Fixed & Removable Retainers

Why Retainers Matter

Whether you’re finishing orthodontic treatment or replacing an old retainer, we’re here to help you protect your smile for the long haul. Teeth can naturally begin to shift back to their original positions after orthodontic treatment. Retainers are custom-made appliances that help keep your teeth in place while the surrounding bone and tissue adjust and stabilize.

Without a retainer, your teeth can:

• Shift or crowd again over time
• Undo the progress made during treatment
• Lead to bite problems or spacing issues

That’s why we recommend wearing retainers exactly as directed. Retainers are an important, key step to preserving your smile after completion of your alignment treatment.

Types of Retainers: What’s the Difference?

We offer both removable and fixed retainers, and the right choice depends on your age, lifestyle, oral health, and specific orthodontic needs. Sometimes, a combination of both is recommended.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers, made out of clear plastic or acrylic, are often worn at night or as prescribed by your dental team. They’re designed to make wearing them an easy addition to your lifestyle. Removeable retainers are:

• Easy to clean and wear
• Great for teens and adults
• Can be adjusted or replaced if needed
• Best worn nightly long-term to maintain alignment

There are two common types:

• Clear plastic – Nearly invisible and molded to your smile
• Acrylic combined with wire – Often considered to be more durable, with an adjustable wire across the front

Fixed Retainers

Fixed retainers, which you might recognize as “permanent retainers” utilize thin wires that are attached directly to the teeth and are not removable at home. Typically, they are attached to the lower front teeth. Fixed retainers are:

• Invisible from the front
• Always working to hold alignment
• Great for patients who may forget or skip removable retainer use
• Require careful cleaning and regular checkups

Fixed retainers stay in place 24/7 and are not felt during normal speaking or eating after the initial adjustment period.