Orthodontic Retainers

Ensure lasting results from your braces with retainers! Learn about retention, proper usage, and solutions for lost or broken retainers at Brookhaven Orthodontics.

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More About Retainers in Brookhaven & Alpharetta

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At Brookhaven Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping you maintain the beautiful, straight smile you’ve worked hard to achieve. Once your braces come off, the retention phase begins, and wearing a retainer is key to keeping your teeth in their ideal position. Our custom-fit retainers are designed to prevent unwanted shifting, giving you confidence in your long-term results. If your retainer is lost, broken, or no longer fits, we’re here to assist you with prompt solutions to keep your smile on track. Your smile is our priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!

Did you know that your teeth naturally want to shift over time, even after you have braces?

Once your braces are removed, the next part of your treatment is called retention. Retainers are designed to “retain” or hold your teeth in their straight position due to them wanting to move. We use Hawley retainers which are custom made to fit your mouth. They are made of a plastic or acrylic top that is formed to the roof of your mouth and a metal wire that goes in front of the teeth. They are removable, but should be worn as instructed by your doctor.

It is very important for you to wear your retainer every night, otherwise, your teeth may shift and the benefit of wearing your braces will be lost. Dr. Cox recommends that you wear your retainer indefinitely. Consider it your insurance policy that you can rely on to keep your teeth straight.

Due to the fact that your teeth naturally move due to growth, eating and grinding, your retainer is the only thing that will keep you from needing orthodontic treatment a second time. To keep your retainer clean and to help it last, learn how to properly care for your retainer.

A lost retainer and a retainer that no longer fits are both common and we can help! It is very easy to misplace your retainer after eating or brushing your teeth. We recommend always placing it in its case when it is not in your mouth, however we understand that accidents happen.

With either case, give us a call to set up an appointment or request an appointment online. If you still have your retainer (even if it does not fit), bring it with you. Sometimes we are able to make a small adjustment for it to pop right back in. The sooner you make the appointment, the better!

"My Retainer Story" - by Taylor C. (age 12)

I feel that it’s very important to wear a retainer. Why you might ask? Just think: you have braces. They are pretty with the brackets, but what happens when the brackets are all gone? Do your teeth stay straight, or do they look as they did before? Well, take this coming from a person who had braces and about every appliance there is. I had the prettiest teeth, and I did not wear my retainer. My teeth then looked as they did before and it was not good. It was like I wore braces and all those appliances for nothing. I feel so stupid, and I was scared to smile and talk to people because I had ugly teeth and I knew I could have fixed it. My mom was not happy with me. She paid all that money and my teeth were crooked like they were when I first started. I wanted to do it again, and I wanted my braces back. Teeth are a big part of life, so take care of them. I have my braces back on now, but it will be worth it. I know now how important it is to wear a retainer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers

Call our office immediately, and we will schedule an appointment for the patient. Don’t attempt to fix this on your own, it could cause further damage or affect your teeth position. Follow any instructions our orthodontist provides on how to proceed.

It’s normal to need some time to adjust to your retainer. If after a few days the discomfort hasn’t subsided, let us know. If you go for long periods without wearing your retainer, you might experience pain or pressure when you start wearing it again. If this persists, call our office so we can check the fit of your retainer.

The retainer is carefully designed to hold your teeth in position. It is important for you to wear it nightly or as instructed to keep your teeth aligned. Be sure to keep it away from your pets and in the plastic box provided when in it is not in your mouth. Please be sure to bring it to every appointment.

Clean your retainer by brushing it daily with anti-bacterial soap. We do not recommend using toothpaste. The soap will provide a better cleaning and will help your retainer last longer.

Denture cleaner can also be used for a more thorough cleaning. If you have a bonded wire retainer behind your front teeth, be extra careful to clean the wire and the area around it. Flossing should be done every day.

Never wrap your appliance in a paper napkin or tissue and set it down on the table. You or someone else may mistakenly throw it away. Don’t put it in your pocket when playing or you may break or lose it. When it is not in your mouth, it should be in its plastic appliance case.

Avoid storing them near any source of heat- especially in hot a hot car over long periods of time- they may warp. Do not boil your retainer to sterilize it!

Don’t Delay! Contact our orthodontic office to avoid shifting in your teeth. While waiting for the retainer to be fixed you should continue wearing it, if possible, until you can get a new one from your orthodontist.

The simple answer is indefinitely, to maintain the results achieved by braces.

Generally, you will wear your retainers full-time for a period of time (all day and night except when eating or brushing your teeth). Eventually, you will transition to wearing your retainer only at night. Follow the guidance from our orthodontic specialists for when to transition to nighttime wear.

We strive to...

Create smiles for our patients visiting from all over Fulton County.

Stay committed to the latest advances in orthodontic technology.

Offer flexible orthodontic schedules to fit your busy lifestyle.

Provide flexible in-office and interest-free payment options.

Insurance & Billing

We understand that orthodontic treatment is an investment, and we are proud to offer flexible in-office and interest-free payment options to fit your specific needs. Learn more about your financial options today.

Why Choose Our Practice

Personalized Care, Every Step of the Way.

At Brookhaven Orthodontics, we believe that every smile is unique. That’s why we create custom treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. Our patient-first approach ensures that you feel supported and cared for throughout your orthodontic journey.

Advanced Technology for Better Results.

We combine state-of-the-art technology with proven techniques to deliver exceptional outcomes. From 3D imaging to innovative braces and aligners, our tools are designed to make your treatment faster, more comfortable, and more precise.

Expert Team with Years of Experience.

Led by Dr. Stan Cox, a seasoned orthodontist with a passion for creating beautiful smiles, our compassionate team is dedicated to excellence. With years of experience and continuous training, you can trust us to provide the highest level of care.

Our Satisfied Patients

We love hearing from our patients! Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to provide us with feedback. It means the world to us!

Dr. Cox cares about his patients. Special attention is received each visit by him as my bite continues to improve, and I receive the needed refinements for an excellent alignment of my teeth. I am grateful for his attention to detail and eagerness to do his best work. I highly recommend his services.
Jay R.Review on Google