It is common for your orthodontist to prescribe a retainer after braces. Retainers are a part of the orthopedic treatment that helps keep teeth aligned after or in the placement of braces. It is far too often that people choose to neglect the use and care of their retainer resulting in teeth shifting out of place. Here are a few tips to help with the maintenance of your retainer.
Keeping Track of Your Retainer
Lost dental retainers are the number one reason for retainer replacement. There are a lot of situations in which you will be putting in and removing your retainer during everyday activities. It is important to always keep track of where you keep your equipment to ensure it doesn’t become lost or damaged. Here are a few key tips for keeping track of your retainer as it’s used throughout the day:
- Your orthodontist should give you specific instructions regarding when you should and shouldn’t wear your retainer. Unless instructed otherwise, always wear your retainer before going to bed at night. Shifting can happen throughout the night, so it is always important that you have your dental retainer in place.
- Always be sure to remove your retainers at the start of every meal. To ensure you keep track of your retainer, put it immediately into its case. Retainers are most often lost in school lunchrooms and restaurants.
- Pets love to chew on retainers. When it’s not in your mouth, ALWAYS keep your retainers in a retainer case.
- If you are planning a day at the pool or beach, always remember to remove your dental retainer before swimming.
Retainer Maintenance
Lack of maintenance is the second most common reason that retainers need replacement. A lack of cleaning and care of your equipment will cause damage and eventually lead to the necessity of a replacement retainer. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your device is properly maintained throughout its use:
- To thoroughly clean your retainer of plaque and odors, use warm water, toothpaste, and a toothbrush to gently scrub all sides. Do this once a day to ensure that there is no build up of unwanted plaque.
- While Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners may be helpful, they do not take the place of brushing. Always be sure to follow your daily scrubbing routine.
- Treat your retainers with care: they’re easily breakable. Call us immediately if you lose or break your retainer.
- Keep retainers away from the heat! Heat can damage your retainer so be sure to avoid things like hot water, hot car dashboards, the washing machine, and dryer.
With these tips, you can easily make your retainer last for years to come. If your retainer needs to be adjusted, never try adjusting them yourself, call for an appointment as soon as possible. If you have any questions call or schedule appointment today!
RETAIN
Your teeth are naturally inclined to move over time. RETAIN safeguards your orthodontic investment with a flexible, hassle-free subscription service that delivers fresh, custom-fit clear retainers right to your doorstep whenever you need them.
Step 1
Complete a quick 5-minute scan at our office.
Step 2
Customize your subscription or choose on-demand.
Step 3
Retainers delivered directly to your doorstep.
How RETAIN Works for McDonough Orthodontics Patients
- Digital Scan Required: Patients must have an active 3D tooth scan on file at our office to participate.
- Simple Activation: Our office provides you with a personalized activation link to set up your account.
- Easy Ordering & Payment: Once activated through your link, you can order and pay for your replacement retainers with RETAIN.
- Direct Shipping & Saved Time: Your retainers are manufactured and shipped straight to your home, saving you unnecessary visits to our office when you need replacements.
- Need an Activation Link? If you have not received your activation link or need to set up your scan, contact our office and our team will get you set up.
More About RETAIN
RETAIN uses clear retainers made from high-grade Zendura material. Unlike traditional retainers, these offer a virtually invisible look, full-coverage retention, and superior comfort.
- Family Account Management: Easily manage multiple household subscriptions under one single account.
- Shifted Teeth or Dental Work: If your teeth shift or you receive new dental work, we will arrange a rescan before your next shipment to ensure a perfect fit.
- Non-Patients Welcome: You do not need to be a current patient to join. Schedule a quick 15-minute appointment to get started.
Traditional Retainers vs. RETAIN Clear Retainers
| Feature | Traditional Hawley Retainers | RETAIN Clear Retainers |
|---|---|---|
| Material & Appearance | Acrylic plate with metal wires | Premium clear Zendura material (virtually invisible) |
| Tooth Coverage | Partial coverage | Wraps fully around all teeth for maximum hold |
| Comfort & Speech | Can cause bulkiness and speech impacts | Smooth, sleek design with minimal impact on speech |
| Replacement | Requires manual re-ordering & visits | Automated doorstep delivery on your schedule |
RETAIN Pricing Options
Choose a plan that fits your lifestyle. Subscriptions can be customized or updated at any time.
| Plan | Price (per arch) |
|---|---|
Monthly Every 30 days | $65 |
Quarterly Every 90 days | $95 |
Biannual Every 180 days | $120 |
Annual Every 365 days | $175 |
On-Demand | $200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does RETAIN help prevent my teeth from moving after treatment?
To prevent your teeth from moving post-treatment, wearing your retainer is essential. RETAIN delivers fresh sets directly to your door so you can effortlessly maintain your smile without any hassle.
How often should I replace my retainer?
Retainers can naturally experience wear and hygiene build-up over time. Replacing your retainer as needed ensures you receive a clean, effective set regularly.