A retainer is a custom device that holds your teeth in their new positions after braces or clear aligners. Teeth naturally tend to shift over time, so wearing your retainer as directed, usually full-time at first and then at night, is what keeps your results for life.
Finishing treatment is a big milestone, but there is one more step that makes all the difference: your retainer. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift, so a retainer is what protects the investment you just made in your smile. At Sugar Creek Orthodontics, we make sure you leave with the right retainer and know exactly how to use it.
Types of Retainers
Removable retainers
The most common option, removable retainers come in two styles: a traditional Hawley retainer, made of a metal wire and acrylic, and a clear retainer that fits over your teeth much like a clear aligner. Both are taken out for eating and cleaning.
Fixed (permanent) retainers
A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth, where no one can see it. Because it stays in place, there is nothing to remember to wear, though it does call for careful flossing. Dr. Ulrich will recommend the type that best fits your smile.
How Long Will I Wear a Retainer?
At first, you will typically wear your retainer full-time for about six months, then switch to wearing it at night. To keep your teeth from shifting, we recommend nighttime wear indefinitely. It sounds like a long time, but it becomes an easy habit, and it is the single best way to keep your smile straight for good.
Caring for Your Retainer
- Keep it clean. Rinse removable retainers after each use and gently brush them; ask us about soaking solutions for a deeper clean.
- Keep it safe. Always store a removable retainer in its case, never a napkin, where it can be thrown away by mistake.
- Keep it away from heat. Hot water and hot cars can warp a retainer, so keep it cool.
- Bring it to checkups. We are happy to check the fit.
Questions About Your Retainer?
Call our Bloomington-Normal office at (309) 452-7445 or our Lincoln office at (217) 732-1073, or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a permanent and a removable retainer?
A permanent retainer is a wire bonded behind your front teeth that stays in place, while a removable retainer is taken out to eat and clean. Each has advantages, and we will recommend the best fit for you.
What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?
Your teeth can gradually shift back out of alignment. If your retainer no longer fits or you have lost it, call us before your teeth move so we can help.
How do I clean a retainer?
Rinse it after each use and gently brush it. Avoid hot water, which can warp it. We can recommend a soaking solution for a deeper clean.