Retainers to Prevent Teeth Shifting
Finishing orthodontic treatment is an exciting milestone, but the journey doesn’t end when the braces come off or the clear aligners are complete. To keep your smile straight for years to come, ongoing care with a custom orthodontic retainer is essential. Dr. Oscar Reyna-Blanco designs personalized retention plans to protect your investment and keep your smile looking its best.
Why Retainers After Braces or Invisalign Are Important
When braces or Invisalign aligners are removed, your teeth aren’t permanently set in their new positions right away. The bone and gum tissue surrounding your teeth need time to stabilize. Without a retainer, your teeth can slowly drift back toward their old positions, undoing months or even years of treatment.
Even once your smile feels stable, natural forces such as:
Chewing and biting pressure
Daily muscle movement
Age-related changes
…can still cause your teeth to shift. That’s why most orthodontists, including our doctors, recommend lifelong retainer wear to secure your results.
Types of Retainers We Offer
At Studio City Orthodontist, we provide several types of retainers to fit your lifestyle and treatment needs.
Removable Retainers
Worn full-time (except for eating and brushing) during the first 3 months after treatment
Transition to nightly wear once teeth have stabilized
Regular checkups every 6–9 months to monitor stability
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
A thin, discreet wire bonded to the back of your teeth to keep them permanently in place
Recommended for patients with complex bite corrections or a higher risk of relapse
Must remain in place unless plaque buildup causes gum or bone concerns
If removed, we’ll provide a removable retainer as a backup
Have the wire checked during dental cleanings to ensure it remains secure
Clear Retainer
Fixed Retainer
Caring for Your Retainer
Keeping your retainer in top condition ensures it continues to protect your smile. Dr. Reyna-Blanco recommends these care tips:
Avoid heat: Never expose retainers to dishwashers, heaters, hot cars, or boiling water.
Store safely: Use the protective case when not wearing them.
Keep away from pets: Dogs especially love to chew retainers!
Clean daily: Rinse and brush with mild soap and a soft toothbrush after each use.
Deep clean occasionally: Use products like Efferdent to prevent tartar buildup.
Replace if necessary: One set is included in treatment; lost or damaged retainers may have a replacement fee.
Report issues quickly: If your retainer feels loose, breaks, or doesn’t fit, call us right away.
When Extra Retention May Be Needed
Certain habits or conditions may require more diligent retainer wear to keep teeth from shifting. These include:
Mouth breathing
Teeth grinding or clenching
Tongue thrusting or low tongue posture
Playing reed instruments (like clarinet or saxophone)
Lip sucking or chewing habits
Large gaps or rotated teeth before treatment
If any of these apply, our doctors will provide a customized retention schedule tailored to your needs.
Don’t Forget Your Regular Dental Care
Wearing your retainer is only part of maintaining your smile. Keep your results long-lasting by:
Brushing and flossing daily
Seeing your dentist every 6 months for cleanings and checkups
Following your retainer wear plan consistently
Protect Your Smile for Life
Our mission is to make sure your smile looks as beautiful in 10 years as it did the day your braces or aligners came off. With a retainer that fits your lifestyle, ongoing support from us, and good oral hygiene, you can enjoy your results for a lifetime.
