What does a retainer do?

Your retainer is worn once your braces or Invisalign treatment is complete, and it plays the key role of holding your teeth in their beautiful new position to prevent them from ‘relapsing’. 

Once active orthodontic treatment is complete, your teeth are susceptible to ‘orthodontic relapse’, or reverting back to their original pre-treatment positions. Your teeth require a period of retention to ensure that they stabilize in the proper alignment. 

Types of Retainers

Clear Retainer

Our retainer of choice at Just for Grins Orthodontics is the Essix retainer! This removable  retainer is similar to Invisalign; it’s a clear retainer made of plastic, custom-made to cover the front and back surfaces of the teeth.

The best part about these types of retainers is that they can be taken out as needed to eat, brush your teeth, and clean, unlike permanent retainers.

The ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of Retainer Wear & Care

DO NOT

• Do not expose your retainers to heat! Your retainer can melt or warp and become ineffective, so it’s important that you do not put them in the dishwasher, use hot water on them, or leave them in your car. 

• Do not leave your retainer around your pets. You don’t want to find out how much they love chewing retainers!

DO

• Do put your retainer in your retainer case every time you remove it from your mouth. 

• Do clean your retainer every time you brush your teeth. You can use a mild dish soap and an extra soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your retainer. 

• Do clean your retainer case regularly. You want your clean retainer to be placed back in a clean carrying case every time. You can use a mild soap and lukewarm water to wash your retainer case daily, or at least a few times a week.

• Do soak your retainer in a retainer cleaning solution (like Retainer Brite) to disinfect your retainer a few times a week.

• Do clean your retainer before and after placing it in the mouth. Because the material used for fabrication is slightly porous, plaque tends to cling to the surfaces. Be sure to rinse the retainers thoroughly after cleaning to remove any cleanser or soap residue.

Retainer Cost

You will receive one custom retainer as a part of your treatment plan. If you happen to lose or break your retainer, there will be a replacement fee.

If you lose or damage your retainer, please let us know as soon as possible. We want you to have a new retainer as soon as possible to prevent your teeth from shifting out of place.