RETAINERS

A Smile to Last a Lifetime

ORTHODONTIC RETENTION

Last, but not least, the way to preserve your fantastic new smile is through the retention phase of orthodontic treatment. Teeth definitely have a tendency to want to move once braces come off. To keep your beautiful new smile, you need to be diligent in wearing your retainer exactly as Dr. Maddux prescribes. The goal of the retention phase of treatment is to minimize changes after braces are removed.

The retention phase is one of the most important aspects of the orthodontic process. During your time with us we will make it our main goal to give you the smile you have always wanted. In order to keep that smile, the retention process is key!

Adult patient holding clear retainers at maddux orthodontics in virginia beach, va, after orthodontic treatment.

TYPES OF RETAINERS

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There are a few types of retainers that can be used during the retention phase of treatment, including:

  • Clear Removable Retainer – Clear retainers are made of thin, smooth plastic and are custom-made to fit over all of the teeth in the upper and/or lower arch. They are designed to comfortably hold the teeth in their corrected positions following orthodontic treatment. This is the most common and most frequently used retainer!
  • Hawley retainer – Removable retainer made of acrylic material and metal that stretches around the front of the teeth of the upper and lower arch. Your orthodontist can make minor adjustments to these retainers during the periodic checks post treatment.
  • Fixed retainers – Usually made for the lower 6 front teeth, a fixed retainer is a small custom-made wire designed to fit with the natural curve of your teeth and bonded in place on the backside or lingual side of your teeth. The fixed retainer does not come out and patients can wear it for many years. A fixed retainer does not replace your removable retainers. Even when a fixed retainer is used, we still recommend wearing your removable retainers as directed. The fixed retainer helps maintain the position of the teeth to which it is bonded, while your removable retainers help maintain the position of all of your teeth.

Remember, the best retainer is the one you wear, and it is your responsibility to wear your retainer consistently.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT RETAINER TYPE FOR YOU?

Some points to consider when it comes to retainers include:

  • Removable retainers can be taken out for eating and hygiene routines.
  • Removable retainers can get lost easily, so remember to keep yours in the case whenever you remove it to eat or brush.
  • If you have a fixed retainer, you should continue wearing your removable retainers as directed. Fixed retainers also require extra attention when flossing and cleaning around the bonded wire. Floss threaders can be used to help clean underneath the retainer and between the teeth.

HOW LONG DO I WEAR MY RETAINERS?

Retainers are for a lifetime. For the first three months after orthodontic treatment, we recommend wearing your removable retainers full-time, unless your orthodontist gives you different instructions. Retainers should be removed when eating, drinking, and brushing/flossing your teeth.

After the first three months, we will evaluate your teeth and the fit of your retainers. If everything looks ideal and your teeth are remaining stable, we will transition you to nighttime retainer wear.

Once you transition to nighttime wear, you should continue wearing your retainers at night for the rest of your life.

Teeth naturally change and shift throughout life—even in people who have never had orthodontic treatment. Consistent retainer wear is the best way to protect your orthodontic result.

If you have a fixed retainer, you should still wear your removable retainers as instructed. A fixed retainer alone is not intended to maintain the position of all of your teeth.

HELPFUL RETAINER TIPS

  • Handle your retainers with care and wear them exactly as directed. Keep them in your mouth when they are meant to be worn, and remove removable retainers when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing.
  • When removable retainers are not being worn, always store them in their protective case rather than in a pocket, where they could become damaged or broken.
  • When you first begin wearing retainers after completing orthodontic treatment, your teeth may feel slightly sore or achy for the first few days. This is normal and should gradually improve with consistent wear.
  • Clean removable retainers daily with warm water and dish soap. For a deeper clean, soak them in a retainer cleaner as needed. Do not use hot water.
  • Floss around fixed or permanent retainers daily using floss threaders.
  • Bring your retainers to all orthodontic appointments so we can check their fit and condition.
  • If a retainer is lost or broken, contact our office as soon as possible.

WHAT NOT TO DO

  • Do not wrap your retainers in a napkin, as they can easily end up in the trash.
  • Do not use hot water to clean your retainers or store them near any source of heat, such as in a hot car. Retainers are made of plastic and can warp when exposed to heat.
  • Keep retainers away from dogs, cats, and other pets, as they love to chew on them.
  • Do not clean your retainers with toothpaste, as it can cause them to become dingy or cloudy in appearance.

Ask Us About Our Retainer Program!

Maddux Orthodontics’ Retainer Program makes it easy to protect your smile after treatment. The program includes an additional set of retainers and reduced-cost replacements for up to five years, giving you peace of mind if a retainer is lost, damaged or worn out.

Let’s get Started!

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Edwin Drive

351 Edwin Drive, Suite 104
Virginia Beach, VA 23462

First Colonial

933 First Colonial Road, Suite 204
Virginia Beach, VA 23454

OFFICE HOURS:
Monday: 9am – 5pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 7am – 4pm
Wednesday: 9am – 5pm

CALL OR TEXT US 757-499-3530