Maintaining Your Beautiful Smile After Braces or Aligners

Completing your orthodontic treatment is a major milestone—but the journey doesn’t end there. To preserve your new smile, retainers play a vital role in keeping your teeth aligned and preventing relapse. At Pristine Dental and Orthodontics, we provide customized retainer solutions designed to support long-term results and protect your investment in a straight, confident smile.

Why Retainers Matter

Once your braces or clear aligners are removed, your teeth naturally want to shift back to their original positions. Retainers help stabilize the bones and tissues around your teeth during this crucial post-treatment period. Without proper retention, months or years of progress can be lost.

Retainers are essential for:

  • Preventing teeth from drifting out of alignment
  • Supporting the final positioning of teeth and bite
  • Maintaining facial and jaw harmony
  • Reducing the need for future orthodontic treatment

Types of Retainers We Offer

We offer both removable and fixed options, and we’ll help you choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and treatment needs.

Removable Retainers

Hawley Retainers: Made from acrylic and wire, these durable retainers are adjustable and easy to clean. Clear Retainers (Essix): Made from transparent plastic, these discreet retainers look similar to aligners and fit snugly over your teeth.

Fixed Retainers

A thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth (typically the lower front) for continuous support. These retainers are ideal for patients at higher risk of relapse or for those who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it option.

What to Expect with Your Retainer

Fitting and Instructions

After your orthodontic treatment is complete, we’ll take impressions or scans to create your custom retainer. When you receive it, we’ll go over how to wear it, clean it, and store it properly.

Wearing Schedule

Initially, full-time wear is typically recommended for a few months. Gradually, you’ll transition to nighttime wear only. Your orthodontist will provide a wear schedule based on your individual treatment.

Maintenance Tips

Clean your removable retainer daily with a soft brush and mild soap. Avoid hot water or harsh chemicals. Store it in a ventilated case when not in use. For fixed retainers, maintain excellent brushing and flossing habits to prevent plaque buildup.

When to Replace or Adjust Your Retainer

Retainers can wear out over time. Let us know if:
  • Your retainer feels loose or uncomfortable
  • You notice cracks, warping, or build-up
  • It’s been lost or damaged

We’re happy to repair or replace it to keep your smile protected.

Keep Your Smile for Life

You’ve worked hard for your straight smile—now let’s make sure it lasts. At Pristine Dental and Orthodontics, we provide continued support long after your braces or aligners are removed. If you need a new retainer or have questions about your current one, contact us today. We’re here to help you preserve your results for a lifetime.

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Unexpected dental emergencies can be stressful, but our team is here to provide swift and effective care when you need it most. Whether you're suffering from severe tooth pain, a broken or knocked-out tooth, or any other urgent dental issue, we are equipped to handle emergencies with precision and compassion.

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