Why Retainers Are a Must
Orthodontic treatment aligns your teeth—but retainers keep them there. After active treatment ends, your bone and gum tissues are still adjusting. Without proper retention, your teeth can gradually return to their original positions, especially in the first year.
Even years after treatment, everyday factors like aging, pressure from speech or chewing, and grinding during sleep can cause unwanted movement. Wearing your retainer consistently helps avoid these setbacks and keeps your smile exactly where it should be.
What Causes Post-Treatment Shifting?
- Jaw and facial changes as you age
- Forgetting or delaying retainer wear
- Oral habits like nail biting or clenching
- Wisdom teeth are putting pressure on your bite
- Normal muscle forces from eating and speaking
Retention is simple, but skipping it can mean losing the smile you worked hard to achieve. That’s why we make it a seamless part of your treatment plan.
Advanced Tools for a Precise Retainer Fit
At our Westlake office, we use digital technology to design retainers that are comfortable, discreet, and effective. With tools like the iTero® scanner, intraoral cameras, and digital X-rays, we can take clean, fast, and accurate records—no messy impressions required.
These digital records help us create the perfect retainer for your bite, whether you’re new to retention or replacing an old device.
Retention Options at Tomblyn Family Orthodontics
We offer several types of retainers to match your lifestyle and treatment needs:
1. Essix Clear Retainers
- Thin, transparent, and nearly invisible
- Great for teens and adults who want a low-profile option
- Easy to wear at night and remove during the day
2. Hawley Retainers
- Acrylic and wire design
- Durable and adjustable over time
- Removable and easy to clean
3. Fixed/Bonded Retainers
- Attached to the back of the teeth
- Invisible from the outside
- Ideal for patients with a high risk of relapse
- No need to remember to wear it
We’ll explain the pros and cons of each type and help you decide what’s best for your long-term smile maintenance.
What to Expect at Your Retention Appointment
When you visit our Westlake office to begin the retention phase, you can expect:
- Digital scans or impressions to design your custom retainer
- A careful fitting to ensure comfort and secure placement
- Personalized instructions on care, cleaning, and wear time
- A timeline tailored to your unique bite and treatment history
- An open conversation to address any questions or concerns
How Long Should You Wear Your Retainer?
Here’s a general timeline, though your exact plan may vary:
- First 3–6 months: Wear your retainer full-time, except for eating or brushing
- After 6 months: Transition to nighttime-only wear
- Beyond 1 year: Nighttime wear is typically recommended indefinitely to maintain results
Consistency is key—just a few nights off can allow minor shifts to occur.
Retainer Care Tips
- Clean daily with cool water and a soft toothbrush
- Never use hot water (especially for clear retainers—it can warp the plastic)
- Store it in its case when not in use
- Avoid wrapping it in napkins or placing it in a pocket—this is how many retainers are lost!
- Bring it to checkups so we can evaluate its fit and condition.
Call us immediately if your retainer breaks, gets loose, or no longer fits.
