Retainers are orthodontic appliances designed to maintain and stabilize the alignment of teeth. They are essential after completing orthodontic treatment and can also be used by individuals who have not undergone treatment but wish to prevent future changes in tooth and bite alignment.

Stabilization After Active Orthodontic Treatment:

For those who have had orthodontic treatment, the retention phase is crucial to ensure long-term success and stability. After the teeth are moved into their new positions, the surrounding bone and soft tissues (gums) require time to heal and adjust. Without retainers, teeth may begin shifting back to their original positions shortly after the removal of braces or aligners.

During the initial healing phase, typically lasting three to six months after orthodontic treatment, retainers are worn full-time to maintain alignment and support the healing process.

Long Term Maintenance:

Did you know that your teeth shift naturally your whole life, even if you never had orthodontic treatment? Therefore, retainers can be useful for patients who are happy with their current teeth/bite positions, and simply desire to prevent future changes. 

If you need to replace your retainers, we can replicate any design if desired.

Please ask about our retainer subscription program designed to reduce the cost of retainer replacement, and minimize the effort required to do so. Did you know your custom retainer replacements can be shipped directly to your home with an existing retainer subscription?

Contact us for more information, and to schedule your appointment today!

There are three main kinds of retainers:

1. Clear plastic removable retainers (Vivera or Essix): “Invisible” or transparent retainer put in and removed by a patient.
2. Traditional Hawley removable retainer: Wire retainer put in and removed by the patient.
3. Fixed (bonded) or permanent retainer: Placed and removed by an orthodontist. 

Clear retainers (Vivera, Essix)

Vivera clear retainers are custom-made for each patient using advanced 3D imaging and manufacturing technology, providing a precise fit and reliable retention. These virtually invisible retainers are a great option for maintaining your smile without compromising appearance.

Clear retainers have the greatest versatility, they can be used as whitening trays and they protect your teeth from grinding.

If you lose or need to replace them, Vivera retainers can be re-ordered without an in-office visit.

As the most popular retainer option in our office, Vivera retainers are also available through a subscription program. This program simplifies the replacement process and reduces costs – contact us for more details! 

Replacement Timeline:

Every one to two years on average, depending on care and usage. At times, they can last longer, up to five years.

Why Replace?

Clear retainers are prone to stretching, cracking, warping and discoloration, especially with daily wear. 

Cost:

$300 per single arch retainer, $550 for a set (typically one upper, one lower; but discounts can apply to orders of two retainers in the same arch). Purchasing more than one set at a time, or subscribing to retainers can reduce retainer cost to less than $250 per set. 

Hawley Retainers (Wire and Acrylic)

Hawley retainers are made of wire on the front side of your teeth, and a plastic-like (acrylic) material on the back side of your teeth. The part of the retainer at the back of the teeth can either be pink, like the inside of the mouth, or customized with fun designs, graphics, logos or different colors for a personal fashion statement. 

Replacement Timeline:

Every five to 10 years, if well cared for. However, Hawley retainers should be tightened in office at least once a year. Regular use will stretch out the wire portion of the retainers, which will result in tooth movement over time. 

Why Replace?

They are durable, but the acrylic can wear down, or the wire can become bent over time, reducing effectiveness. 

Cost:

$350 per single arch retainer, $650 for a set. No subscription of volume discounts available. 

A Fixed Retainer “Permanent Retainer”

A bonded retainer is a thin, custom-fitted wire that is securely attached to the tongue side of the lower front six teeth. It is generally not recommended to place bonded retainers behind the upper front teeth, as they are more prone to breaking when the lower teeth come into contact with them. However, exceptions to this guideline may apply in certain cases.

Replacement Timeline:

As needed; they can last many years but may require repair or replacement if the bonding fails or the wire bends or breaks during regular function, or after cleaning.

Why Replace?

Damage or detachment can lead to unwanted tooth movement.

If the wire becomes loose on a tooth, it is important to notify your orthodontist immediately. 

Cost:

$350 per arch. Repairs are $140 per arch.

Here is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of retainers:

 Immediately after completion of active orthodontic treatment, in most cases, full-time retainer wear is recommended for the first three months, followed by nighttime only moving forward.

For patients who have completed their treatments in the past and are replacing their retainers, or for patients who have never had orthodontic treatment and simply looking to prevent potential future shifting, it is appropriate to wear retainers nighttime only. 

Important Advice About Retainers

Periodic retainer checks are usually scheduled during the first six months to a year after you receive your retainers. If you have the removable kind, be sure to bring them to the appointment. In order to minimize undesired tooth movement, retainer damage or loss, you should follow the following recommendations:

• When the retainer is not in your face, it is in the case! Retainers only work when they are in your mouth, and it is extremely important to wear them as prescribed. However, when not wearing them, retainers should be in their case.
• If you are wearing retainers full time, take your retainers out when eating, drinking anything other than water and brushing your teeth. Otherwise, wear your retainers full time, until we instruct you otherwise. If you play contact sports, you may need to remove your retainers to wear a mouthguard instead.
• At the very beginning, you may find it difficult to speak when wearing your retainers, especially if you are wearing the wire/acrylic kind. It is normal, and it goes away within 10 to 14 days. Practicing speaking, reading or singing out loud may help getting used to them faster
• Do not wrap your retainers in napkins; they get thrown away quite easily.
• Keep your retainers out of the reach of pets. Dogs love to chew on retainers.
• Do not put your retainers in your pockets. They often get broken, or forgotten and accidentally thrown in the washer/drier, which will damage them.
• Do not flip the retainer with your tongue. This could loosen the retainer quickly and allow your teeth to move.
• Keep retainers away from heat sources, including hot water or the inside of hot cars.
• Always bring your retainers to your retainer check appointments.

If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers do not seem to fit properly, feel loose or are lost, contact us immediately. Do not try to adjust them yourself. The longer you wait to let us know that there is an issue with your retainer, the bigger the issue may become.

And remember, proper care of your retainers will extend their lifetime. Retainer replacement is expensive, but with proper care they can last for years!

Daily Cleaning Routine

• Rinse Immediately After Removal: Rinse your retainers with lukewarm water to prevent plaque and debris from drying on them.
• Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive, mild dish soap to gently clean all surfaces of the retainer. Please note that toothpaste is also an effective cleaning agent, however it is more abrasive than the dish soap and may dull the appearance of the retainers over time.
• While worn, clear, Invisalign® aligner style retainers can also be cleaned with EverSmile WhiteFoam. It effectively removes retainer build up and freshens breath. 

Deep Cleaning (Weekly)

• Soak in Retainer Cleaner: Use a retainer cleaner (like Retainer Brite or Invisalign Cleaning Crystals) or a mild solution of water and vinegar (1:1) to soak your retainers for 15 to 30 minutes. then rinse with water to remove any cleaning solution residue. This will prevent crusty buildup. You can do this more often if needed.
• Avoid hot water, as it can warp plastic retainers.
• Please avoid using denture cleaners with clear retainers. Be very careful if using denture cleaners with Hawley retainers. Although denture cleaners are generally effective at removing plaque, stains and bacteria, they can degrade the acrylic and may be too harsh for the metal components of the Hawley retainer. 

Tips to Keep Retainers Clean

• Avoid Heat: Keep retainers away from hot water, dishwashers or direct sunlight.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach, alcohol or abrasive cleaners.
• Keep in a Case: When not in use, store retainers in their protective case to prevent damage or loss.
• Regular Replacement: Replace retainers as needed if they become worn, damaged or difficult to clean. 

Cleaning for Fixed (Bonded) Retainers

If you have a fixed or a permanent retainer, it is important to brush thoroughly around the retainer after each meal and clean under the wire with dental floss at least once a day. If brushing is not possible after eating, you should at least rinse with water.

Please make sure you maintain your regular six-month cleaning appointments with your hygienist.

NOTE: Retainers are included in our treatment fee, and you will receive a retainer for each arch being treated.  However, there is a fee to replace a retainer that no longer fits and is not adjustable, is lost or is broken.