Dental retainers work by holding your teeth in their new, corrected positions after orthodontic treatment, like braces or Invisalign. Once your teeth have been moved into alignment, your bone and gum tissue need time to stabilize. Retainers apply gentle pressure to stop shifting from happening again, maintain alignment, and keep your long-term results.
Retainers
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Cost
The total cost for retainers can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the results of your orthodontic care. When discussing your full treatment plan, we will discuss all fees for your retainer treatment.
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Procedure Duration
After clear aligner treatment, retainers are often worn full-time for the first three to six months, then transitioned to nighttime wear to maintain results. However, that can vary depending on your specific needs.
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Pain Level
Like clear aligners, retainers are designed to fit your mouth without pain or discomfort. But we will adjust the fit of your retainer if it causes issues.
Sedation Dentistry
Retainers in Elk Grove, CA
Following orthodontic treatment, customized dental retainers can be an essential next step. Retainers maintain teeth alignment and prevent shifting. They help preserve your newly straightened smile by holding teeth in corrected positions.
If retainers are recommended after your orthodontic care, our team will create a customized plan to keep your smile straight and beautiful.
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The Retainer Process
The dental retainer process begins after orthodontic treatment to maintain your newly aligned teeth. First, we will take impressions or digital scans of your mouth to create a custom-fitted retainer.
Once fabricated, the retainer is fitted and adjusted for comfort. You’ll receive instructions on when and how long to wear it—often nightly.
Regularly wearing retainers prevents teeth from shifting back, helping preserve a straight smile long-term. Periodic checkups ensure the retainer keeps its fit and function.
FAQ
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How do retainers work?
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How long do retainers need to be worn?
Dental retainers may need to be worn for life, but that duration and frequency change over time:
- First three to six months: Wear full-time (20–22 hours/day), removing only to eat and clean.
- After six months: Transition to nighttime-only wear, as directed by your dentist or orthodontist.
- Long-term: Wearing retainers a few nights a week indefinitely helps prevent your teeth from shifting back.
Consistent wear is key to maintaining your straight smile.
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Do retainers interfere with eating and speaking?
Yes, retainers can temporarily affect eating and speaking, especially when you first start wearing them. However, with consistent wear, most patients adapt quickly and experience minimal long-term interference.
Related Services
Invisalign®
Invisalign® treatment effectively improves crowding, spacing, and bite issues, providing a nearly invisible solution that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle for a confident smile.
Invisalign®
Smile Makeover
A smile makeover combines several different cosmetic treatments designed to enhance your smile’s appearance. A customized makeover can include teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, bonding, or clear aligners.
Smile Makeover