A beautiful smile is one of the best investments you can make, and orthodontic retainers help protect that investment for years to come. At McAllen Orthodontic Group, we offer high-quality retainers for teeth to maintain your smile after braces or aligners. Our team is here to help you keep your teeth aligned, healthy, and looking their best.
We also offer a Retainer Protection Program to make it easier and more affordable to replace retainers as needed. Visit us to learn more and protect your smile for the long term.
Retainer Protection Program
It’s important to understand that one set of retainers isn’t meant to last forever. Retainers may be lost, worn out, or damaged over time. That’s why we offer the Retainer Protection Program to give you peace of mind and keep your smile intact.
For a one-time fee of $780 and a $20 co-pay per retainer, the program provides up to 4 clear removable retainers per year for FIVE YEARS. It’s a smart way to protect your smile without the worry.
Types of Retainers
We offer both removable and fixed retainers, depending on your needs. Each type plays a unique role in keeping your teeth from shifting after orthodontic treatment, and Dr. Ryan will recommend the one that best suits your needs.
Removable Retainers
After braces or aligners, you’ll be fitted with a custom-made removable retainer. It helps stabilize your teeth while the surrounding bone and tissues adjust to their new positions.
Wear Schedule: Wear your retainers full-time for the first month, then switch to nighttime wear unless directed otherwise.
Care Tips: Keep retainers away from heat, pets, and dishwashers. Clean gently with a toothbrush and mild soap or use denture cleaning tablets for a deeper clean. Always rinse thoroughly.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
This small wire is bonded behind your front teeth and is designed to stay in place long-term.
Purpose: Prevents front teeth from shifting over time.
Monitoring: Your family dentist should check it at regular cleanings to ensure it’s clean and intact. If needed, we’ll switch you to a removable retainer.
How Retainers are Worn
Because teeth can continue to move throughout life, we feel that individuals who have undergone orthodontic therapy should wear retainers indefinitely. A patient should wear retainers all the time for one month following the removal of braces, and then continue with nighttime wear thereafter.
How to Care for Retainers
- Retainers are made of a thermoplastic material that is sensitive to excessive heat, so they should be kept away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards or any place where the temperatures exceed 115 degrees (Fº).
- Retainers should be kept in the proper retainer case when they are not in the patient’s mouth.
- Keep away from any family pets, as they like to chew on them.
- Clean before and after placement in the mouth. Because the material used for fabrication is slightly porous, plaque tends to cling to the surfaces. Gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush and a mild liquid soap will remove the plaque. A denture cleaning solution, such as Efferdent, will aid in the removal of plaque and tartar. Be sure to rinse the retainers thoroughly after cleaning to remove any cleanser residue.
Because retainers are worn for years, they will need periodic replacement. Your original treatment contract includes one set of retainers after the braces are removed. If the retainers are lost or damaged due to neglect, there will be a charge for replacement. If the retainers become loose or break, contact our office immediately.
Habits That May Require Extra Retention
Some patients may need stronger or longer retainer use. Common habits or conditions include:
- Mouth breathing
- Clenching or grinding teeth
- Tongue thrust or low tongue posture
- Playing reed instruments
- Lip sucking or nail-biting
- Large gaps between teeth before treatment
- Severely rotated teeth
We’ll guide you on the best plan to keep your results stable based on your individual case.
Keep Up With Dental Visits
Wearing orthodontic retainers is just part of keeping your smile healthy. Continue with:
- Daily brushing and flossing
- Regular cleanings every six months
- Dental exams to monitor tooth and gum health
FAQ
How Long Do I Have to Wear Retainers?
You’ll start by wearing retainers full-time for the first month. After that, nighttime wear is typically enough. To keep your teeth from shifting, we recommend wearing retainers long-term.
How Do I Clean My Retainers?
Clean your retainers daily using a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid hot water or heat, which can warp the material. For a deeper clean, use a denture cleaner like Efferdent.
How Long Do Retainers Last?
Retainers can last a few years with good care, but they’re not permanent. Over time, they may wear down, crack, or become less effective. That’s why periodic replacement is important.
Can Retainers Move Teeth Back?
If your teeth have shifted slightly, wearing your retainers may help move them back. However, retainers aren’t designed for major tooth movement. In some cases, additional treatment may be needed.
Keep Your Smile for Life
Wearing orthodontic retainers is the final step in your smile journey and one of the most important. At McAllen Orthodontic Group, we’re here to help you keep that confident, beautiful smile for the long run. Schedule a check-up with our team of orthodontists.