Orthodontic retention

Retainers

Once you’ve finished your braces or Invisalign® treatment, you want to ensure the smile you’ve worked so hard to fix remains that way. Using orthodontic retention devices — also referred to as dental, teeth or mouth retainers — will keep your teeth in place, acting as a backup once your orthodontic treatment is complete.

Retainers preserve your smile and keep it looking great for the long term. We encourage our patients in the Greater Knoxville area to wear their retainers regularly to maintain their beautiful smiles.

What are dental retainers for?

Dental retainers are custom devices that hold the new position of your teeth. As we get older, our teeth naturally shift. Retainers protect against this shift, keeping the current positioning of your teeth and maintaining the alignment your braces created. They also protect your oral health. If you’ve received orthodontic treatment to correct an over- or underbite, your retainer keeps that work intact.

You can use your dental retainer for many years. We recommend that our patients use them indefinitely. Otherwise, you may pop in your retainer after a long break to find your teeth have shifted and you can’t even fit it in your mouth.

How to care for your retainer

Caring for your retainer is simple. You should clean it every day, using your toothbrush to lightly scrub it. Don’t use toothpaste on the retainer, which could cause damage. Instead, wet a toothbrush without toothpaste and clean it gently. Be careful with your retainer when you remove it. Keeping it in a plastic container when you’re eating reduces your chances of losing your retainer.

Why choose Owens Orthodontics?

Owens Orthodontics focuses on the patient experience, providing excellent treatment and premier care. We’re among the top Invisalign® practices available and recognized as an official partner. Our patients appreciate our staff’s expertise and kind, helpful approach.