Why retainers matter
The bone and gums around the teeth take time to settle after braces. Without a retainer, teeth often drift, sometimes within months. Wearing your retainer as your doctor tells you is the easiest way to protect the time and money you put into braces.
Caring for your retainer
- Clean it every day with a soft brush and cool water; hot water can bend it.
- Keep it in its case when it is not in your mouth: most lost retainers are wrapped in a tissue and thrown away.
- Keep it away from pets.
- Bring it to your checkups so we can check the fit.
How it works at our clinic
Debonding day
When your braces come off, we take a measurement of your teeth.
Made in our lab
Your retainer is made in our own lab to fit your finished teeth.
Fitting
We fit the retainer and explain how many hours a day to wear it.
Checks
We check the retainer and your teeth at your follow-up visits.
Cost
The cost depends on your teeth and the treatment you need. After the checkup you get a plan with the exact cost, before anything is done.
Questions patients ask
How long do I need to wear a retainer?
Your doctor tells you how many hours a day and for how long. Many people keep wearing it at night for the long term, because teeth can move at any age.
I lost or broke my retainer. What should I do?
Message us as soon as possible and come in: the longer you go without it, the more your teeth can move. We can make a new one.
My retainer feels tight. Is that normal?
A little tightness after a night without it means the teeth had started to move. If it does not fit at all, or hurts, come in so we can check.