Just got your braces off?
Congratulations on your beautiful new smile! Now it’s time for the next step in your orthodontic treatment – retainers. These custom-made devices will keep your teeth in their perfect new positions and protect all the progress you’ve made with your braces.
Here at Lippitz Orthodontics, we believe your retention plan is just as important as your active treatment. Dr. Lippitz’s approach is simple: protect your investment! We recommend permanent retainers for most patients, typically combined with removable retainers for maximum protection. Think of it this way – you wouldn’t build a beautiful sandcastle and walk away without protecting it from the waves. Your teeth are constantly exposed to forces from talking, chewing, and aging that can cause them to shift. That’s why we’re serious about giving you the best retention plan possible to keep your smile looking amazing for years to come.
Let’s explore all your retainer options so you can understand how each one works to protect your new smile!
Your New Best Friend – Retainers
Your retainers are specially designed to maintain your straight teeth after braces. Think of them as a friendly guardian for your smile! At Lippitz Orthodontics, we offer several types of retainers to match your needs and lifestyle.
Types of Retainers We Offer
Your retainer options include both removable and fixed designs, each offering unique benefits for keeping your teeth straight after braces. Removable retainers give you flexibility with your oral care routine, while fixed retainers provide constant protection. At Lippitz Orthodontics, we’ll help you choose the perfect retainer – or combination of retainers – to protect your new smile. Let’s explore each type in detail so you can understand which option might work best for you.
Permanent Retainers
A permanent retainer is a thin metal wire bonded to the back of your front teeth. This fixed solution offers 24/7 protection without any effort on your part. Your tongue will quickly adjust to this hidden helper, and you’ll never have to worry about losing it or forgetting to wear it. Many patients prefer this option for their lower teeth where shifting is most common.
Hawley Retainers
The Hawley retainer combines a durable acrylic base with a metal wire that wraps around your teeth. This classic design allows for minor adjustments if needed and can last for many years with proper care. Hawley retainers are especially great for younger patients because they’re sturdy, easy to clean, and come in fun color options for the acrylic base.
Vivera (Invisalign) Retainer
Vivera retainers use the same clear plastic technology as Invisalign aligners. These crystal-clear retainers arejust a bit thicker and more rigid vs the regular aligners. Everyone loves these reatainers because they’re virtually invisible and provide a super comfortable fit since they’re created from detailed digital scans of your teeth. They’re perfect for patients who want a discreet option and appreciate the convenience of receiving multiple sets at once.
Other Removable Retainers
Clear plastic retainers, like Essix retainers, offer another excellent option for maintaining your smile. These lightweight retainers are less noticeable than Hawley retainers and typically cost less than Vivera retainers. They’re ideal for patients who want a balance of aesthetics, comfort, and value.
The Best of Both Worlds: Combining Retainer Types
Many of our patients enjoy the benefits of wearing both a fixed retainer and a removable retainer. We often recommend a permanent wire retainer for your lower front teeth, where shifting is most common, paired with a clear plastic retainer that covers your full arch. This combination provides maximum protection for your new smile. The fixed wire keeps your front teeth perfectly aligned, while the removable retainer ensures all your teeth stay in their correct positions. It’s like having a backup system for your smile – double the protection, double the peace of mind!
Wearing Your New Retainer
The key to success with your retainer wear is following your orthodontist’s instructions carefully. Initially, you’ll need to wear your removable retainer full-time, except when eating or brushing. After the initial adjustment period, many patients switch to nighttime wear only.
Caring for Your Retainer
Keep your retainer clean and fresh with these simple steps:
- Rinse with cool water after removal
- Clean daily with a soft bristled toothbrush
- Store in your retainer case when not in use
- Avoid hot water that could warp clear plastic retainers
- Use proper care products like Retainer Brite
Life After Orthodontic Treatment
Your new retainer will quickly become part of your everyday habits. Many patients tell us they actually miss wearing their retainer if they accidentally leave it at home! Remember, wearing your retainer helps prevent teeth shift and keeps your smile picture perfect.
Your Smile Investment
Proper retainer care is the final step in your journey to a lasting, beautiful smile. Our team at Lippitz Orthodontics are happy to help you choose the perfect retainer options and guide you through every step of the process. We serve patients around Chicago, Northbrook, and Glencoe who want to maintain their straight teeth for life!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I need to wear my retainer?
To maintain your orthodontic results, plan to wear retainers for the long term. We like to say that you should wear your retainer for as long as you want straight teeth! Most patients wear them nightly for the rest of your life to keep their teeth in their correct position.
What if I lose my retainer?
Contact our office right away for a new retainer. Teeth can gradually shift without retainer wear, so don’t wait to get a replacement. If you are not a current patient of ours, please feel free to call us as we most likely can help!
Can I eat with my removable retainer?
You’ll always want to remove your retainer before eating to prevent food particles from getting trapped and to protect it from damage.
How do I clean my fixed retainer?
Floss threaders are ideal to clean under the wire attached to your lower teeth. Regular cleaning prevents plaque buildup and keeps your retainer fresh.