Retainers
Retainers for Teens
Retainers are one of the most important parts of your teen's orthodontic journey. After braces or aligners come off, the teeth need time to settle into their new positions, and a retainer is what keeps them there. At Midtown Orthodontics, we fit every patient with a custom retainer. We make sure your teen understands how to wear it, care for it, and why it matters. Protecting the results of treatment is just as important as achieving them.
Our Treatment Process
Getting a retainer is a straightforward process, but wearing it consistently is what makes all the difference. Here's what to expect.
Getting Your Retainer
Once your teen's braces or aligners come off, we'll take digital scans to create a custom retainer that fits their smile precisely. We'll walk you both through which type of retainer we're recommending and why, so you leave the appointment feeling confident and prepared.
Wearing Your Retainer
In the first several months after treatment, retainers are typically worn full time, only removed for eating and cleaning. Over time, wear is gradually reduced to nights only. Consistency during this period is critical — the teeth are most likely to shift in the months immediately following treatment.
Caring for Your Retainer
A retainer that's well cared for lasts much longer and stays more comfortable to wear. We'll give you and your teen clear instructions on how to clean the retainer, store it safely, and what to do if it's lost or damaged.
Long-Term Monitoring
We'll schedule periodic follow-ups to check on the retainer and make sure your teen's smile is staying in place. As they get older, retainer needs can change, and we'll make any necessary adjustments along the way.
Types of Retainers
Not all retainers are the same. Depending on your teen's needs and lifestyle, we may recommend one of the following:
Hawley Retainer
The Hawley is a classic removable retainer made from a combination of acrylic and a wire that sits across the front teeth. It's durable, easy to adjust, and has stood the test of time as a reliable option for maintaining results after treatment.
Clear/Essix Retainer
Clear retainers are made from a thin, transparent plastic that fits snugly over the teeth. They're virtually invisible and comfortable to wear, making them a popular choice for teens who want a low-profile option. They're easy to care for and simple to wear consistently.
Vivera® Retainers
Vivera retainers are made by Invisalign® and are an excellent option for patients who completed treatment with clear aligners. They're custom made using the same digital records from your teen's Invisalign® treatment for a precise, comfortable fit.
Bonded Lingual Retainer
A bonded lingual retainer is a thin wire fixed directly to the back of the teeth, making it completely invisible and requiring no daily compliance from your teen. It provides continuous, passive retention and is a great option for patients who want long-term peace of mind without having to remember to wear anything.
How Long Does My Teen Need to Wear Their Retainer?
In the first several months after treatment, retainers are typically worn full time, removing them only for eating and cleaning. Over time wear is gradually reduced to nights only. We'll give your teen a clear schedule to follow based on their specific treatment.
What Happens if the Retainer is Lost or Broken?
Give us a call as soon as possible. The longer teeth go without a retainer, the more likely they are to shift. We'll get a replacement made quickly to keep everything on track.
Will My Teen Need to Wear a Retainer Forever?
Nightly retainer wear is recommended long term to keep the teeth stable. It becomes second nature quickly, and it's a small commitment compared to the investment made in treatment.
Reviews After Retainers
See how we've helped patients achieve the smile they've always wanted (and maintained) using retainers.
