Your orthodontic retainer is the final — and most permanent — step of your treatment. It preserves the beautiful alignment achieved through braces or Invisalign, preventing teeth from shifting back. Trusted Dental & Orthodontics provides custom retainers for every patient at the completion of treatment.
PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT
Many patients don't realize that teeth continue to have a natural tendency to shift throughout life — even long after orthodontic treatment ends. This is because the periodontal ligaments that hold teeth in place retain a kind of "memory" of their original position. Without a retainer, teeth will gradually drift back toward where they started.
At Trusted Dental & Orthodontics, we provide every orthodontic patient with custom retainers immediately after braces or aligner removal. We explain exactly how to wear and care for them, and we offer long-term retainer support so your smile stays perfect for decades to come.
RETAINER OPTIONS
We offer multiple retainer options to match your lifestyle, compliance preferences, and long-term retention goals.
Transparent thermoplastic retainers that fit snugly over your teeth. Virtually invisible when worn, easy to clean, and ideal for most patients after orthodontic treatment.
A thin wire bonded to the back surfaces of the front teeth that holds them permanently in position without any patient compliance required — you simply wear it 24/7 invisibly.
For Invisalign patients, Vivera retainers are made by Align Technology using the same SmartTrack material — thicker and more durable than typical clear retainers for longer-lasting retention.
The classic wire-and-acrylic removable retainer. Highly durable, easily adjusted, and long-lasting — a reliable option for patients who prefer a more traditional retainer design.
Lost or damaged your retainer? We can create a new one quickly using your dental records. We recommend patients keep a backup set to avoid any gap in retention.
If you stopped wearing your retainer years ago and your teeth have shifted, we can often correct the relapse with limited orthodontic treatment before fitting a new retainer.
WEARING YOUR RETAINER
The short answer: for life. Teeth are living structures subject to lifelong movement. The good news is that retainer wear becomes less intensive over time. Most patients wear retainers full-time for 3 to 6 months after treatment ends, then transition to night-time only wear permanently. With nightly wear, retainers last many years before needing replacement.
We provide every patient with a detailed retainer wear schedule and follow up at regular dental appointments to ensure everything is stable. If teeth show any sign of shifting, we address it early before significant relapse occurs.
WHY CHOOSE US
We treat retention as a permanent commitment to your smile — providing ongoing support long after treatment ends.
Every retainer is custom-fabricated from precise digital scans of your teeth for a perfect, comfortable fit that holds teeth securely in their new positions.
We monitor your retention results at every routine dental visit and address any minor shifting before it becomes significant relapse.
Replacement retainers are available at competitive pricing. We keep your digital records on file so new retainers can be made quickly whenever needed.
All dental and orthodontic care — including retainer management — at one convenient Hawthorne location for seamless, coordinated care.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions Hawthorne patients ask about orthodontic retainers and retention.
If you stop wearing your retainer, teeth will gradually shift back toward their original positions. The rate of relapse varies by patient — some notice shifting within weeks, others over several years. If relapse has already occurred, come in as soon as possible. Minor relapse can often be corrected with limited orthodontic treatment, but significant relapse may require retreatment.
Rinse your clear retainer with lukewarm water every time you remove it. Gently brush it with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive soap or retainer cleaning solution. Avoid hot water (which warps the plastic) and harsh toothpaste (which scratches the surface, making it cloudy). Soak weekly in a retainer cleaning tablet solution for deeper cleaning.
Whether you're finishing orthodontic treatment or need a retainer replacement, Trusted Dental & Orthodontics has you covered with fast, precise custom retainers.