Orthodontic Treatment for Retainers
Keep Your Smile Shining
Congratulations! Your braces are off. Now comes the most important part: keeping your teeth exactly where they belong.
After orthodontic treatment, your teeth naturally want to shift back to their original positions. A retainer applies gentle, consistent pressure to hold your teeth in their new alignment while the surrounding bone and tissues stabilize. This phase protects the results you worked so hard to achieve.
Modern Retainer Technology at Shine Orthodontics
We use advanced I-Tero digital scanning instead of traditional impressions. No more goopy molds or gagging. The scanner captures a precise 3D image of your teeth in minutes, creating a comfortable experience and an accurate fit.
Our in-house 3D printing brings another advantage: speed. We produce your custom retainer right here in our office, which means faster turnaround times and quicker adjustments when you need them. If your retainer breaks or gets lost, we can replace it without a long wait.
Your Retainer Wear Schedule
For Comprehensive Treatment Patients: Wear your retainer full-time (except for eating and drinking) for the first 12 weeks after braces come off. After that initial period, transition to nighttime wear. This schedule will ensure your beautiful smile stays in place.
For Phase 1 Treatment Patients: Nighttime wear starts right away. Your orthodontist will provide specific guidance based on your treatment plan.
Always store your retainer in its case when you're not wearing it. Never wrap it in a napkin or leave it sitting out. Clean it daily with a soft toothbrush and a mild soap. Hot water can warp the plastic, and harsh cleaners can damage the material.
Retainer Options
Clear Plastic Retainers
These removable retainers are nearly invisible and molded precisely to fit your teeth. You can take them out for eating and brushing, which makes daily care simple. They're our most popular option.
Fixed Retainers
A thin metal wire bonds to the back of your teeth. Typically, is it placed behind the upper four front teeth and lower six teeth, but it does not provide coverage for your bite correction. Since it stays in place permanently, you can't lose it. Fixed retainers do require extra attention during brushing and flossing.
Hawley Retainers
Made from acrylic and wire; these removable retainers are durable and adjustable. They're easy to clean and can be customized with colors or designs.
Life After Braces
Now that your braces are off, keep up the excellent dental hygiene habits you developed during treatment:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss every day
- Schedule regular cleanings with your general dentist
Watch what you eat to protect both your teeth and your retainer:
- Limit sticky, sugary, or hard foods that can damage your enamel or retainer
- Avoid chewing ice or biting down on pens and pencils
- Drink plenty of water and rinse your mouth after meals
If you're interested in whitening your teeth, wait a few months after your braces come off. Your teeth need time to settle. Ask our team when the timing is right for you.
Retainer Check Appointments
We'll schedule follow-up visits to make sure your retainer fits correctly and your teeth stay aligned. If your retainer ever feels tight or doesn't fit properly, call us right away. Small shifts can often be corrected quickly if we catch them early.
How long do I need to wear my retainer?
Most patients wear retainers full-time for a few months, then switch to nighttime wear long-term. Your specific timeline depends on your treatment. Follow the recommendations we give you at your final appointment.
Can my teeth move after braces?
Yes. Some natural movement happens over time, but consistent retainer wear keeps your teeth beautifully aligned.
What if I lose or break my retainer?
Contact us immediately. If you have your original molds from when you finished treatment, you can drop them off at the office and we will make a new one the same day. If your original molds are lost or broken, we’ll schedule a digital scan and create a replacement using our in-house 3D printer. The sooner you call, the less chance your teeth have to shift.
When can I whiten my teeth after braces?
Most patients can whiten a few months after their braces are removed. Your dentist or our orthodontists will let you know when it's the right time.
Protect Your Investment
You worked hard for this smile. Your retainer protects that investment. Wear it as directed, keep it clean, and come see us for your check appointments.
Our Shine Orthodontics team in Lebanon, Maineville, and Chillicothe, Ohio is always here if you have questions or need support after braces. Schedule your retainer check appointment or contact us anytime.
Ready to keep your smile shining? Get in touch with us today.
