Keep your smile straight and healthy after braces or Invisalign®
At Forestville Family Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you enjoy great oral health for as long as possible. That’s why we’re proud to provide ongoing support for orthodontic retainers in Forestville, even if you didn’t get your braces or aligners with us.
Retainers play a crucial role in keeping your teeth in their newly aligned positions and preventing unwanted shifting. If you need help caring for your retainer, replacing a lost or broken one, or simply understanding how to use it properly, our team is happy to help.
Why retainers matter after orthodontic treatment
Our teeth naturally shift throughout our lives. Even those lucky few with naturally straight teeth might notice slight rotations or crowding as they age.
After orthodontic treatment, the teeth are very likely to move back toward their original positions, especially in the first few months. A retainer holds the teeth in place while the supporting bone and gums stabilize, and can prevent natural shifting long-term.
Wearing your retainer as instructed helps:
- Maintain your smile alignment
- Protect the investment you’ve made in orthodontic care
- Prevent relapse or crowding
- Reduce the need for future orthodontic treatment
Whether your child just completed braces or you finished Invisalign years ago and want to maintain your smile, proper retainer use is essential.
Types of retainers
Every smile is different and the right retainers depend on your orthodontic history and stability needs. For example, it’s very common for orthodontists to place a permanent retainer on the lower front teeth.
A permanent retainer (also called a bonded retainer or lingual retainer) is a thin wire that’s fixed to the back (tongue side) of teeth that are more likely to move or rotate. These are highly effective, but can build up excess plaque.
Our team can help you maintain your lingual retainer with personalized home care guidance and thorough dental cleanings. Even if you have a lingual retainer, you may also need support for the rest of your smile.
We provide clear retainers in Forestville
Our team provides clear retainers (also called Essix retainers) to keep your smile looking and feeling its best. These transparent, removable trays look similar to Invisalign aligners.
Clear retainers are:
- Nearly invisible
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Easy to wear during the day or overnight
It’s important to wear your retainers as directed to get the best results after completing orthodontic care!
How long do you need to wear a retainer after braces or Invisalign?
Retention time varies from person to person. In general:
- First 3-6 months: Wear your retainers full-time and only take them out to eat and brush (like Invisalign trays)
- Next 6-12 months: Wear your retainers every night
- Long-term: Wear your retainers at least several nights per week (preferably every night)
While these are good general guidelines, your specific needs depend on factors such as:
- How much your teeth moved during treatment
- Your age
- Gum and bone health
- Natural shifting tendencies
We’ll provide personalized guidance based on your smile and orthodontic history. It’s important to take good care of your retainers to help them last as long as possible.
If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard functions like a clear retainer while reducing jaw strain. It’s also a great option for people who tend to chew through their retainers and wear them out too quickly.
Keeping your smile looking and feeling its best with custom retainers in Forestville!
Even the best retainers have a limited lifespan. Whether your retainer is new, lost, damaged, or simply not fitting as well as it used to, we’re here to help you maintain your best smile. Our team can evaluate your retainer, recommend adjustments, and guide you on the right type of long-term retention. Get in touch to schedule a consultation for new retainers in Forestville, also serving Monte Rio, Guerneville, and Rio Nido!
