Keep your smile stable
After active orthodontic treatment, teeth naturally try to shift. Retainers are used to hold the teeth in their corrected position while the bone and gum tissues adapt, and many patients continue wearing retainers at night long term to protect their smile.
Why retainers matter after braces or Invisalign
Braces and clear aligners move teeth into better alignment. Retainers help maintain that result. Without consistent retainer wear, teeth can relapse toward their original position, especially in the months after treatment ends.
At iCare Orthodontics & Dentistry, Dr. Jamie Kim and Dr. Vinh Huynh give each patient a retention plan based on the original bite, tooth movement, gum health and long-term stability needs.
Types of retainers we may recommend
Removable clear retainers: Clear retainers fit over the teeth and are usually worn at night once the initial retention period is complete. They are discreet, easy to bring to appointments and simple to replace if they wear out or are lost.
Hawley retainers: Hawley retainers use an acrylic base and a wire across the front teeth. They can be durable and adjustable in certain situations.
Bonded retainers: A bonded retainer is a small wire attached behind the front teeth. It can be helpful for patients who are at higher risk of front-tooth shifting, but it still requires careful cleaning and periodic checks.
Replacement retainers and retainer checks
If your retainer is lost, cracked, loose, tight or no longer fits, call us before teeth have time to move. A replacement retainer is usually easier to make when the teeth are still close to their finished position.
Retainer checks also let the team confirm that your bite is stable, the retainer still fits well and any bonded retainer is clean and secure.
Retainer care instructions
- Wear your retainer exactly as instructed by your orthodontist.
- Keep removable retainers in their case when they are not in your mouth.
- Clean retainers daily with cool water and the products recommended by the team.
- Avoid hot water, dishwashers, napkins and pockets, which can damage or misplace retainers.
- Bring retainers to orthodontic visits so we can check the fit.
For home-care supplies, see our recommended oral care products. For appliance instructions, visit patient instructions.
Common questions about retainers
How long do I need to wear retainers?
Retention is long term. Many patients wear retainers full time briefly after treatment and then transition to nighttime wear. Your orthodontist will give you a specific schedule.
What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?
Teeth may shift. If the retainer feels tight, does not seat fully or no longer fits, schedule a visit so we can evaluate whether a new retainer or additional treatment is needed.
Can I get a replacement retainer at iCare?
Yes. We can evaluate your teeth and make a replacement retainer when appropriate. If teeth have shifted significantly, the doctor will explain your options.
Do bonded retainers replace removable retainers?
Not always. Some patients with bonded retainers still need removable retainers at night. Bonded retainers mainly hold the teeth they are attached to and require regular cleaning.
Retainers near Duluth, Lilburn and Peachtree Corners
iCare provides retainer checks and replacement retainers in Norcross for patients from Duluth, Peachtree Corners, Lilburn, Tucker, Johns Creek, Suwanee and nearby Gwinnett County communities.