Smile Maintenance
Protect the smile you earned
Custom-fitted retainers preserve the results of your orthodontic treatment, keeping your smile aligned for life. We make retention simple, comfortable, and built around your routine.
The Retention Phase
Treatment doesn’t end the day braces come off
Teeth have memory. Without retainers, they’ll naturally drift back toward their original positions — undoing months or years of careful work. Retention is the quiet, simple step that protects everything you’ve invested in your smile.
How It Works
A simple routine that keeps results in place
Once your braces come off — or you complete your final aligner — we’ll fit you with custom retainers. You’ll wear them more often at first, then gradually transition to nighttime-only wear. Most patients find retention almost effortless once the routine is established.
Your Options
Three ways to protect your smile
Every smile is different, so we offer three proven types of retainer. We’ll help you choose the one that fits your teeth, your routine, and your lifestyle.
Clear & Discreet
What is an Essix retainer?
Essix retainers are clear, removable trays made of durable plastic that fit snugly over your teeth — similar to an Invisalign aligner. They’re designed to hold your teeth in position after braces or aligners, and their discreet look makes them a popular choice.
Made with in-house technology
Thanks to our in-house lab, the process is fast and precise. We take a digital scan of your teeth with an intraoral scanner — no goopy impressions — then 3D print a custom model and craft a perfectly fitted retainer from it. The result: excellent accuracy and a quick turnaround.
- Virtually invisibleClear design makes them ideal for patients who want a subtle, aesthetic solution
- Comfortable fitA snug, low-profile fit makes them easy to wear during daily activities or sleep
- Easy to cleanSimply remove and rinse — keeping your retainer clean is quick and simple
- Fast turnaroundBecause we make them in-house, most patients get their retainers faster than ever
What about Hawley retainers?
We also offer Hawley retainers — the classic design with a metal wire and acrylic base. They’re a reliable, durable option and still the right call in specific cases, especially when certain tooth movements call for a different approach. We’re always happy to talk through which type is best for you.
Always On Duty
Fixed lingual retainers
A fixed lingual retainer is a thin, custom-fitted metal wire bonded directly to the tongue-side of your front teeth. It works around the clock to prevent shifting — there’s nothing to take in and out, and nothing to remember.
- Cost: typically $150–$600Depending on placement and materials
- Lifespan: 3–10 yearsWith good care and regular checkups
Advantages
- Always workingBonded behind your teeth — no chance of losing it or forgetting to wear it
- InvisibleCompletely hidden behind your front teeth
- Speech-friendlyThe sleek profile leaves room for your tongue, keeping speech clear
Things to keep in mind
- Trickier cleaningThe wire spans multiple teeth, making standard brushing and flossing harder
- Potential breakageBonding can crack or the wire can break over time, needing a quick repair visit
- Tartar buildupHard-to-reach areas can collect plaque and tartar without diligent cleaning
Keeping It Clean
How to clean a fixed retainer
Because the wire spans several teeth, plaque and tartar can build up along it — raising your risk of gum disease or cavities. A little extra care keeps things healthy. These three tools make it easy:
- Floss threaderThread standard or Super Floss under the wire to clean between teeth and the gum line
- Interdental brushUse a small proxy brush to gently scrub under and around the wire
- Water flosserA Waterpik or similar is excellent for flushing out debris if threading is difficult
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about retainers
Still have questions? Give us a call at 615.778.1800 — we’re happy to walk you through it.
Once you’re out of braces, you’ll be fitted with retainers. At first, you may need to wear them most of the day — removing only to eat and brush your teeth. After a short transition period, you’ll be instructed to wear them at night only.
Indefinitely. Most patients maintain their straight smile by wearing retainers at night, but the responsibility is yours — wear them as often as needed to prevent shifting. Teeth naturally want to drift, so consistent nightly use is the best protection.
Call us right away. We’ll meet with you to figure out the best path forward. In many cases, we can correct shifting with a special removable appliance. In others, a short course of braces is the right call — and under our lifetime guarantee, refitting braces is free of charge.
If your teeth shift and you need braces again, we’ll refit them at no cost. You’ll only be responsible for the monthly adjustment fees during the corrective period and the cost of new retainers afterward. It’s our way of standing behind every smile we straighten.
We’ll periodically contact you for retainer checks, bite evaluations, and — with your permission — X-rays to monitor wisdom tooth development. There are standard charges for X-rays and checkup visits, but staying connected helps us catch issues early. If you move or change your phone number, please let us know.
Our Promise to You
If your teeth ever shift, your braces are free
We stand behind every smile we straighten. If you ever need braces again for any reason, we’ll refit them at no charge — you’ll only pay for monthly adjustments during the corrective period and the cost of new retainers afterward. It’s simple, no fine print: wear your retainers, and we’ve got your back for life.
Staying Connected
Future appointments & checkups
Even after your active treatment ends, we’re still part of your smile’s story. Periodic check-ins let us adjust your retainers, monitor your bite, and catch any developments early. If you ever move or change your contact info, drop us a line so we can keep in touch.
- Periodic retainer adjustment visits
- Bite checks to catch any shifting early
- Wisdom teeth monitoring with optional X-rays
- Reach out anytime — we're happy to hear from you