Orthodontic Retainers That Protect Your Smile
At Mount Orthodontics, Dr. Tanner Mount views retention as a core part of treatment, as a beautiful smile only stays beautiful if it remains stable over time.
That philosophy is built into the Mount Orthodontics Difference (MOD), which means we include two free retainer sets after treatment to help patients protect the investment they’ve made in their smile.
Retainer Options
Not every patient needs the same type of retainer. Dr. Mount selects retainers based on individual treatment goals, long-term stability needs, and lifestyle considerations.
Bonded Retainers
A bonded retainer is attached behind the teeth and remains in place continuously.
This option may be recommended for patients who need additional protection against relapse or for areas where maintaining alignment is especially important. Since this retainer stays in place, it doesn’t depend on daily compliance.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers use an acrylic base combined with a wire that helps maintain tooth position.
These retainers have been used successfully for decades and remain a reliable option for many patients. Their durability makes them a practical choice in many situations.
Clear Retainers
Clear retainers are similar to clear aligners and fit snugly over the teeth, offering a nearly invisible appearance. Many patients appreciate their comfort and aesthetics, and they can be an effective solution for maintaining alignment when worn as directed.
Vivera clear retainers are manufactured using Invisalign technology and are designed specifically to maintain results after orthodontic treatment.
How Long Do You Need to Wear Retainers?
One of the most common questions patients ask after treatment is how long they need to continue wearing retainers.
The short answer is simple: retainers are part of protecting your smile for the long term.
Your teeth naturally experience pressure from chewing, aging, facial growth, and everyday habits. Without retention, they often begin to shift over time.
Dr. Mount believes retention should be viewed as ongoing smile maintenance rather than a temporary phase that ends shortly after braces treatment or Invisalign treatment. The specific wear schedule varies by patient, but the goal remains the same: preserve the results achieved during active orthodontic treatment.
What Happens If You Stop Wearing Retainers?
Teeth don’t automatically stay in their corrected positions forever.
When retainers are not worn consistently, gradual movement can occur. Sometimes the changes are subtle. Other times, noticeable crowding, spacing, or bite changes may develop, even after braces or clear aligner treatment have been completed. This isn’t meant to be alarming, but it’s simply an honest reality of orthodontic treatment.
Patients who have already noticed movement in their teeth may benefit from scheduling a complimentary orthodontic evaluation to determine the best path forward.
The Mount Orthodontics Difference: Lifetime Retainer Club
Dr. Mount believes retention should be treated as an essential part of orthodontic care rather than an afterthought, which is why we offer a Lifetime Retainer Program. For $850 (either up-front or with 0% interest financing), patients will receive up to four replacement retainers per year with a small copay, as well as three included whitening tubes.
If you are nearing the end of your treatment, you can discuss your long-term retention plan directly with Dr. Mount and the team.
Keep Your Smile Looking Its Best
Your orthodontic treatment doesn’t truly end when the braces come off or the last aligner tray is completed. Retention helps preserve the healthy, confident smile you’ve worked hard to achieve.
If you need replacement retainers, have noticed shifting, or want guidance on protecting your results, Mount Orthodontics is here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers
Why are retainers necessary after braces or Invisalign?
Retainers help maintain the tooth positions achieved during treatment. Without retention, teeth can gradually shift over time.
What type of retainer will I receive?
The recommended retainer depends on your treatment history, stability needs, and clinical situation. Dr. Mount may recommend bonded, Hawley, or Vivera retainers.
Are retainers included with treatment?
Yes. Mount Orthodontics includes two free retainer sets after treatment as part of our Mount Orthodontics Difference (MOD).
Can my teeth shift years after orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Teeth can continue to move throughout life due to normal biological changes, which is why long-term retention is important.
What should I do if my teeth have already started shifting?
Schedule an orthodontic evaluation as soon as possible. Early intervention may help address minor relapse before more significant movement occurs.
Can my teeth shift after orthodontic treatment because of my wisdom teeth?
In some cases, wisdom teeth may cause shifting after orthodontic treatment as they emerge. Regardless if wisdom teeth are present or not, Dr. Mount encourages long-term retention via orthodontic retainers to prevent shifting.