WHAT ARE RETAINERS AND WHY DO YOU NEED THEM?
Retainers do what their name says, they retain the position of your teeth over time. A retainer is an appliance custom fit to your teeth to maintain their position and alignment. There are several different types of retainers, but all of them serve the same purpose of keeping your teeth in position. It can take approximately three to six months for your teeth to stabilize in their new position, but even after, your teeth will shift if you stop wearing your retainer (sometimes within just a few days). Teeth typically want to go back to the position where they started. Retainers prevent that from happening. It is extremely important that you continue to  wear your retainers night time for a lifetime to maintain the alignment of your teeth.
Essix Retainer
Hawley Retainer
Bonded Retainer
Call us at 804-256-2808 to learn more about what type of retainer is best for you or if you need a replacement retainer.
FAQ
Why do I need to wear a retainer after braces?
After patients finish orthodontic treatment, teeth want to shift back to their original position. Retainers prevent that from happening. It is extremely important that you wear your retainers nighttime for a lifetime to maintain the alignment of your teeth.
How long do I need to wear my retainer?
We recommend wearing retainers nighttime for a lifetime to maintain the alignment of teeth and prevent shifting or relapse.
What types of retainers are available?
There are three main types of retainers: Hawley acrylic retainers, clear retainers and bonded retainers. Hawley retainers are removable and made of acrylic and metal wire. Clear retainers are similar to Invisalign® clear aligners. Bonded retainers are fixed to the back of your teeth and can only be removed by a dental or orthodontic professional.
How do I care for my retainer?
To keep your retainer clean, rinse it with lukewarm water after each use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Avoid using hot water, as it can distort the plastic. You can also purchase retainer cleaner tablets at drug stores, Target, Amazon, etc. If you have a removable retainer, store it in its case when not in use to prevent damage or loss.
What happens if I lose or damage my retainer?
If you lose or damage your retainer, contact us immediately to get a replacement. Wearing your retainer is essential to prevent your teeth from shifting. If we have a digital scan of your teeth, we can quickly make a replacement retainer to avoid shifting and relapse.