After straightening your teeth with Invisalign or braces, a retainer is essential to keep your smile aligned. At Valley Dental Care, we provide custom-made retainers that help protect the results of your orthodontic treatment. These comfortable, low-profile devices are designed to maintain your bite and prevent unwanted shifting — so your smile stays just the way you like it.
What Are Retainers?
Keeping Your Teeth in Place
Retainers are custom dental appliances worn after orthodontic treatment. While aligners move your teeth into the right position, retainers hold them there while the bone and gums stabilize. Without a retainer, teeth can gradually shift back to their original positions — especially in the first year after treatment.
Types of Retainers We Offer
Choosing the Right Fit for Your Smile
We offer a few different types of retainers, depending on your preferences and orthodontic history:
- Clear plastic retainers (Essix-style): These look like Invisalign trays and are worn over the teeth. They’re comfortable, removable, and nearly invisible when worn.
- Wire retainers (Hawley-style): These use a thin metal wire and acrylic base. They’re durable and adjustable but more visible than clear options.
- Fixed retainers: A small wire bonded to the back of your teeth, typically on the lower front teeth. These are not removable but work continuously without patient effort.
We’ll help you decide which option is best based on your treatment and daily routine.
Why Are Retainers Important?
Preserving Your Orthodontic Investment
Your teeth are supported by soft tissue and bone, both of which need time to adapt after shifting. Retainers ensure that new bone forms around the roots in their new positions. Without one, relapse is common — especially after clear aligner therapy.
Wearing a retainer as directed is the best way to avoid additional treatment down the line.
How Long Do You Need to Wear a Retainer?
Short-Term Healing, Long-Term Habits
Most patients wear their retainer full-time for the first few months after completing orthodontic care. After that, wear typically transitions to nighttime only. In many cases, nighttime wear is recommended indefinitely to maintain results.
We’ll provide clear instructions based on your case and help you build a routine that works for you.
How to Care for Your Retainer
Simple Tips to Keep It Clean and Effective
- Clean removable retainers daily with a soft toothbrush and water (avoid toothpaste or hot water)
- Store them in their case when not in use to prevent damage or loss
- Avoid eating or drinking (other than water) while wearing a removable retainer
- Bring your retainer to checkups so we can inspect for wear
If your retainer no longer fits or gets damaged, we can remake it using a new digital impression.
Retainers After Invisalign
Protecting Your Clear Aligner Results
If you’ve completed treatment with Invisalign or clear aligners, wearing your retainer is especially important. Since aligners are removable, your teeth may be more prone to relapse if retainer wear is inconsistent. Our retainers are designed to match your final alignment for a seamless transition from trays to maintenance.
Why Choose Valley Dental Care?
Custom Retainers in Aurora and Oswego
At Valley Dental Care, we take every step to ensure your retainer fits comfortably and lasts as long as possible. Whether you just finished treatment or need a replacement retainer, we’ll guide you through your options with clear instructions and ongoing support. With convenient locations in Aurora and Oswego, keeping your smile straight has never been easier.
