Orthodontics
Retainers in Fullerton, CA
Holding your straighter smile in place after treatment.
Orthodontic treatment guides your teeth into better alignment. A retainer helps keep them there once active treatment ends.
What Does a Retainer Do?
Once orthodontic treatment has moved your teeth into better alignment, they need help staying there. A retainer is an appliance, often a clear removable tray, that holds the teeth in their new position while the surrounding tissue settles. We plan the full sequence of treatment before it starts, and that includes what happens once the teeth are where they should be. Your dentist will talk you through how often to wear your retainer and how to look after it. Straighter teeth are also easier to keep clean, which helps protect against decay and gum problems long after treatment ends.
Living With a Retainer
Simple habits that help your retainer do its job.
- Wear as Directed A retainer only holds teeth while it is being worn, so follow the schedule your dentist sets.
- Keep It Clean Rinse it whenever you take it out and clean it the way your dentist shows you.
- Store It Safely Keep it in its case rather than a napkin, where it is easily lost or thrown away.
Bring It to Your Checkups
Bring your retainer to your routine visits so the fit can be checked. If it starts to feel tight or loose, or gets damaged, let us know rather than stopping wearing it.
Retainer Care Checklist
- Rinse it each time it comes out
- Clean it as your dentist shows you
- Keep it in its case
- Bring it to your checkups
Straightening Your Teeth
Considering treatment first? See clear aligners, or the full list of services.
The short answer
A retainer is an orthodontic appliance, often a clear removable tray, that holds the teeth in their new position after treatment while the surrounding tissue settles. It only works while it is being worn, so your dentist sets a wear schedule for your case and shows you how to look after it. Rinse it whenever it comes out, keep it in its case rather than a napkin, and bring it to your routine checkups so the fit can be checked.
Retainer FAQ
- Why do I need a retainer after treatment?
- Orthodontic treatment moves teeth into better alignment, but they need help staying there. A retainer holds them in their new position while the surrounding tissue settles. Your dentist will explain the plan before active treatment ends.
- How often do I need to wear my retainer?
- Your dentist will set a wear schedule for your case. A retainer only holds teeth while it is being worn. Following the schedule is the most important part of keeping your result.
- How do I clean my retainer?
- Rinse it whenever you take it out and clean it the way your dentist shows you. Keep it in its case when it is not in your mouth. That keeps it clean and stops it getting lost.
- What if my retainer stops fitting?
- Let us know if it feels tight, loose or gets damaged, rather than stopping wearing it. Bring it to your checkups so the fit can be checked. We will advise on the next step.
Insurance & Financing
Benefits and participation vary by plan. Please contact our office so we can help you verify your coverage and understand your options before treatment.
CareCredit and Cherry are available. Terms and approval are set by each provider.