It’s partly in the name, dental orthodontic retainers are an essential step in orthodontic care after braces or Invisalign® or other orthodontic appliance treatment to ‘retain’ or protect the newly corrected alignment. Dental retainers help keep teeth in their new positions and prevent shifting. Miles of Smiles helps families by providing personalized options that support long-term results and healthy smiles.
Dental Retainers – What are they?
What Do Dental Retainers For Teeth Do
Retainers maintain the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment. Without a dental orthodontic retainer, teeth may gradually shift back to their old positions. Common uses include:
- Maintaining straight teeth after braces or aligners
- Preventing relapse in crowded or spaced teeth
- Supporting bite stability after malocclusion treatment
How Retainers Work
- Placement – Once braces are removed, a retainer is fitted to match your smile.
- Usage – This may vary based on the individual patient needs but most treatment plans start by recommending daily use of dental retainers to support and maintain the new alignment.
- Long-Term Care – Most patients use dental retainers after braces indefinitely to keep results stable.
Retainers can be removable or fixed depending on your needs.
Dental Retainers Care Instructions
For Patients Of All Ages
What Patients Can Expect With Dental Retainers Treatment
Wearing a dental retainer is an easy and painless way to maintain proper teeth alignment. Directly after removing braces or other orthodontic appliances, it may be recommended to wear removable retainers full-time, most patients transition to only wearing them part of the day, usually at night. For fixed dental retainers, which are affixed with wires and glue behind the teeth and are invisible, we recommend cleaning using a water flosser or floss threaders and avoiding hard or crunchy foods. Fixed retainers offer the benefit of constant support without having to remember to put your retainer in or pack it if you’re going to be away from home.
Got Questions?
FAQs
What if I lose my dental retainer?
Contact us right away to get a replacement, the longer you wait, the longer you risk your teeth beginning to shift back out of alignment.
How long do I need to wear retainers?
Most patients wear them nightly for life to ensure results.
Can retainers be used like a bridge?
No. A dental bridge retainer is different and used for replacing missing teeth.
Lives Change Here
Learn if a Retainer is Right for You
Whether you’re in Temecula, Hemet, or anywhere in the surrounding area, our team provides customized retainers to keep your smile perfect for years.
Schedule your retainer consultation today and protect your orthodontic results.
