Retainers & Retainers for Life

The Importance of Retention

After months of orthodontic treatment, you've achieved the beautiful, healthy smile you've always wanted. Now comes the crucial retention phase—wearing retainers to ensure your teeth stay in their new positions. Without proper retention, teeth can gradually shift back toward their original positions, undoing all your hard work.

Retainers for Life Partnership

Argyle Orthodontics is proud to be one of the first practices in the area to partner with Retainers for Life. This innovative program ensures you'll always have access to replacement retainers, protecting your smile investment forever.

With Retainers for Life, you get unlimited clear retainers that can be ordered online and delivered directly to your home. No more emergency visits for lost or broken retainers, no more worrying about your teeth shifting while you wait for a replacement. Your smile protection is just a click away.

Types of Retainers

Clear Removable Retainers

Similar in appearance to Invisalign aligners, clear retainers are virtually invisible and comfortable to wear. They're custom-made to fit your teeth precisely and are easy to clean and maintain. Most patients wear these retainers full-time initially, then transition to nighttime wear.

Fixed Retainers

Sometimes called permanent or bonded retainers, these thin wires are attached to the back of your teeth where they're invisible from the front. Fixed retainers work 24/7 without requiring patient compliance and are especially useful for preventing movement of lower front teeth.

How Retainers for Life Works

1. Enroll: We'll enroll you in the Retainers for Life program when your braces come off.
2. Receive: You'll get your first set of retainers at your debond appointment.
3. Order: When you need replacements, simply order online through the Retainers for Life portal.
4. Deliver: New retainers are made from your digital scan and shipped directly to you.
5. Repeat: Order as many times as needed throughout your lifetime—it's unlimited!

Why Retainers Matter

Teeth have a natural tendency to shift throughout life, even after orthodontic treatment. Factors like jaw growth, wisdom teeth eruption, aging, and grinding can all cause teeth to move. Consistent retainer wear is the only way to prevent this shifting and maintain your orthodontic results.

Retainer Wear Schedule

Initially, you'll wear your retainers full-time (except when eating or brushing) for several months. Gradually, we'll transition you to nighttime-only wear. Many patients continue wearing retainers a few nights per week indefinitely to ensure their smile stays perfect.

Dr. Dyer will provide specific instructions based on your individual case, but the general rule is: wear your retainers as directed to keep your teeth in place!

Caring for Your Retainers

Proper care will help your retainers last longer and stay hygienic. Clean them daily with a soft toothbrush and gentle soap or retainer cleaner. Store them in their case when not wearing them to prevent loss or damage. Avoid exposing them to heat, which can warp the plastic.

What If I Haven't Worn My Retainers?

If you've stopped wearing your retainers and notice your teeth shifting, don't panic. Contact us right away. Depending on how much movement has occurred, we may be able to help you get back on track. The sooner you act, the better the outcome.

Lifetime Smile Protection

Your orthodontic treatment is a significant investment in your health and confidence. The Retainers for Life program ensures you can protect that investment forever, with convenient access to replacement retainers whenever you need them. It's our commitment to keeping your smile beautiful for life.