Retainers
Monroe Township, NJ
Maintaining Your Smile’s Alignment
What Is a Retainer?
A retainer is a dental appliance used after orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, to help maintain the new position of your teeth. After your teeth have been successfully straightened, they need time to stabilize in their new positions. Without a retainer, there is a high likelihood that your teeth may begin to shift back to their previous alignment due to natural forces like chewing, talking, or even the constant pressure exerted by the soft tissues in your mouth. Retainers ensure that the hard work invested in orthodontic treatment lasts a lifetime.
They come in different types, including clear retainers that are nearly invisible, traditional Hawley retainers made of acrylic and metal, and bonded retainers, which are permanently attached to the back of your teeth for long-term stability. Retainers not only preserve the aesthetic appearance of your smile but also support proper bite function and overall oral health by preventing teeth from drifting back to their original, misaligned positions.
Protect Your Investment
Benefits of Retainers
Prevents Teeth Shifting
Retainers are essential for preventing your teeth from moving back to their original positions after orthodontic treatment. This helps maintain the results of your braces or aligners and keeps your smile looking great.
Custom Fit
Retainers are custom-made for each patient, ensuring a comfortable fit and maximum effectiveness. Depending on your needs, your orthodontist may recommend a clear retainer for aesthetics, a traditional retainer for durability, or a bonded retainer for long-term stability.
Maintains Alignment
Consistently wearing your retainer as directed helps safeguard your investment in orthodontic treatment, ensuring that your teeth remain in their proper positions and that you enjoy a lasting, beautiful smile.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Initially, you will wear your retainer full-time (22 hours a day) for a few months, transitioning to nightly wear indefinitely to prevent relapse.
Removable clear retainers typically last between 1 to 3 years depending on wear and care, while Hawley retainers can last 5 to 10 years.
Contact Monroe Dental and Implants immediately so we can fabricate a replacement before your teeth begin to shift.
