Removable Retainers

Removable retainers are the key to keeping your gorgeous, new smile straight for life! After completing your initial treatment, you will wear your clear plastic retainers at nighttime. Placing them on your teeth should become part of your routine. Our clear retainers are made from a plastic material that is virtually invisible and less bulky than a traditional metal retainer. 

When you finish your orthodontic treatment, we will scan your mouth with our digital 3D iTero scanner to create a mold of your teeth. We will use this mold to create your custom clear retainers in our in-house lab. When you pick up your retainers, we will give you your removable retainers along with your mold. Keep this mold of your teeth as it can be used to create new retainers in the future so you won’t have to be scanned again.

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What to Expect with Removable Retainers

Transitioning to the retention phase of treatment is a whole new part of your orthodontic journey! And it is natural to have many questions. Let’s cover when to wear your retainer, how to care for your removable retainer, and the proper way to store it.

A woman with berry lipstick applying a clear aligner tray.

Wearing Your Retainer

It’s common for most people to need a full-time retainer after having their braces or Invisalign attachments removed. Most patients will need to wear their retainer daily for two months and then transition to nighttime wear for life. You will need to wear your clear retainer for as long as you want your teeth to remain straight. Removable retainers are made from transparent, plastic material, so you won’t have to worry about them being noticeable when you’re wearing them! 

Each time you eat, brush your teeth or play sports that require a mouthguard, you should remove your retainers. If you also drink any sugary or acidic beverages, ensure you remove your retainers as they will trap the liquid and cause enamel decalcification.

Cleaning Your Retainer

There are many ways you can clean your removable retainers. We recommend cleaning them using one of the methods below every week. 

  • Brushing with Toothpaste: Apply a small bead (smaller than the size of a pea) of toothpaste on your toothbrush, and gently but thoroughly brush your retainers. 
  • Retainer Brite Cleaning Tablets: These can be ordered online from Retainer Brite or through many national chain stores. 
  • Equal Parts Water and White Vinegar: Soak your retainers in this mixture for 20-30 minutes, then rinse well before putting them back in your mouth. Do not use boiling water.

To keep your retainers tasting fresh, you can also soak them in mouthwash diluted with water for about 10 minutes.

A pair of hands using a toothbrush to clean a clear aligner tray.
A pair of hands using a toothbrush to clean a clear aligner tray.

Cleaning Your Retainer

There are many ways you can clean your removable retainers. We recommend cleaning them using one of the methods below every week. 

  • Brushing with Toothpaste: Apply a small bead (smaller than the size of a pea) of toothpaste on your toothbrush, and gently but thoroughly brush your retainers. 
  • Retainer Brite Cleaning Tablets: These can be ordered online from Retainer Brite or through many national chain stores. 
  • Equal Parts Water and White Vinegar: Soak your retainers in this mixture for 20-30 minutes, then rinse well before putting them back in your mouth. Do not use boiling water.

To keep your retainers tasting fresh, you can also soak them in mouthwash diluted with water for about 10 minutes.

A pair of clear aligners in a blue storage case.

Storing Your Retainer

Whenever you take your retainer out of your mouth, make sure to place them in your provided storage case immediately. Develop a routine, so you do not lose your retainers. It is very easy to place your retainers on a napkin or lunch tray and accidentally throw them away! 

Ensure that you keep your retainers away from surfaces that can become hot such as microwaves, washers, dryers, stoves, car dashboards, and dishwashers. Pets also love the smell of saliva and will try and chew on your retainers if they get access to them. Keep your retainer out of reach and away from your cats and dogs.

Clear Removable Retainers

 These removable and clear retainers differ from the permanent, lower bonded lingual retainer you will have placed on your bottom, front six teeth. You will receive a top and bottom retainer for each arch, which can be placed on top of the permanent retainer. 

Retainer Guarantee Program

This is a 10-year plan with a one-time enrollment fee. Upon braces removal, the patient will receive one set of Vivera retainers. Vivera retainers, produced by Align Technology are more durable and the best plastic. This is the more ideal option for those who clench and grind. Any time retainers are lost, damaged, thrown away, etc. they can be replaced for a $25 copay (per arch). If a patient opts out of this program, the retainers will cost $350-$500 per set. That is $3500-$5000 over the next 10 years if retainers were lost or damaged every year. $25 copay per arch to replace

retainer

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Near You

Our staff will help you select the removable retainer option that is best for you at the appointment before you get your braces off and will answer any questions you may have. 

If you are new to our office and just need a new retainer from previous orthodontic treatment you can call or text our office to set up a digital scan at 919.234.5593!

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