Retainers

Retainers

A retainer is a custom-made appliance that helps hold your smile in its new position after orthodontic treatment. Once braces or aligners are finished, the bone and tissue around your bite are still settling, and a retainer helps protect the alignment you worked for.

Why retainers matter

Smiles can shift gradually over the years, even after treatment is complete. Natural changes in the jaw, habits like clenching, and normal aging can all nudge things out of place. Wearing a retainer as directed is the simplest way to help keep your results steady.

Common types of retainers

• Removable clear retainer — a thin, clear plastic tray that fits snugly over the arch and is taken out for meals and cleaning.
• Wire-and-acrylic retainer — a thin wire across the front paired with an acrylic piece that rests against the roof of the mouth or the lower arch. It is removable and can often be adjusted.
• Fixed retainer — a slim wire bonded in place along the inner surface of the front of the smile, so it stays put without daily handling.

Caring for your retainer

Keep a removable retainer in its case whenever it is out of your mouth, and away from hot water, cars on warm days, and curious pets. Clean it gently as instructed. If a retainer is lost, broken, or no longer fits comfortably, let our team know right away rather than going without.

Every smile is different, so the right retainer and wear schedule vary from person to person. Ask our team which option fits your treatment and what to expect.

This content is for general information only and isn't dental or medical advice. Talk with your dentist or orthodontist about your own situation. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.