Retainers

What are orthodontic retainers?

Orthodontic retainers, or just retainers, prevent your teeth from shifting after completion of orthodontic treatment. Retainers stabilize your teeth in their existing position to prevent them from shifting and becoming crooked. You must start wearing your retainers as soon as you finish your braces or clear aligner treatment. Otherwise, your teeth will slowly shift back to their pre-treatment position. In fact, sometimes your teeth relapse so badly that you need to redo your orthodontic treatment. So be sure to wear your retainers as instructed by your dentist or orthodontist to avoid having to wearing braces or clear aligners again!

How often do I need to wear my orthodontic retainers?

removable-retainers

You need to start wearing your retainers as soon as you finish your braces or clear aligner treatment. Your teeth are very vulnerable to shifting during this time. Wearing your retainers helps maintain and stabilize your teeth position. Be sure to carefully follow your dentist or orthodontist's recommendation:

  • Sometimes your dentist recommends that you wear your retainers at all the time (24 hours a day) at the beginning
  • Other times your dentist recommends that you wear your retainers only at nights

Either way, be sure to wear your retainers according to your dentist's recommendation. Otherwise, you risk having your teeth shift back to their pre-treatment position. Should this happen, be prepared to say goodbye to that straight and perfect smile!

CLEAR RETAINERS, WIRE RETAINERS & FIXED RETAINERS

What are the different types of orthodontic retainers?

different-types-orthodontic-retainers

There are 3 basic types of orthodontic retainers, each one with its own benefits and shortcomings:

  1. Clear retainers
  2. Hawley retainers
  3. Fixed wire retainers

Clear retainers (Essix)

Clear retainers are removable retainers that are made from firm plastic. These retainers look very similar to clear aligners. The only difference is that retainers are made from thicker plastic to make them more durable over the long run. Clear retainers are barely noticeable in your mouth and they are very comfortable to wear. However, they tend to lose their effectiveness over time. As a result, you should replace your clear retainers with a new set every couple of years.

Hawley retainers

Hawley retainers are made from a wire which is attached to a resin base. Hawley retainers are bulkier than clear retainers and they can be somewhat uncomfortable to wear. However, the big advantage of Hawley retainers is that they don't lose their effectiveness over time. You only need to replace your Hawley retainers if the wire breaks off or if you lose them. Otherwise, your Hawley retainer could last you a lifetime.

Fixed retainers

Fixed retainers are made from a special type of orthodontic wire which attaches to the inside of your front teeth. The reason it's called a fixed retainer is because you can't remove these retainers by yourself. Fixed retainers are very effective at keeping your teeth from shifting. However, they do make it difficult to clean your teeth. Plus, many patients don't like having a piece of metal stuck to their teeth at all times. Fixed retainers are typically reserved for cases with a high probability of orthodontic relapse. They're also a great option for those of you who persistently fail to wear their removable retainers (you know who you are!)

How much do orthodontic retainers cost?

While every dentist has his or her own fees, orthodontic retainers usually cost a few hundred bucks. Additionally, you almost always need to buy your retainers as a pair for your upper and lower teeth. Keep in mind that your retainers won't last forever. If you lose your retainers, break them, or notice that they aren't fitting as well, then it's time to buy a new set. Failing to wear an effective set of retainers causes your teeth to shift. As you'd imagine, redoing your ortho treatment costs much more than what a new set of retainers would cost. Plus, we're pretty sure you don't want to go through having to wear braces or clear aligners again anytime soon! So be sure to wear your retainers as instructed by your dentist or orthodontist and replace them when it's time to do so.

SHOP EVEN28 ONLINE STORES

Purchase your orthodontic retainers directly online

Do you need a new set of retainers? Maybe you lost your old set or maybe the dog ate them? Either way, we have good news for you: you can now purchase your orthodontic retainers directly online from your dentist on their Even28 Online Store. Use our dentist Search Engine to find a dentist near you. Then browse through their online store to find one who offers retainers on his or her online store. Purchase your new set of retainers, schedule your appointment, and receive your new set of retainers. It's that simple! Here are some of the benefits of purchasing your retainers directly online through your dentist's Even28 Online store:

  • More options: Whether you're looking for a set of clear retainers, Hawley retainers, or fixed retainers, buy the exact type of retainer you need from your dentist on their Even28 Online Store.
  • Know the costs before you buy: Many patients who buy their retainers directly from their dentists feel that they overpay for them. This is true, and you usually pay double or triple as compared to those who purchase their retainers directly online. Don't overpay for your retainers! Purchase them online from your dentist's Even28 Online Store and know the exact prices beforehand.
  • Full support from your local dentist: Your online purchase also includes all necessary fittings and followup appointments. This way, you can rest assured that your retainers are a good fit and that they are doing their job like they're supposed to.

Ready to get your new set of retainers before your teeth start to shift? Purchase your retainers directly online from your dentist on their Even28 Online Store. Shopping Even28 Online Stores is simple and it will save you time and money. So let's not slack off another day! Once your teeth move it's already too late to wear retainers and you need to redo your ortho treatment. Find a dentist near you using our dentist Search Engine and shop their Even28 Online Store for a retainer today: