What Is a Retainer?
Retainers are an essential part of continuing care following the removal of braces, and the retention phase is just as important as your time in braces. At Castilla Orthodontics, we include a set of retainers for this phase of your treatment. Our retainers are made from high-quality thermoplastic specifically designed for post-treatment retainers. The material is very durable, delivering the perfect blend of stress retention, crack resistance, and stain resistance properties. The retainers used here at Castilla Orthodontics will help you keep your new smile for a lifetime.Lifetime Retainer Wear
After braces removal, patients will need to wear retainers full-time, day and night for two months to prevent the teeth from shifting back into their old positions. Full-time means that you should wear the retainers for around 22 hours each day, only removing them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. After completing this stage, patients can transition to nighttime wear every day for around eight to ten hours while sleeping. Because you should be regularly wearing your retainers, you will want to ensure that you take proper care of them. These practices will also ensure that you maintain a good-looking smile for years to come. These practices include:- Bringing your retainers to any appointments where dental work is being done (e.g. fillings)
- Keeping the case handy to store your retainers properly
- Cleaning the retainers regularly
- Keeping the retainers out of the heat
Retain My Smile Program
We understand that accidents happen, and retainers can be lost or broken over the years. At Castilla Orthodontics, we offer a valuable program to our patients called the Retain My Smile program. This program is optional and can be chosen as an add-on to the total cost of treatment. Retain My Smile allows patients to purchase any replacement retainers for a small co-pay for up to ten years after their braces come off. We have found that over the years, patients will sometimes allow their smile to relapse if they cannot afford to purchase replacement retainers after losing or breaking a retainer. Dr. Castilla wants to minimize any obstacles to our patients being able to maintain their smiles after treatment! For more information about this program, ask one of our team members today.Your Orthodontic Needs Are Important to Us
At Castilla Orthodontics, we put patient satisfaction first. Our bilingual team prioritizes patient communication to ensure we are all on the same page regarding your care. Contact our team today for more information on the benefits of retainers.Frequently Asked Questions
What happens right after my braces are removed?
Once appliances are removed, Dr. Castilla fits you for custom retainers designed to hold your teeth in their final positions while the surrounding bone and gum tissue stabilize.
What if my teeth shift after my orthodontic treatment is completed?
If shifting occurs due to lost or unworn retainers, Castilla Orthodontics provides a special smile guarantee: we will reinstall braces for a flat, accessible monthly fee until your alignment is restored.
How long do I need to wear my retainer after active treatment ends?
Retainers are worn full-time for the first few months, transitioning to night-only wear indefinitely to preserve your alignment against natural aging shifts.
How do I properly clean and maintain my removable retainers?
Clean your retainers daily using lukewarm water, a soft toothbrush, and mild soap or non-abrasive cleanser. Avoid hot water, which warps acrylic retainers.
What is the difference between fixed (bonded) and removable retainers?
Fixed retainers consist of a small wire bonded behind the front teeth for continuous support, while removable retainers are clear trays worn over teeth, typically overnight.