Orthodontic Retainers for Lasting Results
Keeping your smile straight doesn’t stop when your braces or Invisalign treatment ends. Your retainers play the most important role in maintaining your results. At Waddoups Orthodontics, we offer high-quality orthodontic retainers designed to maintain your teeth in their ideal positions, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful smile for life.
Why Do You Need Retainers After Orthodontic Treatment?
Once your braces or clear aligners come off, your teeth are still settling into their new positions. The bone and tissues around them need time to stabilize. Without retainer wear, teeth can shift, spaces can reopen, and crowding may return. Consistent retainer use prevents relapse and protects all the progress you worked hard to achieve.
What Types of Orthodontic Retainers Are Available?
We offer several types of retainers to support long-term smile stability. Each option is designed to keep your teeth aligned comfortably and effectively.
Removable Retainers
Custom removable retainers are simple to wear and easy to clean. Dr. Waddoups typically recommends:
Full-time wear for the first year after treatment
Night-time wear after the first year
Long-term weekly wear once wisdom teeth are monitored and stable
Because your facial muscles continue to change as you age, wearing your retainer regularly prevents unwanted shifting.
Hawley Retainer
A durable acrylic-and-wire design that is long-lasting, adjustable, and ideal for patients who may need slight refinements during retention.
Clear Retainer
Made from clear, smooth plastic, these retainers look similar to Invisalign aligners and offer a discreet, comfortable fit.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
A thin wire is bonded to the back of the front teeth, providing permanent protection against relapse. Fixed retainers are:
Ideal for patients prone to shifting
Completely invisible
Low maintenance, though they require careful brushing and flossing
If a bonded retainer becomes loose or impacts gum health, Dr. Waddoups may recommend switching to a removable option.
How Do You Take Care of Your Retainer?
Proper care helps your retainers last longer and stay hygienic:
Clean daily using mild liquid soap and a soft toothbrush
Avoid heat, including hot water, dishwashers, and sunlight
Store in a protective case whenever it’s not being worn
Keep away from pets, especially dogs
Replace as needed, since retainers can wear out over time
Check your fixed retainer regularly for bending or loosening
If your retainer ever feels uncomfortable or stops fitting properly, contact our office right away.
How Long Should You Wear Retainers?
Retention is a lifelong commitment. While the first year is the most crucial, wearing your retainers nightly (and eventually a few nights a week) will help preserve your straight smile for decades. Teeth naturally shift with age, so long-term retention ensures your smile stays exactly where it belongs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about retainers and how they protect your smile? Here are some of the most common questions patients ask after completing orthodontic treatment.
What Should I Do If I Lose or Break My Retainer?
Contact our office as soon as possible so we can replace or repair it. Going without a retainer for too long may allow your teeth to shift, so it is important to act quickly.
How Will I Know If My Retainer No Longer Fits Correctly?
A retainer that feels tight, uneven, or does not fully seat onto your teeth may indicate early shifting. Do not force it. Call our office so we can evaluate your fit and determine whether an adjustment or replacement is needed.
Can I Eat or Drink While Wearing My Retainer?
Removable retainers should always be taken out for meals and any drinks other than water. Eating with a retainer can damage it, and sugary drinks can become trapped against the teeth.
Do Retainers Affect My Speech?
Some patients notice a slight change in speech when they first begin wearing a removable retainer. This usually improves within a few days as your tongue adapts.
How Often Should Retainers Be Replaced?
Retainers naturally wear down over time, especially with nightly use. Many patients need a new retainer every one to two years. Fixed retainers should be checked regularly for bending or adhesive wear.