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Your Guide to Orthodontic Retainers

Home » Blog » Your Guide to Orthodontic Retainers

When you have braces or Invisalign, it’s considered the active phase of your orthodontic treatment. When you finish, you move on to the retention phase. We know, we know, you may have thought you were done but we promise when you see how fantastic your new smile looks, having a final step in your treatment plan won’t seem like a big deal. What does this retention phase entail? Well, it just means wearing a retainer to hold your teeth in their new positions. We’ll be covering everything you need to know about orthodontic retainers to help you get an idea of what you can expect when you wrap up your orthodontic treatment.

What is an Orthodontic Retainer?

An orthodontic retainer, sometimes called a dental retainer, is a custom appliance, either fixed or removable, that holds the teeth in their new places after you finish the active phase of your orthodontic treatment. It applies gentle pressure so that the teeth don’t shift. Depending on the type of retainer, it is generally made of metal, metal and acrylic, or a thermoplastic material similar to Invisalign aligners.

Do I Have to Wear a Retainer After Braces or Invisalign?

Yes, it’s super important to wear a retainer after braces or Invisalign. When your braces or aligners apply pressure to your teeth and gums, they kick off the process of bone remodelling. Essentially, the supporting tissues and ligaments loosen and the cells in the bone break down to allow the teeth to move. Wearing a retainer after braces or Invisalign holds your teeth where they need to be while the bone, tissues and ligaments tighten back up and your new smile locks into place. If you don’t wear a retainer after braces or Invisalign, your teeth will shift back to their old positions once the appliance is no longer there to exert pressure. Wearing a dental retainer is the only way to maintain your results and ensure they last a lifetime.

Everyone’s schedule for wearing their retainer is different and it will depend on your unique smile needs. However, most patients wear their retainers at night only from the beginning. Eventually, you’ll probably have to wear it just a few nights a week. Many factors contribute to tooth movement including grinding, new restorations or fillings, and the health of the gums. Everyone has their own unique situation!

What are the Different Types of Retainers?

There are several different types of retainers. Your orthodontist will be able to tell you which one is best suited to your needs. Sometimes, we even combine different types, such as a permanent retainer on your lower teeth and having you wear a Hawley or clear retainer on your top teeth. Here are the types we offer at our Mustang, Norman and OKC orthodontic practice:

  • Permanent Retainer – A permanent retainer, sometimes called a lingual retainer or fixed retainer, consists of a thin, metal wire that is placed on the back of your teeth (on the tongue side). It’s bonded to your teeth with special adhesive, just like the kind we use for your braces brackets, to hold it in place. You can’t see it at all when you smile and it can stay in place for years or even decades. Once you get used to it, you won’t notice it’s there. It’s pretty much a set it and forget it appliance. However, a permanent retainer does it make it more challenging to remove plaque and to floss your teeth, so you will have to be diligent about keeping it clean.
  • Hawley Retainer – A Hawley retainer is probably what you think of when you hear the word “retainer.” The removable appliance consists of an acrylic piece that sits against the roof of the mouth with a thin wire attached to it that wraps around the teeth. It can be used on the top or bottom arch. When you have a Hawley retainer, you’ll take it out to eat and to brush and floss your teeth. It is noticeable when you smile but it’s lower profile than a full set of braces. While Hawley retainers are a great option for many patients and can even be adjusted to make minor corrections, more and more people are opting for clear retainers.
  • Essix or Clear Retainer – An Essix retainer is a clear retainer that’s very similar to Invisalign aligners. This type of retainer is made of clear, BPA-free, smooth plastic that’s custom-moulded to fit your smile. It slips over your teeth just like aligners do. A clear retainer, such as the Vivera® retainer, sometimes called an Invisalign retainer because it’s made by Align Technology, is comfortable and virtually invisible. Since the material is thicker than the material used to make aligners, it’s durable with proper care. You’ll take the retainer out to eat, drink anything aside from plain water, and brush and floss your teeth. The drawback of a clear retainer is you’ll have to keep track of it when you’re not wearing it.

How to Care for Your Orthodontic Retainer

Your specific instructions for caring for your orthodontic retainer will depend on which type you have but here are some general tips:

  • Brush and floss your permanent retainer. You may also want to use an interproximal brush to get rid of any plaque that accumulates around the wire.
  • If you have a Hawley retainer or a clear retainer, make sure to store it in its case whenever you’re not wearing it. Never put it in a napkin or a tissue when you take it out of your mouth because it can accidentally get thrown away. Also, remember that pets love retainers. Keeping it in its case when you’re brushing and flossing will prevent Fido from snacking on it and destroying it.
  • Don’t leave your retainers in extreme heat, such as a hot car, especially if you have an Essix-type retainer. The heat can warp the retainer and affect the fit.
  • If you have a clear retainer, take it out to drink anything except for plain water. This is because any liquid will get stuck between the retainer and your teeth, potentially staining your teeth or retainer and increasing your risk of tooth decay.
  • As for how to clean retainers, brush both Hawley and clear retainers with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You may want to skip the toothpaste since it can be abrasive. Brush your retainer in the morning and at night when you’re brushing your teeth to prevent plaque from building up on it. Can you use denture cleaner on retainers? Yes, you can. For the occasional deeper clean, soaking it in a retainer cleaning solution or Efferdent can be helpful. For a DIY retainer cleaning solution, mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water and let your retainer sit in the mixture for about 15 minutes.
  • If you forget to put in your retainer for a few nights, you may notice your teeth are sore. The best way to avoid this is to stick with the schedule. Now, what if you forget to wear it for longer than a night or two? Should you wear your retainer if it doesn’t fit? No. If it’s been a while and your retainer isn’t fitting, don’t try to adjust it yourself. Make an appointment and we’ll get you back on track.
  • If you lose your retainer or it breaks, call our office right away so that we can make you a new one and prevent your teeth from shifting.

At our practice, since retainers are so important, we created our Retainers for 7 program to ensure our patients are never without their appliance. When you sign up for the program, you get seven years of replacement retainers for a reasonable fee. Retainer replacements include clear upper and lower retainers and Phase I Hawley retainers. While, of course, you’ll still want to take care of your retainer and avoid having to come in for a new one, if something does happen, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered.

Whether you want some more advice on orthodontic retainers or you’re interested in starting braces or Invisalign treatment, schedule a free consultation with a Mustang, Norman or OKC orthodontist at Craig & Streight Orthodontics today!

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Patient Testimonials

Hear what Our Patients Are Saying About
Their Experience With Us

Diana G.
CSO is the best! The team is wonderful. I highly recommend to all my friends and family.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your amazing feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we appreciate your support!
stephanie S.
Dr. Streight is amazing and thinks outside of the box of orthodontics! He listens to your concerns and makes sure to discuss all possibilities before implementing a plan. I interviewed many orthodontists before landing here. I have five children and wanted to make sure I was comfortable with our choice. Now that we have used Dr Streight for two years, we could not be happier ! He is truly a problem solver and did wonders for us. Many orthodontists wanted to take the quickest and easiest route to restore my kiddos’ mouths; however he manipulated the palate over time and and created space for growth and movement in their mouths without the immediate pull of teeth while
preventing surgeries and long term damage. He is a master at his profession. Thank you for lifetime of healthy, happy teeth and smiles!
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave us a great 5-star review!
Ila F.
The doctors and staff are professional and kind! Any issues have been immediately responded to and we have been very pleased with our child's care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted to hear that you and your child have had such a positive experience with our team. Our commitment to professionalism and responsiveness is at the heart of what we do, and your feedback truly motivates us. We look forward to continuing to provide excellent care!
devinsellers
5 stars is an understatement
I feel like more than a patient when im there
Very thoughtful very helpful
Willing to work with my busy schedule
I've been going there for almost 3 years now and have yet to have a bad experience
10 out of 10 would recommend
Response from the owner:Hi Devin. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you feel valued and supported during your visits. It's great to know that our team has been able to accommodate your schedule and provide a positive experience over the years. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to serve you!
Joe A.
My daughter is very happy with her smile after her braces were off. We are very pleased with the outcome.
Response from the owner:Hi Joe. Thank you for sharing your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your daughter is so happy with her new smile. It's always rewarding to see such positive outcomes, and we appreciate your support!
Adam M.
Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Easy to understand every step and get started that day with a journey to a better smile.
Response from the owner:Hi Adam. Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We're so glad to hear that our team made your experience enjoyable and clear. Your journey to a better smile is important to us, and we appreciate your support!
Hilary D.
Patient & kind staff. My kids were stoked to get t-shirts & play games while waiting.
Response from the owner:Hi Hilary. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that our team made your visit enjoyable for both you and your kids. Creating a welcoming environment is important to us, and it's great to know that the t-shirts and games added to the fun. We appreciate your feedback!
Michelle B.
Such great staff and extremely attentive to making sure my treatment is effective. Love coming in!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Michelle! We're thrilled to hear that our staff has made a positive impact on your treatment experience. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit!
Rachel A.
We have been seeing Dr. Craig and Dr. Streight for about 18 months. They were recommended to us by several others, as well as our dentist. We have had a very positive experience. We are hopefully almost done, and our next child is starting to see them now as well. We are confident he is in good hands.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5-star review!
Mike C.
Did us a solid job. We agreed on a price and they held up their end. No complaints.
Response from the owner:Hey Mike. Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience and that everything went smoothly. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we appreciate your support!
Vanessa Monik R.
First, I am extremely thankful and happy with the customer service here at Craig & Streight orthodontics! After going to a total of 3 different Orthos, I decided CSO was perfect for my needs. I was able to get my braces on same day and they tailored a payment schedule to my budget. Kari and Ryan listened to me and answered all my questions. Thank you everyone! A BIG Thank you to the gal that applied my braces. I look forward to this journey with CSO!
Response from the owner:Hi Vanessa. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to meet your needs and make your journey with braces a positive one. Your kind words about Kari, Ryan, and our staff mean a lot to us. We’re excited to support you every step of the way!
Alyssa C.
My kids and I had a great experience! The staff was informative, the new technology was impressive, and the pricing was very reasonable. We were in and out quickly with a same-day consultation, and they were able to start the services my son needed right away. Plus, the fun arcade games kept the kids entertained while we waited. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Hi Alyssa. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids enjoyed your visit and found our staff informative and our technology impressive. It's great to know that the quick service and entertainment options made your time with us enjoyable. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back!
Jen K.
They are always encouraging and give her such positive feedback each time my daughter scans for her invisaline. Every step of the process has been excellent
Response from the owner:Hi Jen. Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that your daughter is receiving such positive encouragement throughout her Invisalign journey. We’re dedicated to making every step a great one, and your feedback truly motivates us to keep up the good work!
Susn J.
The best Orthodontist office you’ll ever find. Everyone goes above and beyond to help! Can’t imagine going anywhere else! The kids love going!
Response from the owner:Hi Susan. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids have such a positive experience with our team. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels supported. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care!
Rachel D.
We went in for a consultation after a horrible consultation with another orthodontist and let me say Dr. Craig and her staff are absolutely AMAZING!! My daughter was super hesitant after the previous encounter with the other orthodontist but the staff here at Craig and Streight are top notch! They immediately eased my daughter's mind with their kindness! Went in for a consultation walked out with braces and a great office to take care of her dental needs! Thank you!!!
Response from the owner:Hi Rachel. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that Dr. Craig and our team were able to provide such a positive and reassuring environment for your daughter. It's wonderful to know that we could help ease her concerns and support her dental journey. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to continuing to care for your family's needs!

Our locations

Norman Office

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

Mustang Office

1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

South Oklahoma City

12100 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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1476 N. Mustang Rd.
Mustang, OK 73064
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