Retainers: Your Smile’s Long-Term Insurance!

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Why Lifelong Retention Matters

 

 

Teeth naturally want to shift over time. Aging, everyday chewing forces, and changes in bone structure can all contribute to relapse. Retainers are the key to preserving your results for the long term. Just like wearing sunscreen protects your skin, wearing your retainer protects your smile. The orthodontic journey doesn’t end when the braces or aligners come off—it continues with retention.

 

Without proper retention, teeth can begin to move within months, even after years of orthodontic treatment. That’s why we strongly recommend a lifetime of retainer wear.

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Types of Retainers

There are different types of retainers, however we offer clear removable retainers

made of transparent, durable plastic; these are custom-fit to your teeth and worn primarily at night.

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How to Wear Your Retainer

• Immediately after treatment: Wear your removable retainer full-time unless instructed otherwise (typically 22 hours/day for the first few months).

• Long-term: Transition to nighttime-only wear to maintain alignment.

• Lifelong habit: Think of your retainer like a seatbelt—wear it at night for as long as you want your teeth to stay straight.

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Retainer Care Tips

• Always store your retainer in its case when not in use.

• Clean it daily using a soft toothbrush and cool water—no hot water! Avoid toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface.

• Soak it weekly in retainer cleaning crystals or denture cleaner to keep it fresh.

• Keep it away from pets (they love to chew them!) and heat sources.

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