4444 Davidson Road, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Retainers for Healthy, Straight Smiles
Completing your orthodontic treatment is a milestone worth celebrating. But the work doesn't quite end when your braces come off or your last aligner tray is finished. Teeth have a natural tendency to gradually drift back toward their original positions over time, a process that can undo months or years of careful treatment if not properly managed.
That's where retention comes in. At Spoonhower Orthodontics, we consider retention to be just as important as the treatment that came before it. A well-designed retention plan protects everything you've worked toward and ensures your beautifully aligned smile remains exactly where it belongs, for life.
Dr. Spoonhower will recommend the retainer type that best suits your specific needs, your treatment history, and your lifestyle. Every retention plan at our practice is as personalized as every treatment plan.
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Why Your Teeth Needs a Retainer After Treatment
Many patients are surprised to learn that teeth continue to shift throughout life, even long after orthodontic treatment is complete. This isn't a flaw in your treatment; it's simply how teeth respond to the natural forces placed on them every day through chewing, speaking, and the gradual changes that come with aging.
Without a retainer to hold them in place, teeth can begin to drift, slowly at first, then more noticeably over time. In some cases, patients who wore braces years ago and stopped using their retainers eventually find themselves back in our chair seeking retreatment.
The good news is that consistent retainer wear is simple, comfortable, and highly effective at preventing this movement. Think of your retainer as the maintenance plan for the investment you've made in your smile.
Retainers also offer additional benefits beyond maintaining alignment. Properly positioned teeth support healthier bite function, more effective oral hygiene, and in some cases, improved speech patterns by helping guide correct tongue placement.
Finding the Right Retainer for Your Smile
We offer three types of retainers at Spoonhower Orthodontics, each with its own advantages. Dr. Spoonhower will help you determine which option, or combination of options, is right for your situation.
Hawley Retainers
The Hawley retainer is a time-tested, durable option constructed from a combination of hard acrylic or plastic and a thin metal wire. Custom-molded to fit the contours of your mouth, the Hawley retainer sits comfortably against the roof of the mouth or along the lower teeth while the wire holds the front teeth securely in place.
Hawley retainers are removable, easy to clean, and built to last for many years with proper care. Dr. Spoonhower typically recommends wearing a Hawley retainer at least four to five nights per week, continuing on a nightly or every-few-nights basis indefinitely to maintain your results long-term.
Fixed Retainers
For patients who prefer a hands-off retention solution, a fixed retainer may be an excellent option. Also called a bonded or permanent retainer, this type consists of a thin wire that is bonded directly to the back surface of the front teeth, keeping them in position around the clock without any effort or compliance required on your part.
Fixed retainers are particularly effective for holding the six front teeth in alignment and are a popular choice for patients with a history of significant crowding or spacing. While they require a bit of extra attention during brushing and flossing, they offer the peace of mind of continuous, passive retention.
Essix Retainers
The Essix retainer is a clear, removable tray that fits snugly over the teeth, similar in appearance to a clear aligner tray. It's virtually invisible when worn, making it a discreet and popular choice among patients who want to maintain their results without any visible hardware.
Essix retainers are typically recommended for full-time wear in the first nine to twelve months following treatment, after which wear time can gradually be reduced to nightly or a few nights per week. They're easy to use, comfortable, and easy to keep clean with regular gentle brushing.
Benefits of Wearing Your Retainer
Wearing your retainer as directed delivers lasting benefits that go well beyond simply keeping your teeth straight:
- Preserves your orthodontic results - Your retainer holds your teeth in the position Dr. Spoonhower worked carefully to achieve, preventing the gradual drift that occurs naturally over time.
- Protects your long-term dental health - Straight teeth are easier to clean effectively. Maintaining alignment supports healthier gums and reduces the risk of decay in hard-to-reach areas.
- Supports proper bite function - A stable bite reduces unnecessary strain on the teeth, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles, contributing to long-term comfort and function.
- Prevents the need for retreatment - Consistent retainer use is by far the most effective and affordable way to protect your smile investment and avoid the need for additional orthodontic treatment down the road.
- Can improve speech - For some patients, retainers support proper tongue positioning, which can have a positive effect on speech clarity over time.
Protect the Smile You've Worked Hard for
Talk to our team about the right retention plan for your smile — and make sure your results last a lifetime.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers
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You’ll Be Proud Of.