What Are Retainers?
Retainers are custom-made dental appliances designed to hold your teeth in their new position after orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign®. While braces or aligners straighten your teeth, retainers keep them there—preventing them from shifting back over time.
Wearing a retainer is the final and most important phase of your orthodontic journey to ensure your results last a lifetime.
Why Retainers Matter
After your teeth are straightened, they naturally want to shift back to their original positions—a process called orthodontic relapse. Retainers help stabilize the bone and surrounding tissues so your teeth stay aligned.
Skipping or forgetting to wear your retainer regularly could undo months or years of treatment.
Types of Retainers
There are several types of retainers, each tailored to your lifestyle and dental needs:
1. Clear (Essix) Retainers – Made from transparent plastic
- Virtually invisible
- Removable and easy to wear
- Great for recent Invisalign patients
2. Hawley Retainers- Acrylic base with a metal wire across the front
- Durable and adjustable
- Removable and customizable in color
3. Fixed (Permanent) Retainers- A thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth (usually lower front teeth)
- Invisible from the outside
- Ideal for long-term retention
Minimal maintenance, but requires flossing tools
How to Care for Your Retainer
Proper care extends the life of your retainer and protects your oral health:
-  Clean daily: Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap or retainer cleaner—avoid hot water and toothpaste, which can cause damage.
- Â Keep it moist: Store it in water or a case when not wearing to prevent cracking.
- Avoid eating/drinking with it on: Especially with clear or Hawley retainers.
- Brush and floss regularly: Especially if you have a fixed retainer. Lost or damaged your retainer?
Contact us immediately to prevent your teeth from shifting.
How Long Do I Need to Wear a Retainer?
Full-time (first 3–6 months): Right after treatment, wear your retainer 20–22 hours a day.
Night-time (ongoing): Once your teeth stabilize, you’ll wear your retainer only at night.
Forever? Pretty much! Teeth can shift at any age, so night-time wear is recommended long-term to keep your smile intact.
FAQs-Retainers
Q: Do retainers hurt?
A: You might feel slight pressure initially, but they should not cause pain.
Q: Can I eat with my retainer in?
A: No. Always remove removable retainers when eating to avoid damage or buildup.
Q: How long do retainers last?
A: With proper care, clear retainers last 1–2 years, while Hawley and fixed retainers can last several years.
Q: What if I forget to wear it for a few days?
A: Wear it again as soon as possible. If it feels tight or doesn’t fit, contact us to assess your teeth.
Don’t Lose Your Smile—Protect It.
Retainers are the key to maintaining the smile you’ve worked so hard to achieve. We’ll guide you on which retainer type is best for your needs and help you stay on track.