ProviderShoreline Orthodontics Retainers
Now that your braces have been removed or you've taken out your final set of aligners for the last time, it's time to enter the maintenance phase of your treatment. This involves wearing a retainer.
At Shoreline Orthodontics, your doctor will prescribe the best retainer for you to help maintain your new smile. We use a variety of different retainers that include removable retainers and fixed retainers.
Vivera retainers are from Invisalign. These clear, removable retainers are produced by Align Technology, the same company that makes Invisalign clear aligners. Vivera retainers are custom-made using advanced 3D imaging technology (iTero™) to ensure a precise fit.
We also offer fixed retainers, which include wires attached to the back of your front teeth. The lower front teeth are especially likely to shift as you grow older. Therefore, we frequently suggest a fixed wire retainer for these lower teeth.
Enroll in Our Smile Protection Program
To help our patients in managing costs, we're pleased to offer our Smile Protection Program. When you enroll, you pay a one-time fee for unlimited replacement retainers over the following years. It removes the worry of replacing your retainers.
Why You Need a Retainer
There are two main reasons that a retainer is essential after your active orthodontic treatment is complete, and they go hand-in-hand: stabilization and prevention.
Throughout your orthodontic treatment, your braces or aligners are constantly adjusting your teeth and their roots into proper alignment. As the roots shift, the surrounding bone must reform to securely anchor them in their new positions.
This is a process that takes time to complete. It can continue for many months after the initial movement of the roots has taken place. In fact, your teeth can shift as you get older so retainers are for lifetime wear.
Preserving Your Results
Wearing a retainer stabilizes your teeth during this process, allowing the surrounding jawbone the necessary time to reform and harden around the roots. This prevents the teeth from shifting back to their original positions and undoing all of the months or years of orthodontic treatment you've undergone. After all, teeth continue to shift as you get older – a natural change that occurs over time.
Retainer FAQs
Learn some retainer basics by reading these frequently asked questions from our patients.
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How long do I have to wear my retainer?
Retainers require a long-term commitment from all orthodontic patients. They ensure that your new, straighter smile remains intact after completing treatment with braces or Invisalign.
After finishing your active orthodontic treatment, you must wear your retainer at night.
Even people who have never had orthodontic treatment will experience their teeth shifting over time; orthodontic patients are even more prone to this and should wear retainers for as long as they want straight teeth.
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How often do I have to wear my retainer?
Your orthodontist will instruct you to wear your retainer all night, every night to keep your teeth from returning to their original positions.
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How often should I replace my retainer?
By using and caring for them properly, most retainers can last for many years.
Here are some of the main signs that indicate that a new retainer might be in order:
Cracks or Chips
If you begin to see chips or cracks in your retainer, it's time for a replacement. This type of damage tends to worsen over time and can weaken the retainer's structural integrity, reducing its effectiveness.
Poor Fit
Retainers are built to be strong and long-lasting, yet they may loosen with regular use. If you find that your retainer feels loose, it's crucial to replace it, as it will no longer be effectively holding your teeth in place.
Excessive Buildup
You should be cleaning your retainer regularly to keep it in good shape. However, even if you're doing this, stubborn buildup can occur over time. If your retainer has buildup that cannot be removed with a thorough cleaning, it needs to be replaced.
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Can I eat or drink while wearing my retainer?
Always remove your retainer when eating, and also take it out if you're drinking hot or highly pigmented liquids to prevent warping or staining, respectively.
However, you can drink water while your retainer is in.
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How do I clean my orthodontic retainer?
Clean your retainer at least once daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild, unscented liquid soap. This helps remove food debris, plaque, and bacteria. Rinse the retainer with cool or room temperature water to eliminate the soap when you're finished.
We also recommend soaking your retainer in specially designed cleaning tablets dissolved in water as needed. This can help loosen stubborn buildup and leave your retainer feeling fresh.
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How do I store my retainer?
When you're not wearing or cleaning your retainer, it's important to store it somewhere safe to prevent it from getting lost or damaged. We recommend placing your retainer in the case it comes with whenever it is not in your mouth.
Always remember to clean and dry your retainer and its carrying case thoroughly first, to prevent bacteria from forming.
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What happens if I forget to put my retainer in?
Wearing your retainer as your orthodontist advises is crucial for maintaining the results of your treatment.
That said, if you occasionally forget to wear your retainer for brief periods, you probably have little to worry about. Simply resume wearing it consistently as soon as you remember.
Keep in mind that if you don't wear your retainer consistently, there's a chance your teeth could shift out of position, and you'll require more corrective orthodontic treatment to realign them. To avoid this, prioritize wearing your retainer as prescribed.