Retainers

If you want to keep your beautifully aligned teeth in their position forever, a retainer can give you that option. At Cuenin Orthodontics in Danville, California, Robert Cuenin, DDS, MS, and Kyle Cuenin, DDS, provide durable, high-quality retainers to help you maintain your straight teeth and impressive smile. Whether you need a new retainer or need to replace one, schedule an appointment today by phone or request an appointment online, and the team will call you to confirm.

What is a retainer?

A retainer is a custom-made, removable dental appliance that fits over your teeth to hold them in place. You typically get a retainer after the completion of orthodontic treatment to maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent them from shifting back to their original alignment.

Why do I need a retainer?

You need a retainer to ensure the long-term stability of your orthodontic results. After the active phase of orthodontic treatment, where braces or aligners are used to straighten your teeth, your gums, bone, and surrounding tissues need time to adapt to the changes.

Without a retainer, these structures may not fully stabilize, and your teeth can gradually shift back toward their original positions.

What are the different types of retainers?

The Cuenin Orthodontics team tailors your retainer to your specific needs. If you’ve had any type of orthodontic treatment, you need some form of a retainer once you complete it.

Different types of retainers include:

Hawley retainers

These consist of acrylic and have a wire that wraps around the front of your teeth. They’re removable and can be adjusted by your provider if necessary. Hawley retainers are durable and can be easily adjusted and repaired.

Clear retainers

The clear retainers at Cuenin Orthodontics are made by Invisalign® called Vivera™ retainers. These are made of clear plastic and fit directly on top of your teeth. They’re barely visible, easy to clean, comfortable, and can protect your teeth from grinding.

Fixed retainers

Unlike removable retainers, fixed retainers are bonded to the back of your teeth using a special dental adhesive. They consist of a thin wire that’s invisible from the front. Fixed retainers provide continuous retention but require extra attention during oral hygiene practices.

Your provider can help determine the right retainer for you.

How long will I need to wear a retainer?

After your orthodontic treatment, you need to wear your retainer full-time (except for eating and brushing) to allow your teeth to stabilize. 

Your orthodontist can offer instructions on when you can lessen the time you need to wear it. In general, you should wear your retainer at least during sleep for an extended period, often for several months or even years, to maintain your achieved tooth alignment.

To learn more, call today or use the online option to request an appointment. A friendly staff member will return your call to confirm.