Retainers

Our permanent retainer option consists of a thin wire that is cemented to the surface of the teeth. While patients typically only receive permanent appliances on the bottom teeth, your orthodontist will help determine the best placement for your smile

Permanent retainers are an attractive option for patients who cannot wear removable appliances or who have conditions such as crowding or a bite problem. Because this retention option cannot be removed, patients must maintain excellent oral hygiene habits, such as precise brushing and flossing to keep it clean.

Many patients who have removable appliances may forget to wear them—permanent retainers remove this problem entirely. Another advantage of this option is the inability to lose it, because it is permanently bonded to your teeth.

Our orthodontists will tailor their treatment plans and retention options to your unique needs so you can have a solution that fits your lifestyle and preserves your smile.

Caring for your retainer is just as important as wearing it. Whether you have a permanent retainer or a removable retainer, following a proper care routine is essential for maintaining your straight teeth and ensuring your orthodontic treatment results last for years. Here are some important tips to help you keep your retainer—and your smile—in top shape:

• Brush and Floss Regularly: Good oral hygiene is key. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and use a floss threader to clean around the metal wire of permanent retainers. This helps remove plaque and food particles that can get trapped, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum issues.

• Follow Detailed Instructions: Your orthodontist or dentist will provide specific guidance on how to care for your particular type of retainer. Always follow these instructions to ensure your retainer stays effective and your teeth remain in their new positions.

• Clean Your Retainer Properly: For removable retainers, gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste, and occasionally soak them in a retainer cleaner or a mixture of water and white vinegar. For permanent retainers, avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials that could damage the metal wire or bonding.

• Protect Against Damage: Be mindful of what you eat and drink. Hard foods and sticky snacks can bend wires or crack removable retainers, while sugary or acidic drinks can harm both your teeth and your retainer. Always remove your removable retainer before eating.

• Store Removable Retainers Safely: When not in use, keep your removable retainer in its protective case. Avoid wrapping it in napkins or tissues, as it can easily be thrown away or damaged.

• Monitor for Problems: Check your retainer regularly for signs of wear, cracks, or a broken retainer. If you notice any issues, contact your orthodontist immediately to prevent your teeth from shifting out of alignment.

• Maintain Regular Dental Visits: Schedule routine check-ups with your orthodontist or dentist to ensure your retainer is in good condition and your teeth are staying straight. Professional cleanings and exams help maintain both your oral health and your retainer’s effectiveness.

• Save Money with Proper Care: Taking care of your retainer helps you avoid the cost of repairs or replacements, making your investment in a beautiful smile last longer.

By maintaining your retainer with these important tips, you can keep your teeth in their perfect positions, prevent shifting teeth, and enjoy a confident, healthy smile for years to come. If you ever have questions about retainer care or need a new retainer, don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist for support and guidance.

Trust Clemente Orthodontics With Your Oral Health

At Clemente Orthodontics, we understand the importance of preserving your beautiful smile after orthodontic treatment. Our practice offers a range of retainer options, including new retainers with quick turnaround times and customized solutions for your unique needs. Both dentists and orthodontists at our practice provide expert retainer care, ensuring your retainers are safe, durable, and effective, so you can maintain the health, aesthetics, and beautiful smiles you deserve. Our experienced team provides personalized care to help you achieve and sustain a confident, attractive smile.

Our family practice has decades of experience and is here to help you maintain and improve your oral health. Call us at New City: (845) 638-6646, Woodcliff Lake: (201) 484-0600, or Ridgewood: (201) 447-2888, or fill out our contact form to learn more about how we can help you retain your perfect smile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers

At Clemente Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of proper retention following orthodontic treatment. Our retainer services are designed to help you maintain your beautiful smile for a lifetime. Here are answers to common questions about retainers.

Why do I need to wear a retainer after braces or Invisalign®?

Retainers are essential because teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions after orthodontic treatment. This phenomenon, called relapse, occurs because the ligaments and tissues that support your teeth maintain a “memory” of their previous positions. Wearing your retainer as prescribed prevents this shifting and protects your investment in orthodontic treatment.

What types of retainers do you offer?

We offer several types of retainers to meet different needs and preferences:

1. Removable clear retainers (similar to Invisalign® aligners)
2. Traditional Hawley retainers (acrylic with a wire across the front teeth)
3. Permanent retainers (fixed wires bonded to the back of the teeth)

During your treatment, our orthodontists will recommend the best retainer option based on your specific case and lifestyle needs.

How long will I need to wear my retainer?

Initially, most patients need to wear their removable retainers full-time (20-22 hours per day) for the first few months after completing orthodontic treatment. After this initial period, most patients transition to nighttime wear only. However, to maintain your results indefinitely, some level of retainer wear should continue for life. Many patients find that wearing retainers 3-5 nights per week long-term is sufficient to maintain their smile.

How do I clean my retainer?

For removable clear retainers, clean them daily using a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic. Special retainer cleaning tablets can be used occasionally for deeper cleaning. For Hawley retainers, brush with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, avoiding toothpaste which can be abrasive. For permanent retainers, careful brushing and flossing around the wire is essential. Our team will provide detailed tips for caring for your retainer based on your specific type.

What should I do if I lose or break my retainer?

Contact our office immediately if you lose or break your retainer. Teeth can shift quickly without retention, so it’s important to get a replacement as soon as possible. Keep your retainer in its protective case when not in your mouth to reduce the risk of loss or damage. If you have a permanent retainer that becomes loose or breaks, contact us promptly for repair.

Can I get a retainer if I didn’t have my orthodontic treatment at Clemente Orthodontics?

Yes, we can provide retainers for patients who had their orthodontic treatment elsewhere. This includes replacement retainers or new retainers if you’ve noticed shifting after previous orthodontic treatment. Schedule a consultation so we can evaluate your needs and recommend the appropriate retention solution.

How much do replacement retainers cost?

The cost of replacement retainers varies depending on the type of retainer. During your retention appointments, we’ll discuss the fee structure for replacements should they be needed. Many patients find it beneficial to order a spare set of retainers to have on hand in case of loss or damage.

Is it normal for retainers to feel tight if I haven’t worn them for a while?

Yes, if you haven’t worn your retainers for some time, they may feel tight or uncomfortable when you put them back in. This indicates that your teeth have begun to shift. If the retainers still fit, even with some tightness, continue wearing them as prescribed. If they no longer fit at all, schedule an appointment with us to evaluate whether new retainers or additional orthodontic treatment may be needed.

Can retainers fix minor tooth movement after treatment?

In some cases, retainers can help correct very minor tooth movement that occurs after orthodontic treatment. If you notice slight shifting, resuming full-time wear of your retainers may help move teeth back to their ideal positions. However, significant shifting typically requires additional orthodontic treatment. The sooner you address any shifting, the easier it is to correct.

How often should I replace my removable retainers?

With proper care, removable retainers can last several years. However, they do eventually wear out from daily use. Signs that you may need a replacement include cracks, breaks, significant discoloration, or a retainer that no longer fits properly. Most patients benefit from replacing their removable retainers every 2-5 years, depending on wear and individual factors.

For more information about retainers or to schedule an appointment for a replacement, contact us today. Our offices in Ridgewood, Woodcliff Lake, and New City are here to help you maintain your beautiful smile for years to come.

Can you get tooth gems if you wear retainers?

Yes, you can get tooth gems with metal retainers. However, if you have clear plastic retainers, they may not fit properly over the gems. In some cases, gems can be applied to plastic retainers directly for a removable option, but this may affect retainer function.

Can you get a permanent retainer removed?

Yes, an orthodontist can remove a permanent retainer. The process involves removing the bonding cement and wire using specialized tools. Only a dental professional should perform the removal to avoid damaging your teeth. After removal, there is a risk of teeth shifting, so follow-up care may be necessary.