A retainer is a custom-fitted dental appliance that is over the teeth to maintain alignment. Its purpose is to maintain the corrected position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. Retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back. They remind your teeth of their new position, as teeth can move even without your notice. Retainers are essential for the long-term success of your orthodontic treatment. They come in various types. Our dentist at Smile Dental Clinic will help you know the best retainer for you.
Types of Retainers
There are two main types of retainers: fixed and removable retainers. These retainers ensure the long-term preservation of your dental alignment.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed or permanent retainers are attached to your teeth with a bonding agent similar to glue. The patient cannot remove this type of retainer. They are typically placed on the front lower or upper teeth to prevent them from shifting over time. The purpose of a fixed retainer is to maintain the position of your teeth in the long term.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers offer the flexibility of being taken in and out of your mouth. They allow you to eat and brush while maintaining the stability of your teeth. Removable retainers come in two types. Traditional (Hawley) retainers consist of a piece of wire attached to a plastic or acrylic base. The wire may run across the front of the teeth, while the plastic base rests against the roof of the mouth or behind the lower teeth. Hawley retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth and can be adjusted if necessary.
The other type of removable retainers are clear retainers (Essix retainers). These retainers are made entirely of clear plastic and do not include any wires. They are also custom-made to fit your teeth and are designed to be nearly invisible when worn. Clear retainers are a popular choice for their aesthetic appeal.
Benefits of Retainers
Retainers play a vital role after orthodontic treatment. They help to keep your teeth in the new position after braces. If you fail to wear your retainer for the recommended duration, your teeth may shift back out of alignment. A retainer should be fitted properly to offer needed support without causing any unnecessary discomfort.
Wearing a retainer also helps protect against tongue thrust, a habit where the tongue pushes forward during activities such as swallowing, speaking, or even resting. Tongue thrust can exert pressure on the teeth, potentially causing them to shift forward and compromising the results of your orthodontic treatment. By wearing a retainer, you provide an additional defense against tongue thrust and help maintain the integrity of your newly aligned smile.
After removing braces or discontinuing Invisalign, you may experience a different sensation in your mouth. It is common for some individuals to unintentionally clench their jaw as they adjust to these new sensations. Our dentist at Smile Dental Clinic can customize your retainer to serve as a reminder and defense against clenching. Wearing an adequately designed retainer can help prevent headaches and teeth grinding. Call us today at (703) 457-9910 to book an appointment.
Custom Retainers After Braces | Falls Church & Herndon, VA Maintain your straight smile with custom retainers. Flexible or fixed options to protect your orthodontic investment in Falls Church and Herndon, VA. Smile Dental Clinic VA, 5645 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 ^ (703) 457-9910 ^ smiledentalclinicva.com ^ 4/21/2026 ^ Associated Words: dentist Falls Church VA ^
A retainer is a custom-fitted dental appliance that is over the teeth to maintain alignment. Its purpose is to maintain the corrected position of your teeth after