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Retainers

Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment. Now begins the important job of keeping your teeth and jaws in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened and your jaws have been developed. And retainers are the key!

At WingHaven® Orthodontics, the first set of upper and lower retainers are included as a part of your orthodontic treatment. We offer numerous retainer colors and patterns from which you can choose, at no extra charge. Should you wish to purchase a second set of retainers as a backup, please ask us for details.

Additionally, we have found that clear retainers do not last on a long-term basis and so, Dr. Held does not recommend them as your primary retainers unless you are in the Vivera™ Retainers Program (see below). However, you may certainly purchase an additional set of retainers that are clear so that you may wear clear retainers during the day.

We do offer the Vivera™ Retainers Program through Align Technology, Inc., the makers of Invisalign®. The Vivera™ Retainers Program involves an annual renewal of quarterly replacement clear retainers, so that when they start to wear out, you can have a replacement set ready to go! This program is included for our Invisalign® patients for 1 Year and can be renewed each year thereafter by those patients. If you have worn braces but are interested in the Vivera™ program or if you are an Invisalign® patient and want traditional retainers instead, please let us know.

Dr. Held and the WHO Team will instruct you on how to care for your retainers and about the frequency of wear. Wearing your retainers as directed is crucial to prevent regression of your treatment (undesired shifting of your teeth and jaws).


Retainer Care Guidelines

  • Wear your retainers full time, until we instruct you otherwise.

  • Follow our instructions very carefully regarding removal and insertion of your retainers to avoid damaging them. Never use your tongue or teeth to remove or insert your retainers, as doing so will weaken the retainers over time and cause them to break.

  • Initially, you may find it challenging to speak with retainers in place. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster. Focus on repeating any altered sounds. With practice, your speech will return to normal.

  • Remove your retainers when eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing.

  • Remove your retainers during physical activity, including active sports, PE, and swimming.

  • ALWAYS put your retainers in your retainer case when they are not in your mouth! Retainers are most often lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.

  • Avoid wrapping your retainers in a paper towel or napkin, as they can easily be thrown away.

  • Keep your retainers away from dogs, as they like to chew on retainers.

  • Keep your retainers out of your pockets.

  • Do not put your retainers in hot boiling water, a dishwasher, or a washing machine to sterilize them. Also, avoid leaving your retainers in a hot car, on top of a TV, or on a stove. Hot environments will warp your retainers.

  • Brush your retainers thoroughly three times a day with soap and water, using the special retainer brush we provide you. Use only cool to lukewarm water, never hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque and eliminates odors.

  • Use Retainer Brite® every 1 to 3 months to keep your retainers clean. Please remember that Retainer Brite® does not take the place of brushing your retainers.

  • If you would like, you may put your retainers in mouthwash for no longer than 5 to 10 minutes. Leaving your retainers in mouthwash too long can damage your retainers and may lead to the need to replace them.

  • If your retainers are loose or causing discomfort, they will need to be adjusted. Please call us to schedule an appointment for an adjustment. Do not attempt to adjust your retainers yourself.

  • Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, call us immediately.

  • Always bring your retainers to your orthodontic appointments.

  • If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, please call us. We are happy to help you in any way we can!

Retainer replacement can be expensive... but with proper care, your retainers will last for years!