Retainers
Protect Your Smile with Retainers in Jacksonville Beach or Nocatee/Ponte Vedra
What does a retainer do?
Your retainer has one important job: protecting the smile you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
After braces or clear aligner treatment, teeth naturally have a tendency to move over time. Wearing your retainer helps keep them in their new positions and preserves the beautiful alignment created during treatment.
How long will I need to wear my retainer after braces or aligners?
To protect your new smile, it’s best to wear your retainers full-time for the first six weeks after treatment.
Once that period is complete, you can transition to nighttime wear only.
Making your retainer part of your nightly routine is one of the easiest ways to preserve the results you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Types of Retainers
There are two primary types of retainers: removable retainers and fixed retainers.
Depending on your smile and treatment goals, our doctors may recommend one option or a combination of both to help keep your teeth beautifully aligned for the long term.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers are made from clear, durable plastic and custom-designed to fit your teeth.
Similar to Invisalign aligners, these retainers can be easily removed for eating, brushing, and cleaning.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers, sometimes called permanent retainers, are thin wires bonded behind the teeth.
They remain in place continuously and are most commonly used behind the lower front teeth.
What happens If I lose my retainer?
If your retainer becomes lost, damaged, or no longer fits properly, contact our office as soon as possible.
Even a short period without your retainer can allow teeth to begin shifting. Replacing it quickly helps preserve your results and may prevent the need for additional treatment in the future.
How to Clean Your Retainers
A little daily care goes a long way toward keeping your retainers clean, clear, and comfortable to wear.
- Rinse your retainers whenever you remove them.
- Brush them daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap.
- Use lukewarm water only. Hot water can warp the plastic.
- Soak them regularly in a retainer-cleaning solution to keep them fresh.
- Store them in their case whenever they’re not in your mouth.
Keeping your retainers clean not only helps them last longer, but also helps maintain good oral hygiene.
Retainer Care Tips
Do's:
- Wear your retainers exactly as instructed.
- Store them in their case whenever they're not in your mouth.
- Clean your retainers regularly to keep them fresh and clear.
- Bring your retainers to your orthodontic appointments if requested.
- Contact our office if your retainers become damaged or stop fitting properly.
Dont's:
- Don't expose your retainers to heat, including hot water, dishwashers, or a hot car.
- Don't wrap your retainers in a napkin while eating, as they're easy to accidentally throw away.
- Don't use harsh cleaners, bleach, or toothpaste, which can damage the material.
- Don't leave your retainers where pets can reach them. You don’t want to find out how much they love retainers!
Let’s Create a Smile You’ll Feel Great About
Book your complimentary consultation with our orthodontic office in Jacksonville Beach or Nocatee in Ponte Vedra.