Retainers & Post-Braces Care

Congratulations on completing your orthodontic treatment! Your braces are off, revealing a beautifully straight, healthy smile — and the best part is, it’s metal-free! But the journey isn’t over just yet. To keep your teeth perfectly aligned and preserve the incredible results, wearing a retainer is essential.

At Summit Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of retainers to maintain your new smile. Retainers prevent unwanted tooth movement by stabilizing your teeth while your gums, bone, and muscles adjust to their new positions.

Understanding Different Types of Retainers

Retainers are custom-designed to fit your unique smile and can be either removable or fixed, depending on your needs.

Traditional Removable Retainers

These retainers feature a metal wire that wraps around the front teeth, attached to an acrylic base that rests on the roof of your mouth. They can be adjusted by our orthodontists to fine-tune your smile and make minor corrections if necessary.

Essix (Clear) Retainers

Essix retainers resemble clear aligners and offer a discreet way to maintain your smile. Made from a mold of your teeth, these transparent retainers fit snugly over your entire dental arch or just the front teeth (canine to canine). They are popular for their near-invisibility and comfort.

Fixed (Bonded) Retainers

Fixed retainers are thin wires permanently bonded behind your upper and/or lower front teeth. Typically placed after wisdom teeth removal, these retainers often stay in place indefinitely, providing continuous support without the need for removal or daily maintenance.

Pros and Cons of Retainers

• Removable Retainers: Easy to take out for meals and oral care but require responsibility to avoid losing them. Always store your retainer in its protective case when not in use.

• Fixed Retainers: Convenient for those who prefer a “set it and forget it” option without worrying about wear time. However, they need extra attention during flossing and dental cleanings, often requiring floss threaders to clean effectively around the wire.

At Summit Orthodontics, our goal is to help you keep your smile beautiful for life. If you have any questions about retainers or post-treatment care, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team!