Maintaining Your New Smile
Finishing active treatment is an exciting milestone, but keeping your smile in place is just as important.
Retainers are designed to prevent teeth from shifting and can be made in a clear, aligner-style option for a subtle look and comfortable fit.
In the beginning, your retainer will need to be worn most of the day and night. Over time, however, you’ll transition to wearing it only while you sleep, making long-term smile maintenance simple and stress-free.
Enroll in Our Smile Protection Program
To help our patients manage costs, we're pleased to offer our Smile Protection Program. When you enroll, you pay a one-time fee to get replacement retainers for a low copay over the next five years. It takes the worry out of replacing your retainers.
Why You Need a Retainer
There are two main reasons you need a retainer after your active orthodontic treatment is complete, and they go hand-in-hand: stabilization and prevention.
During the active part of your orthodontic treatment, your aligners or braces are continuously working to move your teeth, including their roots, into their new positions. When the roots move, the surrounding bone needs to reform to hold them securely in place once again.
This process takes time, and in the interim, your teeth are vulnerable to moving back. This can continue for many months after the initial movement of the roots has occurred.
Preserving Your Results
A retainer gently holds your teeth in place while the surrounding bone and tissue adapt, helping your smile settle securely into its new position and protecting the results of your treatment
Retainer FAQs
Learn some retainer basics by reading these frequently asked questions from our patients.
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How long do I have to wear my retainer?
Retainers are a long-term commitment for all orthodontic patients. Retainers ensure that your new, straight smile stays that way for years after your active treatment has concluded.
After your treatment with clear aligners or braces is over, you'll have to wear your retainer full-time for at least three months and nightly after that.
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How often do I have to wear my retainer?
In the first few months after active orthodontic treatment, Dr. Waldman will typically recommend wearing your retainer full-time. This early stage of retention is when teeth are most vulnerable to shifting, as the jawbone and surrounding tissues are still adapting to their new positions.
During this period, your retainer should only be removed for meals, brushing and flossing, or when playing sports at which point a protective mouth guard should be worn instead.
As your smile stabilizes, the risk of relapse decreases. When Dr. Waldman determines the timing is right, you will gradually transition to wearing your retainer fewer hours each day, eventually moving to nighttime wear only.
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How often should I replace my retainer?
With proper care and correct use, most retainers can last for years.
The following signs indicate that a new retainer might be in order:
Cracks or Chips
When you start noticing chips or cracks in your retainer, it's time to replace it. This type of damage will only get worse over time, and it will also compromise the structural integrity of the retainer, making it less effective.
Poor Fit
Retainers are designed to be sturdy and durable, but they will start to loosen over time with wear. It's important to replace your retainer if you notice that the fit is loose, because at that point, it is no longer supporting your teeth.
Excessive Buildup
You should be cleaning your retainer regularly to keep it in good shape. However, stubborn buildup can occur over time even if you are being careful. If your retainer has buildup that can't be removed with a thorough cleaning, it should be replaced.
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Can I eat or drink while wearing my retainer?
You should always take your retainer out when eating, or if you're drinking anything other than water, to prevent the retainer from getting warped or stained.
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How do I clean my orthodontic retainer?
It is important to clean your retainer at least once a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild, unscented liquid soap. Then, rinse your retainer with room-temperature water to remove the soap when you're done. Cleaning your retainer is vital to removing any debris, plaque, or bacteria that can degrade the retainer itself or get trapped in your teeth.
We also suggest soaking your retainer using specially made retainer cleaning tablets dissolved in water as needed. This can help loosen any stubborn buildup and leave your retainer feeling fresh.
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How do I store my retainer?
When you're not wearing or cleaning your retainer, it's important to store it in its case so that it doesn't get lost or damaged.
Always thoroughly clean and dry your retainer and its carrying case to prevent bacteria from forming.
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What happens if I forget to put my retainer in?
It's important to wear your retainer as prescribed by Dr. Waldman to ensure that your orthodontic treatment results are maintained.
That said, if you forget to wear your retainer for short periods of time, you probably have nothing to worry about. Just go back to wearing it consistently as soon as you can.
Consistent retainer wear is essential to maintaining your results. Without it, teeth can gradually shift out of alignment, which may require additional treatment. Following the prescribed schedule helps protect the smile you’ve worked hard to achieve.