Retainers for Children

Retainers are the key to maintaining your child’s beautiful new smile after completing orthodontic treatment, ensuring their teeth remain in their ideal positions for years to come. At House of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand retainers are just as important as the active treatment phase in achieving long-term success. Our experienced team provides comprehensive retainer care and guidance to help your child maintain their perfect smile throughout their lifetime.

House of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics provides comprehensive retainer services designed specifically for children and teens who have completed orthodontic treatment. Our experienced team uses the latest retainer technology and proven techniques to ensure your child’s beautiful results last a lifetime. We’re committed to making the retention phase comfortable and successful while protecting your investment in your child’s smile.

Understanding the Importance of Retainers

Retainers are custom-made appliances that hold teeth in their new positions after active orthodontic treatment ends. Without retainers, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions, potentially undoing months or years of orthodontic work.

The retention phase is crucial because teeth and surrounding tissues need time to stabilize in their new positions. Bone and gum tissue must adapt to the new tooth positions, and this process takes time. Retainers provide the support needed during this stabilization period. Many patients don’t realize that retention is a lifelong commitment. Teeth can shift at any age due to natural aging processes, changes in jaw growth, or other factors. Consistent retainer wear helps ensure your child’s smile remains beautiful and functional throughout their life.

Different types of retainers are available to meet your child’s specific needs and lifestyle. Our team will recommend the best option based on your child’s treatment results, age, and personal preferences to ensure long-term success.

MODEL holding an invisible braces aligner and rising thumb up, recommending this new treatment. Dental healthcare concept.

Benefits of Proper Retainer Use

Maintains Treatment Results

Prevents teeth from shifting back to their original positions after orthodontic treatment.

Protects Your Investment

Ensures the time and money invested in orthodontic treatment provides lifelong benefits.

Supports Oral Health

Helps maintain proper tooth alignment for better oral hygiene and function.

MODEL holding an invisible aligner and pointing at it. Dental healthcare and confidence concept.

Types of Retainers We Offer

We offer several types of retainers to meet your child’s individual needs and preferences. Each type has specific advantages, and our team will help you choose the best option for your child’s situation.

Removable retainers are the most common type, typically made from clear plastic or acrylic material with wire components. These retainers are custom-fitted to your child’s teeth and can be removed for eating, brushing, and special occasions. They’re easy to clean and maintain, making them ideal for most children and teens. Fixed retainers consist of a thin wire bonded to the back of the teeth, typically the lower front teeth. These retainers work continuously without relying on patient compliance, making them excellent for children who might forget to wear removable retainers. Fixed retainers are invisible from the front and don’t interfere with speech or eating.

Clear retainers are made from transparent plastic material that’s virtually invisible when worn. These retainers are popular with teens who want to maintain their smile’s appearance while ensuring their teeth stay in place. They’re comfortable to wear and easy to clean with proper care.

Retainer Care and Maintenance

Daily Cleaning

Proper cleaning prevents bacteria buildup and maintains retainer appearance and function.

Using protective cases prevents damage and loss when retainers are not being worn.

Routine visits ensure retainers fit properly and teeth remain in their ideal positions.

The Retainer Process

Getting retainers involves careful planning and precise fitting to ensure optimal results and comfort. We take time to explain proper care and wear schedules to help your child succeed with their retainers.

The retainer fitting appointment typically occurs shortly after braces removal or completion of clear aligner treatment. We’ll take precise impressions or digital scans of your child’s teeth to create custom retainers that fit perfectly. The fitting process is comfortable and usually takes about 30 minutes. We’ll provide detailed instructions on how to wear and care for the retainers. Most children need to wear their retainers full-time initially, then transition to nighttime wear as their teeth stabilize. The specific wear schedule depends on your child’s individual needs and treatment results.

Regular retainer checkups allow us to monitor your child’s teeth and ensure the retainers are working effectively. These appointments also provide opportunities to address any concerns and make adjustments if needed. We’ll also check for signs of wear and determine when retainer replacement might be necessary.

Meet Our Retainer Team

Dedicated Orthodontic Professionals

Dr. Harmon
Orthodontic specialist with advanced training in retention protocols and long-term orthodontic stability.

Our skilled team brings years of experience in retainer care and long-term orthodontic maintenance. We understand the importance of the retention phase and provide compassionate support to help your child succeed.

Schedule Your Child's Retainer Consultation

Ready to protect your child’s beautiful smile with properly fitted retainers? House of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to guide your family through the important retention phase of orthodontic treatment.

We understand retainers are crucial for maintaining your child’s orthodontic results, and we’re dedicated to providing exceptional care and support throughout the retention process. From initial fitting through long-term maintenance, we’re committed to helping your child maintain their perfect smile for life. Contact us today to schedule your child’s retainer consultation and ensure their beautiful results last a lifetime.

Frequently
Asked Questions

How long will my child need to wear retainers?

Most children wear retainers full-time initially, then transition to nighttime wear indefinitely.

Contact our office immediately for repair or replacement to prevent teeth from shifting.

Retainers typically need replacement every 2-3 years, depending on wear and care.

No, removable retainers should be removed for eating and drinking anything except water.

Contact our office immediately for replacement instructions to prevent treatment relapse.

Visit Our Practice

Retainers are the key to maintaining your child’s beautiful new smile after completing orthodontic treatment, ensuring their teeth remain in their ideal positions for years to come. At House of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand retainers are just as important as the active treatment phase in achieving long-term success. Our experienced team provides comprehensive retainer care and guidance to help your child maintain their perfect smile throughout their lifetime.