Orthodontic Retainers
Your braces or Invisalign® treatment may be complete, but protecting your smile is just beginning.
Wearing your retainer every night helps prevent teeth from shifting and keeps your smile looking its best for years to come.
At Wiewiora & Dunn Orthodontics, we create custom retainers and offer a valuable Smile Protection Plan for patients throughout Lake Mary, Longwood, and Central Florida.
At Wiewiora & Dunn Orthodontics, we create custom retainers and offer a valuable Smile Protection Plan for patients throughout Lake Mary, Longwood, and Central Florida.
Protect the Smile You've Worked So Hard to Achieve
After all of the hard work you dedicate to your braces or Invisalign® treatment, you deserve to love your smile for a lifetime.
Your retainer is the final (and one of the most important) steps of orthodontic treatment. It holds your teeth in their new positions while they stabilize, helping protect your investment and reduce the risk of orthodontic relapse.
At Wiewiora & Dunn Orthodontics, Dr. Cara Wiewiora and Dr. Rick Dunn include your first of retainers in your treatment fee to help you smile confidently for a lifetime.
Your retainer is the final (and one of the most important) steps of orthodontic treatment. It holds your teeth in their new positions while they stabilize, helping protect your investment and reduce the risk of orthodontic relapse.
At Wiewiora & Dunn Orthodontics, Dr. Cara Wiewiora and Dr. Rick Dunn include your first of retainers in your treatment fee to help you smile confidently for a lifetime.
What does a retainer do?
After orthodontic treatment, your teeth naturally want to move back toward their original positions. Orthodontists call this orthodontic relapse.
Your retainer gently holds your teeth in place while the surrounding bone and gum tissue stabilize.
Wearing it as directed helps maintain your straight smile and reduces the chance of future crowding, spacing, or bite changes.
Your retainer gently holds your teeth in place while the surrounding bone and gum tissue stabilize.
Wearing it as directed helps maintain your straight smile and reduces the chance of future crowding, spacing, or bite changes.
How long will I wear my retainer?
The answer is simple:
Every night, for life.
Teeth naturally shift throughout adulthood, even years after treatment. Wearing your retainer nightly is the best way to protect your smile for the long term.
Begin by wearing their retainer full-time before transitioning to nighttime wear. Dr. Wiewiora or Dr. Dunn will recommend the schedule that’s right for you.
If your retainer feels tight after you’ve skipped wearing it, or it no longer fits, don’t force it into place. Contact our office as soon as possible.
Teeth naturally shift throughout adulthood, even years after treatment. Wearing your retainer nightly is the best way to protect your smile for the long term.
Begin by wearing their retainer full-time before transitioning to nighttime wear. Dr. Wiewiora or Dr. Dunn will recommend the schedule that’s right for you.
If your retainer feels tight after you’ve skipped wearing it, or it no longer fits, don’t force it into place. Contact our office as soon as possible.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
There are two different types of retainers: fixed retainers and removable retainers.
Fixed (Permanent) Retainers
Fixed retainers are bonded behind your teeth and remain in place full time.
They're commonly used behind the lower front teeth to help prevent shifting and provide long-term stability.
Removable Clear Retainers
Clear retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth, similar to clear aligners.
We offer high-quality Vivera™ retainers; they're nearly invisible, easy to clean, and removed for eating and brushing.
Over time, removable retainers may need replacement because of normal wear, accidental damage, pets, travel, or simply everyday life.
What happens if you stop wearing your retainers?
Your retainers are the only thing keeping your teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment.
Without them, teeth can gradually shift back over time: a process called orthodontic relapse.
Missing one night usually isn’t a problem. However, going days, weeks, or months without wearing your retainers can lead to crowding, spacing, bite changes, or a retainer that no longer fits.
If your retainers feel tight, that’s often a sign your teeth have started to move. If they won’t fit, don’t force them in.
Give us a call so we can evaluate tooth movement and help you get replacement retainers.
Without them, teeth can gradually shift back over time: a process called orthodontic relapse.
Missing one night usually isn’t a problem. However, going days, weeks, or months without wearing your retainers can lead to crowding, spacing, bite changes, or a retainer that no longer fits.
If your retainers feel tight, that’s often a sign your teeth have started to move. If they won’t fit, don’t force them in.
Give us a call so we can evaluate tooth movement and help you get replacement retainers.
Lost or broken retainers?
Life happens! Retainers are commonly lost while traveling, accidentally thrown away, damaged by pets, or simply wear out over time.
This is why our Smile Protection Plan is so valuable.
If your retainer is lost, cracked, warped, or no longer fits, don’t wait to reach out. Teeth can begin shifting sooner than many patients realize.
Our team can create a replacement retainer using modern digital scanning. Just give us a call.
If you live in Lake Mary, Longwood, or the surrounding Central Florida area, we’re here to help you protect your smile.
This is why our Smile Protection Plan is so valuable.
If your retainer is lost, cracked, warped, or no longer fits, don’t wait to reach out. Teeth can begin shifting sooner than many patients realize.
Our team can create a replacement retainer using modern digital scanning. Just give us a call.
If you live in Lake Mary, Longwood, or the surrounding Central Florida area, we’re here to help you protect your smile.
Protect Your Smile with Our Smile Protection Plan
Whether your retainers get worn out over time, left behind while traveling, or become a favorite chew toy for your dog, there’s a good chance you’ll need replacements at some point.
That’s why at Wiewiora & Dunn, we offer a Smile Protection Plan to help you protect your investment.
For a one-time enrollment fee, you’ll have replacement clear retainer coverage for up to five years and pay only a small co-pay whenever you need a new set.
That’s why at Wiewiora & Dunn, we offer a Smile Protection Plan to help you protect your investment.
For a one-time enrollment fee, you’ll have replacement clear retainer coverage for up to five years and pay only a small co-pay whenever you need a new set.
- Protect your orthodontic investment
- Save money on future replacement retainers
- Have peace of mind that you're covered
- Replace retainers easily and conveniently
Ask our team about the Smile Protection Plan on your next visit!
How to Clean Your Retainers
Keeping your retainers clean helps them last longer and keeps your smile healthy.
To care for your retainers:
To care for your retainers:
- Rinse them with lukewarm water each time you remove them.
- Clean them daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or retainer cleaner.
- You can soak them weekly in a retainer cleaning solution like RetainerBrite™ or Invisalign™ Cleaning Crystals.
- You can also create a vinegar cleaning solution with equal parts white vinegar and lukewarm water. Soak for 15-30 minutes.
- Store them in your protective retainer case when you're not wearing them.
- Avoid hot water, bleach, harsh cleaners, or leaving your retainers in direct sunlight, as heat can warp the material.
Signs You May Need a New Retainer
Retainers don’t last forever. Over time they can wear down or become less effective.
You may need a replacement retainer if:
You may need a replacement retainer if:
- Your retainer is cracked or broken.
- It feels loose or no longer fits.
- It has become warped or discolored.
- It has a persistent odor even after cleaning.
- You've lost your retainer.
- Your teeth have started to shift.
If you’re unsure whether your retainer still fits properly, schedule a visit with our Lake Mary orthodontic office or Longwood orthodontic office.
Common Retainer Mistakes
A few simple habits can help your retainer last longer.
Avoid:
Avoid:
- Wrapping it in a napkin during meals.
- Leaving it in a hot car.
- Putting it in your pocket or backpack without its case.
- Letting pets chew on it.
- Eating while wearing a removable retainer.
- Waiting too long to replace a damaged retainer.
A little extra care today can help protect your smile for years to come.
Orthodontic Retainers for Patients in Lake Mary & Longwood
Whether you’ve recently finished braces, completed Invisalign®, or need a replacement retainer years after treatment, Wiewiora & Dunn Orthodontics is here to help.
Our team provides custom retainers and replacement retainers for children, teens, and adults throughout Lake Mary, Longwood, Sanford, Heathrow, Winter Springs, Altamonte Springs, and surrounding Central Florida communities.
Our team provides custom retainers and replacement retainers for children, teens, and adults throughout Lake Mary, Longwood, Sanford, Heathrow, Winter Springs, Altamonte Springs, and surrounding Central Florida communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers
Do I really have to wear my retainer forever?
Yes. Teeth naturally shift throughout life, even after successful orthodontic treatment.
Wearing your retainer every night is the best way to maintain your results and reduce the risk of orthodontic relapse.
Wearing your retainer every night is the best way to maintain your results and reduce the risk of orthodontic relapse.
What happens if I forget to wear my retainer?
Missing one night usually isn’t a problem. If you go several days or weeks without wearing it, your teeth may begin to shift and your retainer may feel tight or stop fitting altogether.
Can my teeth move after braces?
Yes. Teeth can gradually shift after braces if retainers aren’t worn as directed. That’s why lifelong nighttime retainer wear is recommended for most patients.
Can my teeth move after Invisalign®?
Absolutely. Just like braces, Invisalign® moves your teeth into alignment, but your retainer keeps them there after treatment is complete.
What should I do if my retainer no longer fits?
Don’t force it into place. Reach out to us so we can determine whether your teeth have shifted and whether you need a replacement retainer.
How often do retainers need to be replaced?
It depends on the type of retainer and how it’s cared for. Clear retainers typically need replacement over time because of normal wear, accidental damage, or loss.
Can I eat while wearing my retainer?
Removable retainers should generally be removed before eating unless your orthodontist tells you otherwise. This helps prevent damage and keeps your retainer clean.
What's the best way to clean my retainer?
Clean your retainer every day with lukewarm water, a soft toothbrush, and a retainer cleaner or mild soap. Avoid hot water, bleach, or harsh chemicals that can damage the material.
Are permanent retainers better than removable retainers?
Both are excellent options. Some patients benefit from a bonded retainer, while others do well with removable retainers. In some cases, using both provides the best long-term protection.
Can I get a replacement retainer if I had orthodontic treatment somewhere else?
In many cases, yes. If you live in Lake Mary, Longwood, or the surrounding Central Florida area, contact our office to schedule an evaluation.
How much does a replacement retainer cost?
The cost depends on the type of retainer and your individual needs. Patients enrolled in our Smile Protection Plan may qualify for reduced replacement costs. Our team will be happy to review your options during your visit.
Continue Learning About Your Smile
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