Retainers & Care

Congratulations on completing your orthodontic journey!

Your smile looks absolutely incredible. Now that you’ve achieved that perfect alignment, we want to help you maintain it for life. Here’s the reality: retainers are a forever commitment. To keep your teeth exactly where they are now, you’ll need to wear your retainer every single night for the rest of your life. Consistency is key to protecting your investment and keeping that beautiful smile intact.

Doctor dentist on a computer models the jaw to develop the shape of a dental implant

Keeping Your Retainer in Top Shape

  • Removal Technique: Always use both hands when taking out your retainer. Apply gentle, equal pressure to both sides. Yanking on one side is a recipe for cracks and breaks over time.
  • Temperature Control: Keep your retainer away from extreme heat. That means no leaving it in hot cars, no boiling water baths, and definitely no exposure to molten lava (we had to mention it).
  • Daily Cleaning: Brush your retainer morning and night with just water or mouthwash—skip the toothpaste as it can scratch and cloud the surface. For deeper cleaning, soak it in retainer cleaner tablets (easily found on Amazon) or create your own solution with half water, half hydrogen peroxide for a 15-minute soak.
  • Safe Storage: Always keep your retainer in its case when it’s not in your mouth. Wrapping it in napkins or stuffing it in pockets leads to accidental disposal or damage.
  • Pet Protection: Keep your retainer away from furry family members (fish are fine). Pets find the taste irresistible and will happily chew it to pieces—sometimes even through the case.
  • Permanent Retainer Care: If you have a bonded retainer, maintain it just like you did with braces—daily flossing is essential.
  • Emergency Protocol: Contact our office immediately if your retainer is lost, broken, or doesn’t fit properly. Quick action prevents unwanted tooth movement.
Healthy Teeth, teeth treatment, 3d rendering.

5-Year Retainer Protection Plan

Retainers are crucial for maintaining your beautiful results. Your treatment includes one initial set, but we offer an optional warranty program to protect your investment:

*First-year permanent lower retainer replacements are complimentary. Upper permanent retainers aren’t included in this discount.

**Retreatment covers cases where teeth have shifted due to inconsistent retainer wear and require braces or clear aligners to correct.

Remember: retainers maintain position but don’t create movement. Your 5-year warranty begins when treatment concludes or when you enroll, whichever comes later. This program is exclusively available to patients who completed comprehensive treatment with Dr. Greene.