Orthodontic Retainers
Finishing orthodontic treatment is an exciting milestone, and wearing your retainer is the key to keeping your smile looking its best for years to come. At Smile & Co. Orthodontics, Dr. Sam Kadan and Dr. Nicolette Almer make retention a simple, comfortable part of your long-term oral health. Once your braces or Invisalign® treatment is complete, your retainer helps ensure your teeth stay beautifully aligned, stable, and exactly where we worked so hard to place them.
What Does a Retainer Do?
Your orthodontic retainer is a custom-made appliance created from a precise digital copy of your teeth immediately after treatment. Most retainers are made from smooth, clear plastic designed to fit comfortably over your teeth and hold them in their ideal position.
Because teeth naturally want to shift back over time, the retainer acts as a stabilizing guide, keeping your smile straight, balanced, and exactly as it looked the day your braces came off.
Why Is Retention Important?
Wearing your retainer is one of the most important parts of orthodontic care. Retention protects both your oral health and the investment you made in your smile.
Retention matters because:
- Teeth naturally shift without gentle stabilization
- Straight teeth are healthier teeth, making them easier to clean
- Long-term alignment supports proper bite function
- Your orthodontic treatment represents a major investment, and retainers keep your results lasting a lifetime
Skipping this final phase can undo years of orthodontic work. Consistent retainer wear ensures your beautiful, confident smile stays exactly the way you want it.
How to Care for Your Retainer
Daily care keeps your retainer fresh, clean, and effective. Just like teeth and gums, retainers can accumulate bacteria, plaque, and food particles, so cleaning them every day is essential.
Here’s how to care for yours:
- Clean your retainer daily when you brush and floss your teeth
- Use lukewarm water only, hot water can warp the plastic
- Soak your retainer in a retainer cleaning tablet or denture cleaner (such as Efferdent)
- Store your retainer safely in its case when not in use
- Never leave it in hot cars, pockets, or on a tissue, which makes it easy to lose
Replacing a lost or damaged retainer can be costly, and dental insurance typically does not cover replacements, so keeping it safe is extremely important.
Warning: Not wearing your retainer can cause your teeth to shift, which may require orthodontic treatment all over again. Consistency is key.
How Long Do I Need to Wear a Retainer After Braces?
You’ve invested time and effort into straightening your smile, now retention helps protect that outcome for life. Dr. Kadan and Dr. Almer follow a simple, effective retention plan designed to maintain long-term stability.
Here’s what to expect:
First Year After Braces
You will wear your retainer 22 hours per day, removing it only to eat or drink anything other than water. This gives your teeth time to stabilize in their new position.
After the First Year
Once your smile is fully stabilized, you’ll “graduate” to nighttime-only wear. Wearing your retainer every night while you sleep is the best way to ensure your smile stays perfect for a lifetime.
Consistent nighttime wear is simple, comfortable, and proven to maintain your results long-term.
Protect Your Smile for Life
Retainers are the final step in securing the smile you’ve worked so hard to achieve. At Smile & Co. Orthodontics, we’re here to guide you through every part of your orthodontic journey, from your first consultation to lifelong retention support.
If you have questions about your retainer, need a replacement, or want to schedule a check-in, contact our office today. Your best smile deserves lifelong protection, and we’re here to help every step of the way.