ProviderKeep That Straight New Smile Looking Great
You've completed your active orthodontic treatment - time to show off that beautiful smile you've worked so hard for! But don't forget to wear your retainer to maintain those fabulous results.
Now that your braces have come off or you've removed your final set of aligners, it's time for the maintenance phase of your orthodontic treatment. This means wearing a fixed or removable retainer to hold your teeth firmly in their new positions.
Removable aligner-style retainers are made from an acrylic arch that sits in the roof of the mouth, and an attached metal wire that surrounds the front teeth. The metal wire holds your teeth in place and can even be adjusted to fine-tune the results of your treatment.
Retainers are the essential final step in your orthodontic treatment journey. Our Smile Protection Program makes this part of your treatment easy.
Enroll in Our Smile Protection Program
Enroll in the Munk Orthodontics Smile Protection Plan and replace your retainer at any time throughout your life with just a small co-payment fee. Our Smile Protection Plan means you will never pay full price for replacement retainers!
*Additional fees and restrictions may apply.
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 orthodontic treatment, your braces or aligners constantly work to move your teeth and their roots into better alignment.
After the roots move, the bone around them needs time to rebuild and become strong enough to hold everything firmly in place. Stabilizing your teeth as the bone regenerates is vital to locking in your hard-earned results.
As we age, teeth often shift out of place. This is as true for people who have never had orthodontic treatment as it is for those who have. Regularly wearing your retainer can help prevent unwanted tooth movement and preserve your beautiful, straight smile.
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?
Patients are typically unaware that retainers are a long-term commitment. Retainers ensure that your new, straighter smile stays that way after your treatment with braces or clear aligners is complete.
You'll have to wear your retainer full-time for at least three months after your active orthodontic treatment is complete, and nightly after that.
Even people who have never had orthodontic treatment will experience their teeth shifting over time; orthodontic patients are even more prone to this and should continue to wear their retainers for as long as they want straight teeth.
At Munk Orthodontics, we are proud to offer our Smile Protection Program to help make the long-term use of retainers an affordable way to maintain your beautiful new smile.
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How often do I have to wear my retainer?
Stabilizing your teeth with retainers as they settle into their new, beautifully aligned positions is essential, particularly in the early days.
When you first complete your active orthodontic treatment, you will need to wear your retainer 24 hours a day. This is because these early months of the retention phase are when your teeth are most likely to relapse (shift back to their pre-treatment positions).
During this time, you'll take your retainer out only to eat, brush and floss your teeth, or play sports (when you'll need to wear a sports mouth guard instead).
Gradually, your teeth will begin to settle into their new positions as the bone around the roots regenerates and gets stronger. Once this happens, your risk of relapse will decrease.
When your orthodontist has determined you're ready, you'll be able to start wearing your retainer for fewer hours a day. For many people, this means overnight retainer 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. However, all retainers will need to be replaced at some point.
That's why Munk Orthodontics offers our Smile Protection Program. For a flat fee on enrollment, you will be able to replace your retainer at any time throughout your life with just a small co-payment fee. Our Smile Protection Plan means you will never pay full price for replacement retainers! (**Additional fees and restrictions may apply.)
Contact our team to learn more.
Signs That Your Retainer Should Be Replaced
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. Cracks and chips can occur in both clear aligner-style retainers and removable wire and acrylic retainers.
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 effectively supporting your teeth.
Excessive Buildup
You should be cleaning your retainer regularly to keep it in good shape. However, even if you're doing this, stubborn buildup can occur over time. 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?
If you wear a removable retainer, it should always be removed when eating or if you are drinking a hot or highly pigmented beverage. Removing your retainer can help prevent it from getting warped or stained.
You can drink cool water while your retainer is in, however.
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How do I clean my orthodontic retainer?
Clean your retainer at least once daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and some mild, unscented liquid soap. This removes food debris, plaque and bacteria. Rinse your retainer thoroughly with cool or room temperature water to remove the soap when you're done.
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 somewhere safe so it doesn't get lost or damaged. The best place to keep your retainer is in the case it comes in.
Always remember to clean and dry your retainer and its carrying case thoroughly before storing your retainer. This will help prevent bacteria from forming.
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What happens if I forget to put my retainer in?
For optimal long-term results from your orthodontic treatment, it is essential to wear your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist.
That said, if you occasionally 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 remember.
If you don't wear your retainer consistently, there's a chance your teeth could shift out of position, and you'll require more corrective orthodontic treatment to realign them. To avoid this, prioritize wearing your retainer as instructed.