Orthodontic Retainers to Prevent Teeth Shifting
Completing your braces or Invisalign treatment is a big accomplishment, but keeping your smile straight is just as important. We provide custom retainers to preserve your results and prevent your teeth from shifting over time.
Why Retainers After Braces and Invisalign Are Important
Once braces are removed or Invisalign treatment is complete, your teeth are still settling into their new positions. The surrounding bone and tissues need time to stabilize. Retainers help maintain your alignment and prevent relapse, ensuring your investment in a straight smile lasts a lifetime.
In fact, because teeth can continue to shift throughout life, many patients will need to wear their retainers long-term. With age, the muscles around the mouth can apply pressure on the teeth, so lifelong maintenance with retainers, even just one night a week, is often recommended.
Types of Retainers We Offer
Removable Retainers
Most patients receive a removable retainer after braces. These are custom-fitted and easy to wear:
First Year: Wear your retainers full-time (day and night), except during meals and brushing.
After Year One: Most patients can reduce to night-only wear.
Long-Term: Continue to wear at least one night per week to maintain results, especially after wisdom teeth evaluation.
Dr. Amir Davoody monitors your progress with checkups every 6–9 months and takes X-rays every 18 months to evaluate wisdom teeth development and make retention adjustments as needed.
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
Fixed retainers are small wires permanently bonded behind the front teeth, typically on the lower arch:
Always in place: No need to remove or remember to wear them.
Great for long-term stability: Especially useful for patients with previously rotated or spaced teeth.
Important: If your general dentist notices plaque buildup or gum irritation, they may recommend removal and switch to a removable retainer.
For best results, your family dentist should check the wire during every six-month dental cleaning.
How to Care for Your Retainers
Proper care keeps your retainers clean, effective, and long-lasting. Follow these important tips:
Avoid heat: Retainers are made of thermoplastic and can warp in temperatures above 115°F. Never leave them in hot water, dishwashers, or your car.
Store safely: Always use your retainer case when it’s not in your mouth. Pets, especially dogs, love to chew on retainers.
Clean daily:
Gently brush with a toothbrush and mild liquid soap (avoid toothpaste—it can scratch the surface).
Occasionally, soak in denture cleaner like Efferdent to remove buildup.
Rinse thoroughly before each use.
Please call us immediately if your retainer becomes loose or breaks.
When Extra Retention May Be Needed
Some patients require longer or more frequent retainer wear due to specific habits or conditions:
Mouth breathing
Clenching or grinding (muscle hyperactivity)
Tongue thrust or unusual tongue posture
Playing wind instruments with a reed
Lip sucking or chewing on pens/pencils
Pre-treatment spacing or severely rotated teeth
These factors can place extra strain on the alignment of teeth, so stronger retention is necessary to prevent relapse.
Keep Up With Dental Hygiene
Orthodontic retention is just one part of maintaining a healthy smile. Be sure to:
Brush and floss thoroughly every day
Visit your general dentist every six months for exams and cleanings
Follow all post-treatment guidelines from Dr. Davoody and our team
Invest in a Smile That Lasts
Helping you maintain your beautiful results for life is our top priority. We’re committed to doing our part, but we need your cooperation too. With consistent retainer wear, good hygiene, and regular follow-ups, we’ll make sure your confident smile stays with you for years to come.
Schedule your follow-up appointment today to protect your smile and stay on track for lifelong results.
