Retainers in Fort Collins, CO | Your Complete Guide to Post-Orthodontic Care
Why Retainers Are Essential After Braces
After months or even years of wearing braces, the last thing you want is for your teeth to shift back to their original positions. This is where retainers come in. Dr. Hardy provides high-quality retainers designed to maintain your newly straightened smile for years to come.
Retainers are custom-made devices that hold your teeth in their corrected positions after completing orthodontic treatment. Without retainers, teeth naturally tend to shift back toward their original positions, potentially undoing the results of your orthodontic treatment.
Types of Retainers We Offer in Fort Collins
Dr. Hardy offers several types of retainers to suit your specific needs and preferences:
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers are one of the most common types we offer. These traditional retainers consist of a custom-molded acrylic base that fits against the roof of your mouth or behind your lower teeth, with a metal wire that wraps around the front of your teeth to hold them in place.
Benefits of Hawley Retainers:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Can be adjusted if minor tooth movement occurs
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Available in various colors and designs
Clear Plastic Retainers
Clear plastic retainers, also known as Essix retainers, are virtually invisible and fit snugly over your teeth.
Benefits of Clear Plastic Retainers:
- Nearly invisible when worn
- Comfortable and less bulky than Hawley retainers
- No metal components
- Allow for normal speech patterns
Fixed (Permanent) Retainers
Fixed retainers consist of a thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth, providing continuous retention without requiring you to remember to wear them.
Benefits of Fixed Retainers:
- No need to remember to wear them
- Completely hidden from view
- Provide 24/7 retention
- Ideal for patients with a high risk of relapse
| Retainer Type | Visibility | Durability | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawley | Visible metal wire | Very durable (years) | Daily cleaning | Patients who need adjustability |
| Clear Plastic | Nearly invisible | 1-3 years | Daily cleaning | Patients concerned with aesthetics |
| Fixed | Completely hidden | Very durable | Regular flossing with threader | Patients at high risk for relapse |
How to Properly Care for Your Retainers
Caring for Removable Retainers
- Wear Time: Wear your appliance a minimum of 16 hours per day (especially important in the first year after treatment). This should include all sleeping hours plus additional time during the day or evening. Sleeping time alone is NOT enough to prevent teeth from shifting!
- Proper Storage: When retainers are not in your mouth, they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Many retainers are lost in school lunch rooms and restaurants, or damaged by pets who love to chew on them.
- Daily Cleaning: Clean your retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and liquid hand soap using warm (not hot) water. Brushing removes plaque and eliminates odors. While orthodontic appliance cleaners like Efferdent can be used, they do not replace daily brushing.
- When to Remove: Take your retainers out when eating, swimming, skiing, or playing contact sports. Keep them away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, washing machines, and napkins.
- Speaking Adjustments: Initially, you may find it difficult to speak clearly with your new retainer. Practice speaking, reading, or singing aloud to adapt more quickly.
Caring for Fixed Retainers
- Special Flossing: Use floss threaders or superfloss to clean under and around the wire.
- Regular Checkups: Visit us regularly to ensure the retainer remains properly bonded to your teeth.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Be cautious with hard foods that might damage the wire or adhesive.
What to Do if Your Retainer is Lost or Broken
If you lose or break your retainer, call our Fort Collins office immediately at (970) 980-2145. Quick action is crucial because teeth can shift rapidly without retention, potentially requiring braces again to straighten.
Retainer replacement can be expensive, but they will last for years with proper care. Don’t try to adjust a damaged retainer yourself – this could cause further damage or result in improper tooth alignment.
Why Choose Dr. Hardy for Your Retainer Needs
We understand that each patient’s orthodontic journey is unique. Dr. T.C. Hardy and Dr. Addie Peterson bring extensive expertise to create and maintain beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.
Our Retainer Services Include:
- Custom-fitted retainers tailored to your unique dental structure
- Clear instructions on proper wear and care
- Regular check-ups to ensure your retainer is functioning correctly
- Quick replacement options if your retainer becomes lost or damaged
- Adjustments as needed to maintain proper alignment
The Importance of Ongoing Retainer Care
Many patients underestimate the importance of consistent retainer wear after completing their orthodontic treatment. We emphasize that wearing your retainer as prescribed is essential for maintaining your investment in orthodontic treatment.
Research shows that up to 70% of patients may experience significant tooth movement without proper retainer use within the first 2-3 years after removal of braces. By following our retainer guidelines, you can ensure your smile remains straight and beautiful for years to come.
Retainers and Long-Term Oral Health
Beyond maintaining tooth alignment, properly fitted retainers contribute to your overall oral health in several ways:
- Preventing teeth grinding and associated damage
- Maintaining proper bite alignment can prevent jaw pain
- Preserving space for proper oral hygiene, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease
- Supporting long-term dental stability as your mouth naturally changes with age
How Our Advanced Technology Enhances Your Retainer Experience
We utilize state-of-the-art technology to create the perfect retainer for your needs:
- iTero Intraoral Scanners: These scanners create detailed 3D models of your teeth without the need for messy traditional impressions, ensuring your retainer fits perfectly.
- Digital X-Rays: High-quality imaging helps us monitor even the slightest tooth movement to ensure your retainer continues to function effectively.
3D Printing: Our in-office 3D printer (Sprint Ray Pro 95) allows us to create and replace retainers quickly and accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers
How long will I need to wear my retainer?
Most orthodontists, including our team, recommend wearing your retainer full-time (20-22 hours per day) for the first 3-6 months after your braces are removed. After this initial period, many patients can transition to nighttime wear only. However, some retainer wear should continue indefinitely for best results. This is because teeth naturally tend to shift throughout life, regardless of whether you’ve had orthodontic treatment. The good news is that nighttime wear becomes a simple habit that helps protect your investment in a beautiful smile.
Will my retainer be uncomfortable?
There may be some initial discomfort when you first receive your retainer, which is normal as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. Most patients adapt within a few days. If you experience persistent discomfort or if the retainer seems to be causing sores or excessive pressure, please contact our Fort Collins office at (970) 980-2145 for an adjustment. Never attempt to adjust the retainer yourself, as this could damage it or result in improper tooth alignment.
How much does a replacement retainer cost?
The cost of a replacement retainer varies depending on the type. With Dr. Hardy, Hawley retainers typically range from $250-350, while clear plastic retainers may cost $200-300. Fixed retainers generally cost between $250-500 to replace. Since insurance coverage for replacement retainers varies widely, we recommend checking with your insurance provider. Our office also offers flexible payment options to help make replacement more affordable if needed. Remember that proper care of your original retainer can save you these replacement costs!
Can I eat or drink with my removable retainer in?
We strongly recommend removing your retainer before eating any food. Eating with your retainer in place can damage it and trap food particles against your teeth, potentially leading to decay. For beverages, plain water is the only drink that’s safe to consume while wearing your retainer. All other beverages, including coffee, tea, soda, and juice, can stain your retainer or contain sugars and acids that may damage both the retainer and your teeth when trapped against them for extended periods.
What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?
If you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth will likely begin to shift back toward their original positions—a process called orthodontic relapse. This movement can begin within days of discontinuing retainer use and progresses over time. The rate and extent of shifting vary between individuals, but generally, the longer you’ve been out of braces, the more stable your teeth become. However, some movement is almost always expected without retention. If you’ve stopped wearing your retainer and notice shifting, contact our Fort Collins office immediately at (970) 980-2145. If caught early, sometimes simply resuming retainer wear can correct minor movement.
Ready to Protect Your Investment in a Beautiful Smile?
Don’t let your orthodontic treatment go to waste! Proper retainer care and consistent wear are essential for maintaining your perfectly aligned smile.
📍 Visit Us: Dr. Hardy, 1015 S. Taft Hill Rd., Suite K, Fort Collins, CO 80521
📞 Call: (970) 980-2145
📩 Or Request an Appointment Online Today
Complete the form below to schedule a consultation about our retainer services or to discuss any concerns about your current retainer. Our team in Fort Collins is committed to helping you maintain your beautiful smile for years to come!
