Orthodontic Retention
You’ve worked hard to achieve your beautifully straight smile — and now it’s time to make sure it lasts. The retention phase is the final and most important step after braces or aligners. Its purpose is to protect your new smile from shifting back into its previous position, giving your gums, bone, and soft tissues time to fully adapt and stabilize around your teeth.
Types of Retainers We Offer
We offer a range of adult-friendly braces designed to fit your lifestyle, comfort, and aesthetic goals:
Removable Retainers
These custom-made retainers can be taken out for eating and cleaning. They are typically made of clear plastic or acrylic and fit snugly over your teeth. This option is great for comfort and easy hygiene but requires consistent use as instructed.
Clear (Essix) Retainers
Similar to clear aligners, these transparent retainers are barely noticeable. They’re a popular aesthetic choice for patients who want discreet retention after treatment.
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
These thin wires are permanently attached to the back of your teeth — usually on the lower front teeth — and provide continuous support without you having to remember to wear them. This option is excellent for long-term stability, especially in areas prone to shifting.
How to Care for Your Retainer
Proper care ensures your retainer stays clean, comfortable, and effective:
Wear it as instructed — at first full-time, then often just at night.
Clean daily — gently brush removable retainers with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a specialized retainer cleaner; avoid hot water which can warp plastic.
Store safely — keep your removable retainer in its protective case when not in your mouth.
Attend follow-ups — routine check-ups help ensure your retainer still fits properly and your smile stays stable.
Your Smile, Secured for Years
Retention is the final chapter of your orthodontic journey — and one of the most important. With the right retainer and care plan, you can enjoy the confidence of a straight, healthy smile for life.
What Our Patients Say
5.0 out of 5
“I appreciated the payment plan choices and the friendly staff who walked me through each cost detail. My smile looks fantastic, and I felt confident every step of the way.”
“The team explained the costs clearly and helped us find options that fit our finances. We loved how smooth the process was from start to finish!”
“The Clear Aligners treatment at SmileCrew was comfortable, convenient, and the results are amazing. They worked with my budget and offered flexible payment plans that made everything easy.”
“My son had crowded teeth and was worried about braces. SmileCrew guided us through every step, and now his smile is beautifully aligned. Couldn’t be happier!”
“From evaluation to treatment, SmileCrew made everything easy to understand. My crossbite was corrected and my teeth feel more comfortable than ever!
“I was nervous about early intervention, but SmileCrew made it stress-free. The appliances were easy for her to manage, and the results speak for themselves. Highly recommend for any parent considering early orthodontic care.”
Choosing surgical orthodontics was a big decision, but SmileCrew made it an easy one. The results are amazing — my jaw feels aligned, my bite functions better than ever, and I don’t hide my smile anymore. I’m so grateful for the attentive care and encouragement I received!
“I never thought I’d find an orthodontic team that cared so much about how I felt throughout treatment. The surgical orthodontics process was explained clearly, I always felt supported, and the results speak for themselves. I can eat comfortably, my bite feels perfect, and I finally love my smile.
“My daughter had traditional braces with SmileCrew and the results are amazing! Dr. Despot was so patient with her and made every visit comfortable.”
“Dr. Despot and the team are amazing! They explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process.”
“SmileCrew made my orthodontic journey so smooth! The team is incredibly professional and caring. I’m thrilled with my new smile!”