Retainers are an essential part of your orthodontic treatment. At Stellar Orthodontics, Dr. Stella Dong Wagner provides custom retainers to help maintain your results and keep your smile straight long after braces or clear aligners are removed.
After active treatment, teeth naturally have a tendency to shift. Wearing your retainer as instructed helps stabilize your results and protect your investment in your smile.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
Because teeth can continue to move throughout life, we recommend that individuals who have undergone orthodontic therapy should wear retainers indefinitely. A patient should wear retainers as much as possible for 6 months following the removal of braces. After approximately 6 months, the patient can wear the orthodontic retainer just at night.
All retainers are custom-made for the individual who needs them.
Hawley Retainer
A traditional retainer made of acrylic and stainless steel wires. It is durable and adjustable, making it a reliable long-term option.
Clear Retainer
A clear, removable retainer that looks similar to a clear aligner. It offers a more discreet appearance while maintaining your smile.
Why Are Retainers Important?
Once braces or aligners are removed, the bone and surrounding tissues need time to stabilize. Without proper retainer wear, teeth can gradually move back toward their original position.
Wearing your retainer consistently helps:
- Maintain your new alignment
- Prevent unwanted tooth movement
- Protect your long-term results
- Reduce the need for future retreatment
For best results, retainers should be worn as directed by Dr. Dong.
When Do I Start Wearing My Retainer?
You will receive your retainer the same day your braces or aligners are removed. This allows us to immediately stabilize your teeth and maintain your new smile.
How Often Should I Wear My Retainer?
Retainer wear is important for long-term success.
- Full-time wear is typically recommended for the first 6 months
- After that, nighttime wear is usually sufficient
- Long-term or lifetime wear is encouraged to maintain results
Because teeth can shift over time, continued retainer use helps keep your smile stable.
How Do I Care for My Retainer?
Proper care helps extend the life of your retainer and keeps it clean and effective.
- Clean your retainer daily using a toothbrush and mild soap
- Use a denture cleaner occasionally to remove buildup
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning
- Store your retainer in its case when not in use
- Keep away from heat, as high temperatures can damage the material
- Avoid leaving retainers where pets can reach them
Following these steps helps prevent damage and ensures your retainer continues to fit properly.
What Happens If I Don’t Wear My Retainer?
Not wearing your retainer as instructed can lead to shifting teeth and loss of your orthodontic results.
In some cases, this may require additional treatment to correct alignment again. Consistent retainer use is the best way to protect your smile long-term.
Maintain Your Smile for Life
The retention phase is one of the most important parts of orthodontic care. At Stellar Orthodontics, we provide same-day retainers and clear instructions to help you maintain your results with confidence.
Wearing your retainer regularly ensures your smile stays healthy, straight, and beautiful for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Retainers are simple to use, but patients often have questions about how to care for them and how long to wear them.
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Retainer?
Full-time wear is typically recommended for the first 6 months, followed by nighttime wear. Long-term use is encouraged to prevent shifting.
Can My Teeth Move Even After Braces?
Yes. Teeth can shift over time, which is why wearing your retainer consistently is important to maintain your results.
How Do I Clean My Retainer?
Clean your retainer daily with a toothbrush and mild soap, and occasionally use a denture cleaner to remove buildup.
What Happens If My Retainer Is Lost or Broken?
Contact our office as soon as possible. A replacement retainer may be needed to prevent your teeth from shifting.
Can Heat Damage My Retainer?
Yes. High temperatures can warp the material, so avoid leaving your retainer in hot environments like cars or near heat sources.