Orthodontic Retention

You've worked hard for your beautiful smile; keep it that way!

Finally, your braces have been removed and your smile is beautiful, straight, and best of all, metal-free! However, your orthodontic journey isn't quite completed. To keep your smile looking its best, you'll have to wear a retainer to preserve and stabilize your results. Retainers are needed to control or limit potential changes in tooth position. They are used after braces treatment to hold teeth in their correct alignment while the surrounding gums, bone, and muscle adjust to the new positioning of your teeth.

Types of Retainers

Retainers are custom-made and can be removable or fixed.

  • Traditional removable retainers typically include a metal wire that surrounds the front teeth and is attached to an acrylic arch that sits in the roof of the mouth. The metal wires can be adjusted to finish treatment and continue minor movement of the front teeth as needed.
  • Aligner-style retainers, or Essix retainers, look similar to clear aligners and offer a more aesthetic alternative to wire retainers. This clear retainer may fit over the entire arch of your teeth, or only from canine to canine (clip-on retainer). It is produced from a mold of your newly aligned teeth.
  • Fixed retainers consist of wires bonded behind the bottom and/or top teeth. While the device is usually required no more than a year after wisdom teeth have been extracted, it is often kept in place for life.

Pros and Cons

  • Removable retainers can be taken out for eating and hygiene routines.
  • Removable retainers can get lost easily, so remember to keep yours in the case whenever you remove it to eat or brush.
  • A fixed retainer is great if you don't want to keep track of it, or if you don't want to worry about how many hours per day it must be worn.
  • Teeth with fixed retainers require a little extra attention to remove tartar while flossing. Patients with fixed retainers often must use floss threaders to pass dental floss through the small spaces between the retainer and the teeth.
Patient Testimonials
“I would HIGHLY recommend anyone considering braces to not make a decision until you have consulted with Dr. Standifer and Standifer Orthodontics. I have yet to meet anyone who had a bad experience, and have met dozens who think the world of him and his staff. I am proud to include myself and my family in that list.” ~ David K
“As a parent and a patient I couldn't be happier with Dr. Standifer and his staff. Dr. Standifer is an outstanding orthodontist, the kids love him, and I feel well informed of their treatment and progress. The staff is very friendly and accommodating to our schedule. Standifer Orthodontics is definitely number-one in our book!” ~ Karen B
“My family has had the pleasure of working with Dr. Denny and his wonderful staff for over seven years. The meticulous care and constant support that we have received is beyond compare. We are always greeted by name and treated as special guests. The atmosphere is always warm and friendly. Dr. Denny is an expert in his field and makes it his mission to give his patients the finest care and most beautiful smile possible. We love Standifer Orthodontics!” ~ Debbie B
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