Retainers in Los Angeles, CA
Achieving straighter teeth by wearing braces for a few years isn’t always easy. When you finally reach the day your braces come off for good, it’s important to use a retainer to keep your teeth in their proper position. At Century City Smiles & Orthodontics, Shawn Saidian, DDS, and Tania Ohebsion, DDS, provide customized retainers to ensure your teeth stay exactly where they should. Schedule a consultation by calling (310) 552-2724 or booking online today.
Book OnlineWhat Is a Retainer?
A retainer can be a removable or bonded orthodontic device. The team may recommend a retainer after you finish treatment with braces or Invisalign, since retainers maintain your teeth in their corrected position. Your provider uses molds of your teeth to have your retainer custom-made for your mouth, ensuring a comfortable, secure fit. Made of durable, clear materials, your retainer won’t be as noticeable as your braces were.
Why Do I Need a Retainer?
Teeth have a natural tendency to move over time, and a retainer helps maintain your corrected bite. Following treatment with braces, it takes time for your tissue and bone to stabilize. A retainer ensures that your teeth stay in place while they stabilize and prevents new gaps and spaces from developing. Skipping retainer wear is one of the most common reasons people see their teeth shift back after orthodontic treatment.
How Long Do I Need to Wear a Retainer?
Your provider examines your teeth following the removal of your braces to determine what type of retainer is necessary and how long you need to wear it. Depending on the reason for your braces, the team may recommend wearing a retainer full time for 6-12 months. As your teeth stabilize, you may only need to wear it at night. It can take 2-3 days to adapt to the feel of your retainer, and you may produce more saliva than usual at first. Over time, you’ll learn to speak comfortably while wearing it.
How Do I Care for My Retainer?
You need to clean your removable retainer after every meal, using a gentle toothbrush and a little toothpaste. Rinse it thoroughly with tap water, and make sure you brush your teeth before placing the retainer back in your mouth. When not wearing your retainer, keep it in a protective case to prevent damage and loss. The team periodically checks your retainer to ensure it’s free of defects and excessive wear. If you damage your retainer, make an appointment right away for a replacement.
To learn more about the benefits of wearing a retainer, schedule an appointment by calling Century City Smiles & Orthodontics at (310) 552-2724 or booking online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a retainer after braces?
Teeth naturally tend to shift over time, especially right after orthodontic treatment. A retainer holds your teeth in their corrected position while the surrounding bone and tissue stabilize.
What types of retainers are available?
Retainers can be removable or bonded (fixed) behind the teeth. Your provider will recommend the type that best suits your treatment and lifestyle.
How long do I have to wear my retainer?
Many patients wear a retainer full time for 6-12 months, then transition to nighttime wear. The exact timeline depends on your individual case.
Will wearing a retainer affect my speech?
You may notice slightly more saliva and a brief adjustment period of a few days. Most patients quickly adapt and speak normally while wearing their retainer.
How do I clean my retainer?
Clean a removable retainer after meals with a soft toothbrush and a little toothpaste, rinse it with water, and store it in its case when not in use.
What should I do if my retainer breaks?
Make an appointment right away for a replacement. Going without a retainer for too long can allow your teeth to shift out of position.