ProviderRetainer Styles for Lasting Smiles
Congratulations – you’ve finished your active orthodontic treatment! Now comes the important maintenance phase: wearing a retainer.
At Pavlo Orthodontics, we offer standard removable Hawley retainers, which feature an acrylic arch and metal wire to hold your teeth in place.
We also provide clear Vivera retainers, which fit over your teeth to keep them firmly aligned. Made by Align Technology, the same company behind Invisalign, Vivera retainers are custom-designed using advanced 3D imaging (iTero™) for a precise fit.
Wearing your retainer as directed by your orthodontist is the only way to ensure your new smile stays looking its best. Our team is here to make this phase easy and stress-free.
Flexible Payment Plans & Financing Options
At Pavlo Orthodontics, we believe that finances should never be a barrier to health care. To help our patients manage the cost of orthodontic treatment, we offer flexible payment plans and convenient financing with Orthobanc.
Why You Need a Retainer
There are two main reasons you need a retainer after finishing orthodontic treatment: stabilization and prevention.
During treatment, your braces or aligners move your teeth and their roots into new positions. As the roots shift, the surrounding bone needs time to remodel and secure the teeth in place.
This process happens gradually over the course of several months, which is why wearing a retainer is so important.
Preserving Your Results
Wearing a retainer helps keep your teeth stable while your jawbone remodels and hardens around the roots. This prevents your teeth from shifting back and ensures that all the time and effort you spent in orthodontic treatment is maintained.
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?
Even people who haven’t had orthodontic treatment experience gradual tooth movement over time, but this is even more true for orthodontic patients. Retainers are an important long-term part of orthodontic care. They help ensure that your newly straightened smile stays in place after treatment with braces or Invisalign.
You’ll typically wear your retainer full-time for at least eight weeks after active treatment, and then nightly after that, as directed by your orthodontist.
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How often do I have to wear my retainer?
For the first few months of retainer wear after active orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will instruct you to wear your retainer 24 hours a day, every 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).
Over time, your teeth will settle into their new positions, and 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 use, most retainers can last for years. However, there are a few signs that it might be time for a replacement. Cracks or chips can develop over time, compromising the retainer’s strength and effectiveness. A poor fit is another warning sign, as retainers can loosen with wear and may no longer properly support your teeth. Finally, excessive buildup can occur even with regular cleaning. If stubborn residue cannot be removed, it’s a good idea to replace your retainer to maintain both hygiene and effectiveness.
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Can I eat or drink while wearing my retainer?
Always remove your retainer when eating, and also take it out if you’re drinking hot or highly pigmented beverages to prevent warping or staining. Drinking water with your retainer in is perfectly fine.
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How do I clean my orthodontic retainer?
Clean your retainer at least once a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild, unscented liquid soap to remove food, plaque, and bacteria. Rinse it thoroughly with cool or room-temperature water when you’re finished. You can also soak your retainer in water and specially-made cleaning tablets as needed to help remove stubborn buildup and keep it 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. We recommend storing your retainer in the case it comes in any time it's not in your mouth.
Always remember to clean and dry your retainer and its carrying case thoroughly first, to prevent bacteria from forming.
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What happens if I forget to put my retainer in?
Wearing your retainer as directed by your orthodontist is important to keep your teeth in their new positions. If you occasionally forget for a short time, there’s usually no cause for concern; just resume wearing it as soon as you remember. However, skipping it regularly can give your teeth time to shift, which could mean you'll need additional orthodontic treatment. To protect your results, make wearing your retainer a priority.