it into place.
What should I do if my retainer no longer fits?
If your retainer feels unusually tight, doesn’t fit completely over your teeth, or has become uncomfortable to wear, contact our Fort Walton Beach orthodontic office.
Your teeth may have shifted, or the retainer itself may have become damaged or distorted. We’ll help determine what has changed and what you should do next.
How often should I replace my retainer?
There’s no single replacement schedule that applies to everyone.
Retainers can wear down, crack, become distorted, or stop fitting properly over time. Check your retainer regularly and contact our team if you notice changes in its fit or condition.
Can I clean my retainer with toothpaste?
We don’t recommend using toothpaste on clear retainers because many toothpastes are abrasive and can scratch the material.
Instead, gently clean your retainer with a soft toothbrush and mild soap using lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, bleach, and other harsh cleaners that could damage your retainer.
How Can We Make You Smile?
We’d love to meet you, hear your story, and help you achieve a smile you’ll love.
Schedule your complimentary consultation with our Fort Walton Beach orthodontic office and let us show you how we can make you smile.