Keep Your Smile Straight for Life
Orthodontic Retention Services
Completing your orthodontic treatment is an exciting milestone, but maintaining your beautiful new smile requires ongoing care. At our practice, we understand that orthodontic retention is just as important as the initial treatment itself. After months or years of wearing braces or aligners, your teeth need support to stay in their corrected positions. Our comprehensive retention services ensure that your investment in a straighter smile lasts a lifetime.
Why Retention Matters
Your teeth have memory. Even after successful orthodontic treatment, they naturally want to shift back toward their original positions. The bone and soft tissues surrounding your teeth need time to stabilize and adapt to their new arrangement. Without proper retention, you risk losing the results you worked so hard to achieve. Retainers act as a safeguard, holding your teeth steady while your mouth adjusts to its improved alignment.
Studies show that patients who consistently wear their retainers maintain their results indefinitely, while those who neglect retention often experience noticeable shifting within just a few months. We want to help you protect your smile for years to come.
Types of Retainers We Offer
Every patient has unique needs, which is why we provide several retainer options. Removable retainers are the most common choice and come in two main varieties. Hawley retainers feature a metal wire across the front teeth with an acrylic plate that rests against the roof of your mouth or behind your lower teeth. These durable retainers are adjustable and can last for many years with proper care.
Clear plastic retainers, often called Essix retainers, look similar to clear aligners and fit snugly over your teeth. Many patients prefer these because they are virtually invisible and comfortable to wear. However, they may need replacement more frequently than Hawley retainers.
For patients seeking a permanent solution, we also offer fixed or bonded retainers. These consist of a thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth, providing continuous retention without the need to remember to wear a removable appliance. As your trusted orthodontist Palo Alto patients rely on, we will help you determine which type of retainer best suits your lifestyle and orthodontic needs.
What to Expect During Retention
Your retention phase begins immediately after your braces come off or you complete your aligner treatment. We will take impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create custom retainers that fit perfectly. Initially, most patients need to wear their retainers full-time, removing them only for eating and brushing. After several months, we typically transition patients to nighttime wear only.
The length of your retention phase varies based on your specific case, but most patients should plan on wearing retainers at night indefinitely. Think of it like going to the gym: once you achieve your fitness goals, you need to maintain them with regular exercise. Similarly, retainers help maintain your orthodontic results throughout your life.
Caring for Your Retainers
Proper retainer care ensures longevity and hygiene. Clean your removable retainers daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic. When not wearing them, store retainers in their protective case to prevent damage or loss. For fixed retainers, flossing requires special threaders or tools, which our team will demonstrate for you.
Regular checkups with your orthodontist Palo Alto families trust allow us to monitor your retention progress and address any concerns. We will examine your retainers for wear and tear and check that your teeth remain properly aligned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to wear my retainers?
Most patients should wear retainers nightly for life to maintain their results. Your specific wearing schedule will depend on your individual case.
What if I lose or break my retainer?
Contact our office immediately. The sooner we replace your retainer, the less likely your teeth will shift. We keep your records on file to make replacement quick and easy.
Do retainers hurt?
Retainers should feel snug but not painful. Some initial tightness is normal, especially if you have skipped wearing them for a few days.
Can I eat with my retainers in?
Remove removable retainers before eating or drinking anything except water. Fixed retainers stay in place, but avoid sticky or hard foods that could damage them.
Let’s Protect Your Beautiful Results Together
Your orthodontic retention journey is a partnership between you and our team at Beckstead Dental Group. By following our guidance and wearing your retainers as directed, you will enjoy your confident, healthy smile for a lifetime.