{"id":185,"date":"2025-09-03T18:13:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T18:13:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplyorthomilford.com\/blog\/?p=185"},"modified":"2025-09-12T18:15:21","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T18:15:21","slug":"caring-for-your-retainer-and-keeping-your-smile-straight-moving-forward","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplyorthomilford.com\/blog\/2025\/09\/03\/caring-for-your-retainer-and-keeping-your-smile-straight-moving-forward\/","title":{"rendered":"Caring for Your Retainer and Keeping Your Smile Straight Moving Forward"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you\u2019ve recently finished your orthodontic treatment and had your braces removed, you\u2019re probably very excited to begin enjoying all the benefits of your newly straightened smile. However, before you celebrate too much, there\u2019s one important next step that you don\u2019t want to forget: you need to wear your retainer<\/a> as instructed! But what exactly is the purpose of this device, and how are you supposed to keep up with caring for yours in the months and years following your orthodontic treatment? Here\u2019s what you need to know.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Exactly Is a Retainer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A retainer is a custom-made appliance that helps keep your teeth in their new, corrected positions after treatment. Think of it as the key to protecting all of the hard work you and your orthodontist put into straightening your smile. Without a retainer, teeth can gradually shift back, undoing your progress!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Retainers come in different types. There are fixed retainers, which consist of thin wires that are attached to the back of your teeth to hold them in place, and there are also removable retainers, which tend to be more common. These are made of clear plastic or a combination of acrylic and wire, and are taken out whenever you brush your teeth, floss, or eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Should I Care for My Retainer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can follow these tips to ensure that you\u2019re caring for your retainer correctly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n