Retainers are custom-made removable appliances that help to keep your teeth in their new position after braces have been removed. Retainers can help keep your teeth straight until you finish growing.

What is a Retainer?

A retainer is a custom-made, removable orthodontic appliance that is used to maintain the ideal position of your teeth after your braces or clear aligners are removed. Retainers help position the teeth and jaws after orthodontic treatment. They help teeth maintain their new positions and prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

 Why Use a Retainer?

After your braces are removed, you’ll need to wear a retainer to maintain your newly aligned smile. Teeth have a natural tendency to return to their original position after braces are removed. Without retainers, this could mean that your teeth would quickly shift out of alignment.

Retainers are custom-made to fit your mouth and prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position. Many patients have to wear a removable retainer for at least a full year after their braces come off. If you’re wearing a clear ceramic or invisible aligner system, you’ll still need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from moving out of alignment after you’ve removed your appliances. When you don’t wear a retainer as directed, you may develop problems with tooth movement and spacing. And your teeth may even go back to their initial position. These issues may require additional treatment to correct them, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Wearing a retainer will also help protect your investment in your smile by minimizing the risk of damage and wear that can occur to your new smile and teeth over time.

Types of Retainers

There are several different types of retainers available, including fixed and removable. Fixed retainers are typically made of wires bonded to the back of the teeth. Removable retainers can be made of plastic or wire, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. Each type of retainer has its pros and cons. For example, although fixed retainers are effective at eliminating the chances of shifting in the future, they can cause discomfort because they are permanently placed in your mouth. On the other hand, removable retainers are more comfortable, but they may be lost easily if they’re not worn consistently. Some patients may only need one type of retainer and others may need multiple types in order to keep their teeth in the correct position.

To learn more about our orthodontic treatments, call us at (661) 254-6464 or visit our office located at 23333 Cinema Dr Valencia, CA