You worked hard to achieve your straight, beautiful smile. Whether it took braces or aligners, the time, effort, and commitment you put into your orthodontic treatment have paid off. But now that your treatment is complete, what comes next? At Burlingame Smile Studios, Dr. April Lee emphasizes that retainers are the crucial final step in preserving your results. Without this essential phase of orthodontic care, all your progress can quickly begin to shift.
What Are Retainers and How Do They Work?
Retainers are custom-made orthodontic devices designed to maintain the alignment of your teeth after active treatment, like braces or Invisalign. After your teeth have been moved into their ideal positions, retainers work to keep them there. Why is this necessary? Because your teeth aren’t the only part of your mouth undergoing changes during orthodontic treatment. The surrounding bones, muscles, and gums also need stability to adjust to the new alignment.
Retainers come in various forms, including removable options like Hawley retainers and clear aligners, as well as permanent retainers that are bonded behind your teeth. Each type plays a critical role in keeping your smile straight and healthy long-term, but the overall goal is the same—to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions over time.
Why Skipping Your Retainer Is Risky
It might be tempting to skip wearing your retainer, thinking your teeth will simply stay in place now that the hard work is done. However, this is a risky assumption. Without proper retention, your teeth can begin to shift surprisingly quickly as they naturally seek to settle back into their pre-treatment positions. Even short gaps in wearing your retainer, such as a few weeks or months, can lead to noticeable changes.
Failing to wear your retainer consistently puts your orthodontic progress at risk. This could mean needing additional treatments down the line to correct the new misalignment. Protecting your results requires consistent effort, and wearing your retainer as prescribed ensures that the investment you made in your smile doesn’t go to waste.
How to Wear and Care for Your Retainer
Most patients start by wearing their retainer full-time immediately after treatment and gradually transition to nighttime-only wear as directed by their orthodontist. The initial adjustment period can take some getting used to, but Dr. Lee provides helpful advice to make this transition as comfortable as possible.
Proper care plays a big role in keeping your retainer effective. Cleaning it regularly with gentle methods, storing it in its protective case when not in use, and avoiding damage are all essential habits to develop. Over time, your retainer may show signs of wear or feel loose, which is why knowing when to request a replacement is equally important for maintaining its function.
Dr. April Lee’s Retainer Recommendations
At Burlingame Smile Studios, Dr. April Lee creates customized retention plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. She understands that every smile is different, which is why her expertise ensures you have a retention plan that works specifically for you. Whether you’re wearing a removable or permanent retainer, her guidance is designed to make the retention phase as easy and effective as possible.
Dr. Lee’s team is always available to answer questions, address concerns, and provide replacement retainers if necessary. Their goal is to help you maintain your beautiful smile with minimal hassle and peace of mind.
Smile Maintenance Starts Here
Your orthodontic treatment doesn’t end when the braces come off or when the last Invisalign tray is completed. The retention phase is an essential part of the process, securing all the hard work you’ve invested in achieving a straight, confident smile.
Don’t take the risk of letting your progress slip away. If you’re in Burlingame, Hillsborough, or Millbrae, the team at Burlingame Smile Studios is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today for expert advice, personalized care, and all the support you need to keep your smile looking its best.
Contact Dr. April Lee at Burlingame Smile Studio we serve Burlingame, CA, Hillsborough, and Millbrae.
(650) 231-2680
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1740 Marco Polo Way Ste 12
Burlingame, California
94010
