Retainers hold your teeth in their new position after braces or Invisalign®, protecting the results of your treatment for life. Smile Arc Orthodontics in 4S Ranch offers Hawley, clear, and fixed (bonded) retainers, and will recommend the right type and wear schedule for your smile.
The benefits of orthodontic treatment last a lifetime if you wear your retainers. Because the bone and soft tissues around your teeth keep stabilizing for months after braces come off, consistent retainer wear is essential. Skipping it can let teeth drift and may mean re-treatment.
Types of Retainers We Offer
Removable Retainers
Teeth can shift throughout life, so we recommend wearing a retainer indefinitely. For the first year after braces, wear it as much as possible. After that, most patients transition to nighttime wear, which also lets us monitor wisdom teeth without compromising your smile. Your orthodontist will see you periodically and take an occasional X-ray to track your wisdom teeth.
Hawley Retainer
a traditional, durable retainer made of acrylic and stainless-steel wires.
Clear Retainer
made of clear plastic, it looks like a clear aligner such as Invisalign.
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the teeth that stays in place long term. The main exception is if your family dentist finds it is hard to keep clean and it begins to affect your gums or bone, in which case it can be removed and replaced with a removable retainer worn as your orthodontist prescribes. Have your family dentist check the wire at your six-month cleanings.
How to Care for Removable Retainers
Clean your retainer before and after each wear, since the material is slightly porous and collects plaque. Gentle brushing with a mild liquid soap works well, and a denture cleaner like Efferdent helps remove buildup; rinse thoroughly afterward. Keep retainers away from heat above about 115 degrees (heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards), store them in their case when not worn, and keep them away from pets. Your treatment fee includes one set of retainers; lost or damaged retainers can be replaced for a fee, so call us right away if yours breaks.
When Extra Retention May Be Needed
Some patients benefit from more diligent wear, including those with mouth-breathing habits, clenching or grinding, tongue thrusting, lip or object chewing, a history of large gaps or rotated teeth, or who play reed instruments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to wear my retainer?
Most patients start with full-time wear, then move to nighttime only. Long-term nighttime wear is usually recommended to keep your smile stable for life.
What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?
Teeth can shift surprisingly fast, and even short breaks can affect alignment. Consistent wear is the best way to protect your result.
My retainer feels tight or no longer fits. What should I do?
Contact us right away. A tight retainer often signals that teeth have begun to move, and an early adjustment or replacement can prevent bigger shifts.
What is the difference between a fixed and a removable retainer?
A fixed retainer is a wire bonded behind the teeth that works around the clock with no effort from you. A removable retainer (Hawley or clear) is taken in and out and is easy to clean. Many patients use a combination
I lost or broke my retainer. Can you replace it?
Yes. Call Smile Arc Orthodontics as soon as possible and we will arrange a replacement before your teeth have a chance to move.
