Retainers

Retainers

Protecting Beautiful New Smile With Orthodontic Retainers

At Hidden Smiles Orthodontic Studio, we understand that achieving a beautiful new smile is hard work. Now that orthodontic treatment is complete and you or your child are enjoying all the benefits that come with a perfect smile, it’s important to help maintain those hard-earned results. After braces or aligners, teeth naturally need time to stabilize. Without orthodontic retainers, they can slowly shift back toward their original positions, a process called relapse.

The best way to keep a smile as perfect as the day your braces came off is with a custom retainer. Retainers are to be worn at night time for a lifetime in order to keep your teeth as straight as the day you finish your orthodontic treatment. At Hidden Smiles Orthodontic Studio, we offer three types of orthodontic retainers: bonded retainers, Hawley retainers and Essix retainers. Each is designed to fit your or your child’s needs and lifestyle.

Retainers

Protecting Beautiful New Smile With Orthodontic Retainers

At Hidden Smiles Orthodontic Studio, we understand that achieving a beautiful new smile is hard work. Now that orthodontic treatment is complete and you or your child are enjoying all the benefits that come with a perfect smile, it’s important to help maintain those hard-earned results. After braces or aligners, teeth naturally need time to stabilize. Without orthodontic retainers, they can slowly shift back toward their original positions, a process called relapse.

The best way to keep a smile as perfect as the day your braces came off is with a custom retainer. At Hidden Smiles Orthodontic Studio, we offer three types of orthodontic retainers: bonded retainers, Hawley retainers and Essix retainers. Each is designed to fit your or your child’s needs and lifestyle.

Close-up of a upper bonded retainer behind the teeth, used to maintain alignment after orthodontic treatment.

Bonded Retainers

Discreet and fixed to the inside of the teeth, bonded retainers are thin, custom wires placed along the back of the front teeth. They provide constant support while staying completely invisible to the outside world. Because they’re always in place, there’s no need to worry about wearing them for the appropriate amount of time or about them being lost or forgotten.

Patients love their bonded retainers because:

  • Always working to keep teeth perfectly aligned
  • No need to worry about wearing them for the recommended amount of time
  • Completely hidden behind the teeth for a seamless look
Close-up of a patient inserting a hawley retainer with a pink acrylic base and metal wire after orthodontic treatment.

Hawley Retainers

Made from a durable acrylic base and a thin metal wire, Hawley retainers are a classic choice for maintaining smiles after treatment. They’re removable, adjustable and built to last. They even have the option to choose a fun color for the acrylic base! With proper care, these orthodontic retainers can keep your or your child’s smile looking great for years to come.

Patients love their:

  • Long-lasting, adjustable design
  • Ability to be easily cleaned and cared for
  • Customizable colors for a fun, personal touch
Smiling woman holding a clear essix retainer after orthodontic treatment.

Essix
Retainers

Essix retainers are clear, removable trays that fit snugly over the teeth to help maintain their new smile. They’re smooth, comfortable and nearly invisible, making them a popular choice for kids and adults who prefer something discreet. With consistent wear, Essix retainers keep teeth beautifully aligned while letting confidence shine through. Even with a bonded retainer, a nighttime essix retainer is required to make sure the back teeth stay aligned as well.

Patients love their:

  • Crystal-clear, comfortable fit

  • Subtle and modern appearance

  • Simple wear-and-remove design

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Retainers

We love seeing patients enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, confident smile. To help them keep it that way, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions we receive about orthodontic retainers. If you don’t see your question here—or just want a little extra guidance—give our office a call at (631) 824-6353! Our team is always happy to help.

If you or your child choose removable orthodontic retainers, such as Hawley or Essix retainers, Dr. Parikh recommends wearing them for about twenty-two hours a day during the first three to six months after treatment. Once this initial period is over, you or your child can transition to wearing orthodontic retainers only at night to keep the smile perfectly aligned.

If you or your child has a removable retainer, we recommend cleaning it daily with a soft toothbrush and either non-abrasive toothpaste or a mild soap. For bonded retainers, it’s important to carefully brush and floss around the wire each day to prevent plaque buildup and protect gum health.

If you or your child has a removable retainer, there’s no need to make any diet changes—simply remove it during meals. For bonded retainers, hard, sticky or chewy foods that could bend or loosen the wire should be avoided.

Minor movement can happen over time and is often corrected by ensuring the retainer is worn for the appropriate amount of time. However, if there is a significant shift or change in the teeth or bite, it’s important to give us a call. Dr. Parikh and our team can evaluate the situation and determine if any adjustments or additional treatment are needed to get things back on track.

If the retainer becomes damaged or broken, please give us a call right away so we can recommend next steps. Depending on the type of retainer, we may be able to repair it in the office or order a replacement to ensure your or your child’s smile stays properly aligned.

Which Option Is Right For Your Or Your Child’s Smile?

Protecting new smiles is just as important as creating them. Whether you or your child needs a bonded, Hawley or Essix retainer, our team at Hidden Smiles Orthodontic Studio prioritize helping new smiles stay beautifully aligned for years to come with orthodontic retainers.

Schedule your or your child’s retainer appointment today and let’s keep that confident smile shining bright!

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