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Retainers at Imagine Orthodontic Studio

Once you’ve finished your orthodontic treatment, you’re probably going to be excited to show off your new smile with pride! Keep in mind, however, that your teeth can naturally drift into different positions over time, so it’s essential to wear a retainer after getting braces in order to preserve your beautiful new smile and protect your orthodontic investment.

Read on to learn more about the types of retainers we offer, their pros and cons, how to wear your orthodontic retainer following braces. Our professionals at Imagine Orthodontic Studio are happy to offer expert advice to get the right solution for your post-treatment care.

Once you’ve finished your orthodontic treatment, you’re probably going to be excited to show off your new smile with pride! Keep in mind, however, that your teeth can naturally drift into different positions over time, so it’s essential to wear a retainer after getting braces in order to preserve your beautiful new smile and protect your orthodontic investment.

Read on to learn more about the types of retainers we offer, their pros and cons, how to wear your orthodontic retainer following braces. Our professionals at Imagine Orthodontic Studio are happy to offer expert advice to get the right solution for your post-treatment care.

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IMG with happy client

Why is Wearing a Retainer After Braces Necessary?

Retainers are responsible for keeping your teeth in tip-top shape! The smile retention phase is a crucial part of your orthodontic journey because it ensures your beautiful new smile stays put for the long haul. Retainers apply consistent pressure to the teeth, stabilizing the surrounding bone and allowing the tissue to adapt to the new alignment of the teeth, so your teeth don’t shift back into their pre-treatment positions.

Imagine Orthodontics Retainer Assurance Program

We understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes accidents happen. Retainers can get lost, damaged, or even accidentally thrown away! That’s why we offer our Retainer Assurance Program, which provides unlimited replacement retainers for up to 6 years after you complete your treatment.  

With this program, you only need to pay a $20 copay for each replacement retainer, instead of having to pay the total cost out of pocket. You can choose to pay in full or in low monthly payments during your treatment. Remember: wearing your retainer is crucial to maintaining your smile after treatment, and we are here to answer any questions you may have about orthodontic retainers. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about our Retainer Assurance Program and how we can help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.

We understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes accidents happen. Retainers can get lost, damaged, or even accidentally thrown away! That’s why we offer our Retainer Assurance Program, which provides unlimited replacement retainers for up to 6 years after you complete your treatment.  

With this program, you only need to pay a $20 copay for each replacement retainer, instead of having to pay the total cost out of pocket. You can choose to pay in full or in low monthly payments during your treatment. Remember: wearing your retainer is crucial to maintaining your smile after treatment, and we are here to answer any questions you may have about orthodontic retainers. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about our Retainer Assurance Program and how we can help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.

Types of Retainers at Imagine Orthodontics Studio

When it comes to retainers, there are two primary types: removable and permanent. You may be provided with only one type of retainer, or you may receive a removable one for your upper teeth and a permanent one for your lower teeth. Every patient’s case is unique, so we will recommend the best kind of retainer for your individual needs.

Removable Retainers in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, and Clearwater, FL

Removable retainers are orthodontic appliances that can be taken out of your mouth and are often used after the completion of orthodontic treatment. These retainers are designed to hold your teeth in place, preventing them from shifting back to their original position after braces or other orthodontic treatment. They can be easily removed for eating, brushing your teeth, or for any other reason, but it’s essential to wear them according to your orthodontist’s instructions to ensure that they are effective in maintaining the alignment of your teeth.

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Types of Removable Retainers

Hawley Retainers

Hawley retainers, also known as metal or wire retainers, can be used for both upper and lower teeth. They are made up of an acrylic plate that touches your gums and palate, and wires that sit over and across your teeth. Some dentists may offer to customize the retainer color or even add a pattern. 

Hawley retainers are removable and should be taken out when eating or drinking. While they are one of the more affordable options and can last for years with proper care, they are somewhat noticeable, especially when used on the upper teeth. However, after a while, you may transition to wearing them only at night, so visibility becomes much less of a concern.

Essix Retainers

An Essix retainer is a clear, removable device that covers your teeth and sits above your gum line. Similar to clear aligners, these retainers are virtually unnoticeable, making them a popular choice among patients. 

Essix retainers are similar in cost to Hawley-style retainers, but may not last as long. You’ll need to remove them when eating and clean them regularly to avoid discoloration. Proper care allows you to keep them for longer while maintaining their clear appearance.

Vivera Retainers

This is a clear retainer produced by the same manufacturer as Invisalign braces. The material used in this retainer is exceptionally strong, reducing the likelihood of breakage compared to other plastic orthodontic appliances. 

Instead of using traditional teeth impressions, a laser scan is used to create a custom fit for the retainer. It’s important to note that you don’t need to have previously used Invisalign to be fitted for this retainer.

Removable Retainers Cost

The cost of retainers can vary from patient to patient. Here is the average cost for each type of removable retainer:



  • A pack of four Vivera retainers can range from $400 to $1,000.


  • The Essix retainer can range anywhere from $50 to $200 per set.


  • The Hawley retainer costs anywhere between $150 to $300.

Removable Retainers: Pros and Cons

Hawley Retainers: Pros and Cons

Pros



  • Less expensive compared to a bonded retainer


  • More long-lasting than a clear retainer


  • Simple to maintain and clean


  • Available in a range of fun colors and designs for the acrylic palate component

Cons



  • Higher cost than an Essix retainer


  • Prone to being misplaced


  • Noticeable on teeth


  • May cause discomfort

Essix Retainers: Pros and Cons

Pros



  • Most affordable choice for clear retainers


  • Less noticeable when worn


  • Lower effort to maintain and clean

Cons



  • More fragile than Hawley retainers


  • Easier to misplace


  • Has a limited lifespan, usually only lasting a few years

Vivera Retainers: Pros and Cons

Pros



  • Designed for a more secure fit to keep teeth in place


  • Thinner material can be more comfortable to wear


  • Transparent, making them virtually invisible


  • Convenient to produce multiple copies


  • Simple to remove for eating and maintaining oral hygiene

Cons



  • May require annual replacement


  • May necessitate new imaging and retainers if significant dental work alters the size or shape of teeth


  • More prone to loss or damage

Permanent Retainers in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, and Clearwater, FL

Permanent retainers, also known as bonded retainers and fixed retainers, are made of a thin metal wire that is bonded to the back of your teeth, typically on the lower front teeth. This type of retainer lasts for many years and maintains your alignment, preventing your teeth from shifting back to their original positions over time.  

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Permanent Retainer Cost

A permanent retainer can cost anywhere from $150 to $500. Depending on your needs, you may require a permanent retainer for your lower front teeth and one for your upper front teeth, which can cost up to $1000 for both arches.

Permanent Retainers: Pros and Cons

Pros



  • Since it doesn't need to be removed, there’s no risk of losing it!


  • It's attached behind your teeth, so only you will know it's there.


  • It has no effect on speech, making it easy to wear in public without feeling self-conscious.


  • It's securely bonded to your teeth with dental glue, so you don't have to worry about misplacing it.


  • Designed to withstand everyday use, it's unlikely to be damaged.


  • The retainer works continuously to keep teeth in place and prevent shifting over time, ensuring a beautiful and aligned smile.

Cons



  • Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial with a fixed retainer, as it requires more in-depth flossing.


  • Although a fixed retainer may seem sturdy, it's not indestructible and can be damaged by hard or crunchy foods, potentially requiring an emergency visit to the orthodontist.


  • Depending on your habits, a fixed retainer may wear down or become damaged over time, requiring a replacement.

How to Clean and Care For Retainers

Proper maintenance of your retainer is crucial, as neglecting it can lead food particles and bacteria to accumulate and encourage the formation of plaque. This increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and results in unpleasant odors. Additionally, clear retainers can become stained if they’re not cleaned correctly.

Since removable and permanent retainers require different care, you may need to use a specific cleaner for each. Our orthodontic team will demonstrate the optimal cleaning techniques, but the following are some general guidelines:

Proper maintenance of your retainer is crucial, as neglecting it can lead food particles and bacteria to accumulate and encourage the formation of plaque. This increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and results in unpleasant odors. Additionally, clear retainers can become stained if they’re not cleaned correctly.

Since removable and permanent retainers require different care, you may need to use a specific cleaner for each. Our orthodontic team will demonstrate the optimal cleaning techniques, but the following are some general guidelines:

Concept of oral cleaning with toothbrushes, dental floss, tooth powder.

How to Clean and Care for Permanent Retainers

Permanent retainers have many benefits, but they also may increase the likelihood of dental issues, since they create more nooks and crannies in your mouth that will need cleaning. After your treatment, your orthodontist will provide guidelines for caring for your permanent retainer, which may include:



  • Brushing around your retainers from various angles with gentle pressure to avoid breakage.


  • Using a floss threader to reach tight spaces and floss up and down in the areas beneath your retainer wire, following detailed instructions from your orthodontist.


  • Ensuring that you don't skip any spaces while brushing and flossing, regardless of their size, since bacteria are more likely to accumulate in small, hard-to-reach areas.


  • Trying a water flosser if using a floss threader isn't effective.


  • Avoiding hard foods and seeds that can get stuck in your retainer.


  • Scheduling more frequent dental cleanings to keep a close eye on plaque and bacteria.



  • Brushing around your retainers from various angles with gentle pressure to avoid breakage.


  • Using a floss threader to reach tight spaces and floss up and down in the areas beneath your retainer wire, following detailed instructions from your orthodontist.


  • Ensuring that you don't skip any spaces while brushing and flossing, regardless of their size, since bacteria are more likely to accumulate in small, hard-to-reach areas.

Trying a water flosser if using a floss threader isn’t effective.

Avoiding hard foods and seeds that can get stuck in your retainer.

Scheduling more frequent dental cleanings to keep a close eye on plaque and bacteria.

It’s essential to contact your orthodontist right away if you notice any issues with your permanent retainer. Neglecting a loose or damaged retainer can potentially harm your dental health and your teeth.

How to Clean and Care for Removable Retainers

How to Clean and Care for Hawley Retainers

Follow these steps to clean your Hawley retainer:



  • Clean your retainer while it's still wet after removing it from your mouth to make it easier to remove any debris before it hardens.


  • Brush your retainer with lukewarm water after each meal. It's also recommended to brush your teeth at this time.


  • For thorough cleaning, mix mild dish soap with lukewarm water (avoid toothpaste as it can scratch the retainer's surface). Use a soft toothbrush or denture brush to gently remove plaque and debris.


  • Use a cotton swab to clean the deep grooves and ridges of clear plastic retainers if necessary.


  • Consult with your dentist about soaking your retainer in a denture or retainer cleaner, such as Efferdent or Polident, and follow the package instructions for timing after mixing a cup of lukewarm water with one tablet of cleaner.



  • Clean your retainer while it's still wet after removing it from your mouth to make it easier to remove any debris before it hardens.


  • Brush your retainer with lukewarm water after each meal. It's also recommended to brush your teeth at this time.

Use a cotton swab to clean the deep grooves and ridges of clear plastic retainers if necessary.

Consult with your dentist about soaking your retainer in a denture or retainer cleaner, such as Efferdent or Polident, and follow the package instructions for timing after mixing a cup of lukewarm water with one tablet of cleaner.

How to Clean and Care for Essix Retainers

To maintain good oral health while wearing an Essix retainer, it is crucial to stick to your regular dental hygiene routine of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Proper care of your retainer can also help prevent plaque buildup and potential cavities or gum disease.

Here are some steps to follow to care for your Essix retainer:



  • Rinse it with cold water before and after using it.


  • Store it in a safe case when not in use.


  • Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or water that could damage it.


  • Brush and rinse your retainer after each meal, using a non-abrasive toothpaste.

How to Clean and Care for Vivera Retainers

Here are some tips on caring for your Vivera retainer:



  • Clean them immediately after wearing them, using a toothbrush and warm water or dish soap.


  • Soak them in mouthwash or water and Invisalign cleaning crystals for a thorough cleanse.


  • To prevent damage or loss, keep them in a case when not in use.


  • If it breaks, gets misshapen, or starts to feel too loose, switch to the next set.

Retainers FAQ

How Long Do You Have To Wear Retainers?

After braces, you'll need to wear a removable retainer for four months to a year, and you should only take it out when you're eating or brushing your teeth. Once the prescribed period ends, your orthodontist will assess whether you need to continue wearing the retainer for a longer duration.

 

Even if there's no sign of the teeth moving out of position, your orthodontist may suggest wearing your retainers to sleep, to ensure your teeth remain straight and stable. This recommendation may be for several months or years, or even an indefinite period, depending on the condition of your teeth.

 

Permanent retainers are bonded to the back of the teeth, making them last many years. This ensures that your smile stays in place without having to remember your removable retainers.

How Long Do Retainers Last?

Hawley
Retainers

Vivera
Retainers

Essix
Retainers

Permanent
Retainers
5 – 10 years 1 – 5 years 1 – 5 years Up to 20 years

What to Do if Your Retainer Breaks or is Lost?

Losing or breaking a retainer can be a frustrating experience, but it's essential to address the issue as soon as possible. If your retainer is lost or damaged, the first thing to do is to contact our office. We will assess the damage and advise you on the best course of action. In most cases, it’s necessary to have a new retainer made to replace the damaged or lost one.

It's important to note that going without a retainer can have serious consequences. The longer you go without wearing a retainer, the more likely it is that your teeth will shift back to their original position. This can be frustrating, especially if you've just finished orthodontic treatment, but it's a risk that can be avoided by acting quickly.


Don't worry if your retainer goes missing or gets damaged – our Retainer Assurance Program has got you covered. When you join, we provide unlimited replacement retainers for up to 6 years after completing treatment, ensuring you don't have to worry about the cost of replacing them. With this program, you get peace of mind, and the ability to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment without added stress or expense.

How Long Do You Have To Wear Retainers?

After braces, you'll need to wear a removable retainer for four months to a year, and you should only take it out when you're eating or brushing your teeth. Once the prescribed period ends, your orthodontist will assess whether you need to continue wearing the retainer for a longer duration.

 

Even if there's no sign of the teeth moving out of position, your orthodontist may suggest wearing your retainers to sleep, to ensure your teeth remain straight and stable. This recommendation may be for several months or years, or even an indefinite period, depending on the condition of your teeth.

 

Permanent retainers are bonded to the back of the teeth, making them last many years. This ensures that your smile stays in place without having to remember your removable retainers.

How Long Do Retainers Last?

Hawley
Retainers

5 – 10 years

Vivera
Retainers

1 – 5 years

Essix
Retainers

1 – 5 years

Permanent
Retainers

Up to 20 years

 

What to Do if Your Retainer Breaks or is Lost?

Losing or breaking a retainer can be a frustrating experience, but it's essential to address the issue as soon as possible. If your retainer is lost or damaged, the first thing to do is to contact our office. We will assess the damage and advise you on the best course of action. In most cases, it’s necessary to have a new retainer made to replace the damaged or lost one.

It's important to note that going without a retainer can have serious consequences. The longer you go without wearing a retainer, the more likely it is that your teeth will shift back to their original position. This can be frustrating, especially if you've just finished orthodontic treatment, but it's a risk that can be avoided by acting quickly.


Don't worry if your retainer goes missing or gets damaged – our Retainer Assurance Program has got you covered. When you join, we provide unlimited replacement retainers for up to 6 years after completing treatment, ensuring you don't have to worry about the cost of replacing them. With this program, you get peace of mind, and the ability to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment without added stress or expense.

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