I thought I was done after my braces
We’re in this to the finish, together. Once active orthodontic treatment — braces or Invisalign, for example — is finished, we need to stabilize the result. All that hard work should stay. Without your retainer, your teeth may “relapse”, shifting back toward the positions you and your orthodontic team worked hard to move them from, and the original problems can crop up again.
The bone and soft tissue around your teeth need time to settle after treatment. The lower front teeth are the least stable teeth in the mouth and the most susceptible to relapse, which is why retention matters for everyone.
Three types of retainer
Your final digital scan is stored securely, so your retainer can be replicated quickly if you ever lose it. We fit three kinds:
- Clear retainers — thin, nearly invisible trays, worn full-time at first and then nightly for the long term.
- Hawley retainers — the classic acrylic-and-wire design, adjustable and durable, also worn full-time at first and then nightly.
- Fixed retainers — a thin wire bonded to the back of the front teeth to stop crowding from returning. Nothing to remember, but it needs careful cleaning and a professional clean every six months.
No matter which retainer you end up with, we will be here each step of the way.
Looking after a removable retainer
- Wear your retainer at all times, until your orthodontist instructs otherwise.
- Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case. Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.
- Keep your retainer clean and soak it as instructed. Do not put it in boiling water or the dishwasher.
- When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should always be in its case. Pets love to chew on them.
- Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading or singing out loud to get used to it faster.
- Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. If it gets lost or broken, call us immediately.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, or you believe it needs adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust it yourself.
- Always bring your retainer to your appointments.
- Replacements are expensive, but with proper care a retainer will last for years.
- Remove your retainer when you go swimming.
- Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine and napkins.
Lost or broken your retainer? Call (212) 966-9628 and we will get you a replacement.