Retainers in Merritt Island and Titusville, FL
Protect Your Smile for a Lifetime- Retainers in Merritt Islanad and Titusville, FL
Finishing orthodontic treatment is a big milestone—but keeping your smile straight is a lifelong process.
Teeth naturally shift throughout life, even in people who have never had orthodontic treatment. Retainers help protect the time and investment you have made in your smile by holding your teeth in their corrected positions after braces or clear aligner treatment.
At Barlow & Benfield Orthodontics, we believe retention is an important part of your orthodontic care. We will provide you with a personalized retainer plan and instructions for keeping your smile looking its best for years to come.
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Retainer?
In short: for as long as you want your teeth to stay straight.
Your orthodontist will give you specific instructions about how often to wear your retainer immediately after treatment. Over time, many patients transition to nighttime wear.
Because teeth can continue to shift throughout adulthood, we recommend lifelong retainer wear to maintain your orthodontic results.
Types of Retainers
Depending on your individual needs, we may recommend a removable clear retainer, a bonded retainer, or a combination of the two.
Clear Retainers
Clear removable retainers fit snugly over your teeth and help maintain their alignment after orthodontic treatment. They are comfortable, discreet, and easy to remove for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Like anything worn regularly, clear retainers can eventually become worn, damaged, or lost and may need to be replaced.
Bonded Retainers
A bonded, or fixed, retainer is a thin wire attached to the back of the front teeth. Because it stays in place, it provides continuous retention without having to remember to put it in each night.
Bonded retainers require some additional attention when brushing and flossing and should be checked periodically to make sure the wire and bonding remain intact.
Lost or Broken Your Retainer?
Don't wait.
Teeth can begin shifting when a retainer is not being worn, so contact our office as soon as possible if your retainer is lost, broken, no longer fits properly, or feels significantly different than it used to.
The sooner we evaluate your retainer and your teeth, the better chance we have of preventing unwanted movement.
Need a replacement retainer? Contact Barlow & Benfield Orthodontics and our team will help determine the best next step.
Retainer Refresh Program
Five Years of Retainer Protection
Retainers are meant to be worn for a lifetime, which also means they may need to be replaced from time to time.
To make long-term retention easier and more affordable, Barlow & Benfield Orthodontics offers our Retainer Refresh Program.
The program provides five years of retainer coverage, so replacing a lost, damaged, or worn retainer doesn't have to become a major unexpected expense.
Enroll Early and Save
Patients may enroll in the Retainer Refresh Program for $650 at any time during active orthodontic treatment, up to and including the day braces are removed or active orthodontic treatment is completed.
After active orthodontic treatment is completed, patients may still enroll in the program for $850.
Choosing the program during treatment locks in the lower enrollment rate and gives you retainer protection from the beginning of your retention journey.
Ask our team about enrolling in the Retainer Refresh Program before you finish treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers
Why do I need a retainer after braces?
Orthodontic treatment moves your teeth into new positions, but teeth have a natural tendency to shift over time. Retainers help maintain their alignment and protect your orthodontic results.
Do I really have to wear a retainer forever?
We recommend lifelong retainer wear. The frequency of wear may change over time, but continuing to wear your retainer is the best way to keep your teeth straight.
What should I do if I lose my retainer?
Call our office as soon as possible. Teeth can begin to move when retainers aren't being worn, so replacing a lost retainer promptly is important.
What if my retainer doesn't fit anymore?
Don't force a retainer that no longer fits properly. Contact our office so we can determine whether the retainer needs to be adjusted or replaced and whether any tooth movement has occurred.
How often should retainers be replaced?
There isn't one replacement schedule that applies to everyone. Some retainers last for years, while others may need to be replaced sooner because of normal wear, damage, changes in fit, or loss.
How should I clean my retainer?
Rinse your retainer regularly and gently clean it according to the instructions provided by our team. Avoid exposing clear retainers to excessive heat, which can distort their shape.
Need Help With Your Retainer?
Whether you've recently completed orthodontic treatment, need a replacement retainer, or simply have questions about keeping your smile straight, we're here to help.
Contact Barlow & Benfield Orthodontics to schedule a retainer appointment or ask about our Retainer Refresh Program.
