Orthodontic Retention

Protecting Your Smile After Braces

Getting your braces off is a milestone worth celebrating. The work is done, the result is visible, and you can finally see what all those appointments were building toward. Before you close the chapter entirely, there is one more piece to put in place: your retainer.

Orthodontic retention is the phase of treatment that begins after braces or clear aligners are removed. A retainer holds the teeth in their corrected positions while the surrounding bone, gum tissue, and muscle adapt to the change. Without consistent retainer wear, teeth naturally tend to shift over time. Retainers are custom-made for each patient and may be removable or fixed, depending on the clinical situation and patient preference.

Lifetime Retainer Program

As a member of the Lifetime Retainer Program, you will not have to worry about the natural shifting that occurs if you ever find yourself without a retainer.

The program covers up to four retainers, or two sets of retainers, each year, plus a per-incident co-pay. At $800, the Lifetime Retainer Program costs less than two sets of replacement retainers and gives you the peace of mind that your result is always protected.

Ask us about the Lifetime Retainer Program at your next appointment

Your Treatment Is Finished. Your Smile Needs One More Step.

Retainers are not optional, and they are not just for the first few months. Teeth are held in place by the surrounding bone and tissue, and both take time to fully stabilize around their new positions. During that adjustment period, and for years afterward, consistent retainer wear is what keeps everything where it belongs. At Rawlins Orthodontics, we fit patients across Wilmington, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Newark, Delaware, as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, including Kennett Square, Avondale, Elkton, and surrounding areas, with custom retainers designed to protect their specific result.

Why Teeth Shift After Treatment

Orthodontic treatment moves teeth into their ideal positions, but the biology around them needs time to catch up. The bone, ligaments, and muscle tissue that surround the teeth are slow to adapt, and until they do, there is natural pressure on the teeth to return toward where they started. This is not a flaw in treatment. It is simply how the body works, and it is exactly what retainers are designed to counteract.

The tendency for teeth to shift does not disappear entirely after the first year. Many patients notice gradual movement decades after treatment if retainer use lapses. The good news is that prevention is simple: wear your retainer as directed, and your result stays protected.

Types of Retainers

Retainers come in two main categories: removable and fixed. Dr. Rawlins will recommend the right option for your specific case, and personal preference is always part of that conversation.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers come in two varieties. Wire retainers, also called Hawley retainers, use a thin metal wire across the front teeth anchored to a custom acrylic base that rests on the roof of the mouth or behind the lower front teeth. They are durable, easy to adjust, and have been relied on for decades. Clear retainers, sometimes called Essix retainers, are transparent trays molded precisely to your teeth. They are nearly invisible when worn and are a popular choice for patients who want a more discreet option. Clear retainers also provide a light protective barrier for patients who grind their teeth at night.

Fixed Retainers

Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded directly to the inner surface of the upper or lower teeth. Because they are attached to the teeth, they provide continuous support without any effort on the patient's part. There is no schedule to follow and nothing to lose track of. The tradeoff is that fixed retainers require extra care when flossing. A floss threader is needed to clean between the teeth along the wire, and that step cannot be skipped. Fixed retainers are a long-term commitment, and Dr. Rawlins will make sure you understand exactly what maintaining one involves before recommending it.

How Long Should You Wear Your Retainer?

The straightforward answer is: as long as you want your teeth to stay straight.

After active treatment ends, most patients wear their retainer full-time for the first several months, then transition to nighttime-only wear as directed by Dr. Rawlins. For many patients, nightly retainer wear becomes a permanent part of their routine, the same as brushing and flossing. That consistency is what preserves a lifetime of treatment results.

If you have ever lost a retainer and noticed your teeth feeling different within a few days, that is the shift beginning. It is a good reminder that this part of the process matters just as much as everything that came before it.

Caring for Your Retainer

A retainer that is well cared for will last far longer and protect your smile more reliably. A few simple habits make the difference.

For Removable Retainers

When it is not in your mouth, it is in its case. Retainers left on napkins, countertops, or in pockets are the ones that get lost or damaged. Clean your retainer daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or retainer cleaner. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material, and avoid soaking in mouthwash, which can degrade it over time.

For Fixed Retainers

Daily flossing with a floss threader is essential. Tartar can build up along the wire if cleaning is skipped, which can affect gum health over time. Your regular dental cleanings will also help keep the area around a fixed retainer in good condition. If the wire ever feels loose or breaks, it’s important to contact your orthodontist promptly to prevent unwanted tooth movement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers

Do I really need to wear my retainer forever?

What happens if I lose my retainer?

Call us as soon as you notice it is missing. The longer you go without wearing a retainer, the more potential there is for teeth to begin shifting. In many cases, if a replacement is made quickly, any minor movement can be corrected. Our Lifetime Retainer Program is designed specifically to make replacement simple and affordable, so a lost retainer never has to become a bigger problem.

Can I get a retainer if I had braces somewhere else?

How do I clean my retainer properly?

My retainer feels tight. Should I still wear it?

You Protected Your Smile. Let's Keep It That Way.

he investment of time and care that goes into orthodontic treatment deserves to be protected. Whether you are a current Rawlins Orthodontics patient transitioning out of active treatment, or someone whose teeth have shifted after prior treatment elsewhere, we can help. We see patients from Wilmington, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Newark, Delaware, as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, including Kennett Square, Avondale, Elkton, and surrounding areas. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Rawlins at RawlinsOrthodontics.com or by calling (302) 239-3531. You are in good hands with our Rockstar Team, and we will walk you through everything.

About Rawlins Orthodontics

Rawlins Orthodontics is a family-owned, Board-Certified orthodontic practice serving Wilmington, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Newark, Delaware, as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, including Kennett Square, Avondale, Elkton, and surrounding areas. R. Baker Rawlins II, DMD, MS has cared for thousands of patients since 2011 and is named annually as one of Delaware's Top Orthodontists by Delaware Today Magazine. We offer braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and early intervention orthodontics for children and adults.

LOVE • LIFE • SMILING

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