Uptown Park Dental
Retainers in New Westminster
Retainers
When braces or aligners come off, your teeth aren’t done moving. The bone and gums around them are still settling. Without support, they can slowly shift back to where they started. A retainer holds them steady while everything firms up.
Retainers come in two kinds. One’s removable — a clear tray that fits snugly over your teeth, a lot like an aligner. The other’s fixed — a thin wire that stays behind your front teeth where no one can see it. Both work fine. The choice depends on your bite, habits, and what feels easiest to manage.
We usually make retainers right after treatment ends. The dentist checks your teeth, takes a scan or mold, and sends it to the lab. It only takes a few days to come back. You’ll get a quick fitting to be sure everything feels right before heading home.
If you’re wearing a clear one, you’ll use it full-time at first, then just at night once the teeth are stable. You can clean it with a soft toothbrush and cool water — never hot. If it cracks or starts to feel tight, bring it in right away. That tightness means your teeth are already trying to shift.
Fixed retainers need a bit more care when flossing. We’ll show you a simple threading trick so it doesn’t get missed. Most people forget it’s even there after a week.
There’s no exact finish line with retainers. For some, it’s a year. For others, it’s long-term nighttime wear. The truth is, wearing it a few nights a week for life keeps your smile steady. It’s a small effort for a lasting result.
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