Retainers

Orthodontic Retainers in Mililani

Reviewed by Dr. David Dung, board-certified orthodontist

You worked hard for your new smile, and retainers keep it that way. After braces or Invisalign®, teeth naturally want to drift back, and a retainer holds them in their new, straight position while the surrounding bone settles. At Mililani Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontists fit every retainer precisely and show you exactly how to use it.

Types of Retainers

There are three common types, and we will recommend the best fit for your case:

Hawley Retainers (Wire and Acrylic)

The classic removable retainer made of a custom acrylic base and a thin wire. Durable, adjustable, and long-lasting.

Clear (Essix) Retainers

A clear, removable tray made to fit your teeth closely.

Fixed (Bonded) Retainers

A thin wire bonded behind the front teeth, where no one can see it. A fixed retainer holds teeth in place around the clock with no daily effort, which makes it a great choice for patients who would rather not rely on remembering to wear one.

How Long Do You Have to Wear a Retainer?

At first, we’ll usually have you wear a removable retainer most of the day for the first few months, then transition to nights only. After that, wear it nightly for the long term. Teeth can shift at any age, so part-time retainer wear is the simplest way to protect your investment for life. Fixed retainers do this job around the clock.

Think of a retainer as the insurance on everything you just invested in. The bone around your teeth needs time, often a year or more, to firm up around their new positions, and even after that, teeth keep a lifelong tendency to drift. A few minutes a night is all it takes to keep the smile you worked for.

Caring for Your Retainer

A few habits keep your retainer working and fresh:

Clean it daily: brush gently with a toothbrush; soak clear retainers as directed.
Keep it away from heat: hot water, dishwashers, and car dashboards can warp it.
Always use your case: most lost retainers get wrapped in a napkin and thrown away. When it’s out of your mouth, it’s in its case.

Lost or Broken Retainer?

It happens. Call us right away. Going without a retainer for even a couple of weeks can let teeth shift. Replacement retainers carry a fee that varies by type, and we’ll quote it clearly. The sooner you reach out, the less likely you’ll need anything more involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you have to wear a retainer after braces?

Most patients wear a removable retainer most of the day for the first few months, then switch to wearing it only at night, indefinitely. Teeth can shift throughout life, so long-term nighttime wear is the best way to keep your smile straight.

What are the different types of retainers?

The three common types are Hawley (acrylic and wire, removable), clear Essix (a transparent removable tray), and fixed/bonded (a wire bonded behind the front teeth). We’ll recommend the best option for your case.

Protect Your Smile - Talk to Us About Retention

Whether you’re finishing treatment or need a replacement retainer, we’re here. Visit us at 95-1249 Meheula Pkwy #135, inside the Town Center of Mililani.