Retainers
Ensuring your dream smile lasts a lifetime
Retainers are a crucial part of caring for your teeth after orthodontic treatment. Your teeth will want to shift back to their pre-treatment positions, but wearing your retainer will prevent them from moving - letting you keep your stunning results for life.
Book A Free ConsultationTypes of retainers at Center for Orthodontics
We offer both bonded and removable retainers at our clinic.
Bonded retainers, also called cuspid-to-cuspid retainers, are thin metal wires that are fixed in place behind your teeth. This means you’ll never forget to wear them, but it’s also important to clean them carefully to prevent any plaque build-up.
If your bonded retainer comes loose, please alert us straight away so we can schedule an appointment to fix it.
Removable retainers come in two forms at Center for Orthodontics. One is a plastic plate with metal wires called a Hawley retainer. The other is a clear, plastic retainer that looks a bit like an Invisalign® clear aligner. Both kinds are custom-made for your smile.
How often will I need to wear my removable retainers?
Right after you finish treatment, you’ll need to wear your retainers 24/7, except for during eating, brushing, and flossing. This gives your teeth time to “settle” and stabilize. After about 6 months, you’ll switch to only wearing your retainers at night.
It’s important to follow Dr. Narula’s instructions for retainer wear closely. Most patients will need to wear their retainers for life to ensure that their teeth don’t relapse. If you stop wearing your retainer, you may need additional orthodontic treatment in the future.
How should I
take care of my retainers?
To make sure your custom retainers last, you should:
- Gently brush your retainers daily with a mild toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
- Store your retainers in your case when they aren't in use.
- Keep retainers away from pets (they love to chew on them!)
- Use warm water to rinse your retainers. Hot water can warm them and cause them to fit improperly.
- Wear your retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Narula.
Take the first step toward your forever smile
In order to receive your custom retainers, you need to start treatment first! You can begin by booking your free consultation with our team in Rancho Mirage, CA today.
Book your free consultation