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Wearing a Retainer After Straightening Your Teeth Is Essential for Continued Alignment

  • True Smile Orthodontics
  • February 23, 2022

Congratulations on getting orthodontic treatment for the health and appearance of your smile! Whether you wore braces or clear aligners, you will still need to wear a retainer to maintain that beautiful symmetry with your newly aligned teeth and bite. While wearing braces or clear aligners is phase one of your orthodontic treatment, retainers are phase two to ensure continued success.

Why Are Retainers Needed After Braces?

Your newly straightened teeth will not be able to hold their new positions without a placeholder to maintain them. In orthodontics, we call that retention, meaning your teeth retain their position instead of gravitating back to their old places.

Your teeth are kept in their place by a tissue layer of cementum, which weakens when the teeth are manually moved. Think of a rubber band. This layer of cementum will try to pull your gums back to where they started after your orthodontic treatment. Wearing a retainer keeps the cementum staying in its new position while your teeth and tissue fully adjust.

If you do not wear a retainer, you allow your cementum and gums to shift back; retainers work by holding the tissue where it has been moved. Over time, your teeth will adjust to their new positions with the help of the retainer.

How Your Retainer Supports Your Smile and How To Care for It

  • Stabilizes your bite: This oral appliance gives your soft tissues and bone time to adjust to their new place when worn consistently. It is called stabilization as wanted shifting is kept to a minimum.
  • Protects your mouth from improperly erupting wisdom teeth: If you have had orthodontic treatment in your teen years, your retainer will keep your newly erupting wisdom teeth from shifting your straightened teeth.
  • Keeps your bones and gums aligned with your teeth: With the help of your retainer, your teeth, bones, and gums will stay strong and stable for years to come.
  • Prevents the need for additional orthodontic treatment later: Properly wearing your retainer (both night and day as recommended) means your teeth won’t shift out of the desired alignment you worked so hard to achieve.

Types of Retainers

  • Fixed or bonded retainer: A strong wire bent around the inside of your teeth is cemented in place to keep your teeth aligned and stable. Brush and floss daily to keep your retainer free from harmful plaque formation. It also means keeping all scheduled routine dental cleanings so hardened plaque (tartar) is removed and doesn’t irritate your teeth and gums.
  • Hawley retainer: The base of this popular retainer is made from plastic or acrylic and metal bars that wrap around your newly straightened teeth on the top and bottom. You can take it out to eat and clean.
  • Clear plastic retainer: This clear retainer made from plastic conforms to your teeth for a perfect fit while keeping them in place. Clean them every day to keep them looking and feeling their best!

What Not To Do With Your Retainer

Wear your removable retainer as directed and clean it using cool water to avoid warping (no dishwasher, hot water, alcohol or bleach to clean). Do not wear your retainer while dining, and keep it in a sturdy container case when you take it out, so you don’t lose it. Don’t use abrasive cleaners like toothpaste or baking soda to clean your clear retainer, and brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. While it might be tempting, don’t swim with your retainer so you don’t lose or damage it.

We hope you love your straightened teeth and are committed to protecting them by properly wearing your retainer. After investing in a beautiful smile, you can easily keep it that way by taking good care of your teeth, gums, and retainer every day! If you have any questions about orthodontics or retainers, give us a call today! We love to help!

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When you’re ready, we’ve made it super easy to get started in treatment. Conveniently located in Tulsa, we serve patients from all surrounding areas.

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Our Reviews

Experience
5-Star Care

We’re great at what we do! But, with over 1,000 reviews, don’t just take our word for it…Check out some of these fantastic reviews from so many happy patients throughout the years.

M T
Love the new office! We’re so excited for the new convenient location!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled you love our new office and find the location convenient. We look forward to continuing to provide you with exceptional orthodontic care!
Lesly
Always very friendly every visit! Recommend to everyone
Response from the owner:Thank you, Lesly! Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot to us. We strive to create a friendly environment for every visit. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Lesly
Always very friendly every visit! Recommend to everyone
Response from the owner:Thank you, Lesly! Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot to us. We strive to create a friendly environment for every visit. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
madison K.
True Smile is one of the best offices i’ve been to. They’re super friendly and have such a loving environment. 10/10 recommend
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Madison. We're delighted to hear that you found our team friendly and the environment welcoming. Your recommendation means so much to us!
madison K.
True Smile is one of the best offices i’ve been to. They’re super friendly and have such a loving environment. 10/10 recommend
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Madison. We're delighted to hear that you found our team friendly and the environment welcoming. Your recommendation means so much to us!
Randy A.
The lobby team 5 Stars
The dental assistant crew 5 stars
The doctors 5 stars

Thanks guys for change my smile !
Response from the owner:Thank you for your outstanding feedback! We are thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our team. Your satisfaction is our top priority. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful smile again!
Randy A.
The lobby team 5 Stars
The dental assistant crew 5 stars
The doctors 5 stars

Thanks guys for change my smile !
Response from the owner:Thank you for your outstanding feedback! We are thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our team. Your satisfaction is our top priority. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful smile again!
Yeyson V.
The best ones in town for sure
My smile is so so so flawless thanks Guys
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It’s great to hear that you're loving your flawless smile. We're dedicated to providing top-notch care and appreciate your kind words! Visit us again soon!
Yeyson V.
The best ones in town for sure
My smile is so so so flawless thanks Guys
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It’s great to hear that you're loving your flawless smile. We're dedicated to providing top-notch care and appreciate your kind words! Visit us again soon!
Atziry M.
I am very happy at this place. They have great accommodations because multiple times I had to travel and they were great at understanding and rescheduling my appointments.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that our accommodations and flexibility made your visits enjoyable. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to your continued visits!
Atziry M.
I am very happy at this place. They have great accommodations because multiple times I had to travel and they were great at understanding and rescheduling my appointments.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that our accommodations and flexibility made your visits enjoyable. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to your continued visits!
Raven B.
Everyone here is super nice and helpful! This is an awesome place to get braces!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We do everything in our power to make scheduling, completing, and following up on patient appointments as seamless as possible.
Raven B.
Everyone here is super nice and helpful! This is an awesome place to get braces!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We do everything in our power to make scheduling, completing, and following up on patient appointments as seamless as possible.
Shonda K
The staff is super helpful and knowledgeable. They have made the entire process so easy foe my daughter to get braces and the appliances she needs to correct her bite.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Shonda, for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear our team made the process smooth for your daughter. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to continuing to support her journey!
Shonda K
The staff is super helpful and knowledgeable. They have made the entire process so easy foe my daughter to get braces and the appliances she needs to correct her bite.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Shonda, for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear our team made the process smooth for your daughter. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to continuing to support her journey!
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Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18275885191261956
6 years of smiles, support, and excellence! Happy work anniversary to our incredible Lead Dental Assistant Lisa, we’re so lucky to have you leading the way. 🤍✨ #orthodontics #leadassistant #braces
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See this stunning smile transformation! Whitening done right here in our office. ✨ Ready for your glow-up? Book your consultation today! (918) 364-2222 📆#SmileUpgrade
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Remembering the heroes who gave everything for our freedom 🇺🇸🤍 

#memorialdayweekend #memorialday #honor #freedom
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Braces off, confidence on!! Happy Friday everyone, we hope you have a lovely memorial weekend 😁

#memorialweekend #memorialday #happyfriday #bracesoff
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. Marty, because one day isn’t enough to celebrate you!! Here’s to our incredible doctor 🥳🎂🎉
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Happy work anniversary Anais💙 
From answering phones, juggling schedules, calming nerves, and greeting every patient with kindness! ☺️📋
You’re truly the heartbeat of the front office! Thank you for everything you do! 💐
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18090531892709834
D E B O N D  F R I D A Y ⭐️
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SUMMER STORYTIME!! ☀️ @woodlandhillsok
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We’re so excited to be opening down in Bixby with Floss Boss!! 🦷💫 @flossbosskids 

#grandopening #dental #floss #ortho #braces
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Red, White, and Braces Bright!! 💫 Wishing everyone a sparkling 4th of July don’t forget to show off that star-spangled smile!! 🇺🇸✨
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18065605703277823
Today we celebrate a decade of dedication, compassion, and countless smiles!! Happy 10-Year Anniversary to Eliana your loyalty, hard work, and kindness have shaped our dental family in the best way. Cheers to the memories made and the smiles yet to come!! ☺️❤️
#happyanniversary #orthodontist #anniversary
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DEBOND FRIDAY!! Ending the week with some beautiful smiles 😁 

#debondfriday #nomorebraces
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18275885191261956
6 years of smiles, support, and excellence! Happy work anniversary to our incredible Lead Dental Assistant Lisa, we’re so lucky to have you leading the way. 🤍✨ #orthodontics #leadassistant #braces
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18002400572617266
See this stunning smile transformation! Whitening done right here in our office. ✨ Ready for your glow-up? Book your consultation today! (918) 364-2222 📆#SmileUpgrade
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18049290158580328
Remembering the heroes who gave everything for our freedom 🇺🇸🤍 

#memorialdayweekend #memorialday #honor #freedom
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18187089868311620
Braces off, confidence on!! Happy Friday everyone, we hope you have a lovely memorial weekend 😁

#memorialweekend #memorialday #happyfriday #bracesoff
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18068134801980367
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. Marty, because one day isn’t enough to celebrate you!! Here’s to our incredible doctor 🥳🎂🎉
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18046251710415890
Happy work anniversary Anais💙 
From answering phones, juggling schedules, calming nerves, and greeting every patient with kindness! ☺️📋
You’re truly the heartbeat of the front office! Thank you for everything you do! 💐
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18090531892709834
D E B O N D  F R I D A Y ⭐️
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18035426768677679
SUMMER STORYTIME!! ☀️ @woodlandhillsok
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 17865037161350197
We’re so excited to be opening down in Bixby with Floss Boss!! 🦷💫 @flossbosskids 

#grandopening #dental #floss #ortho #braces
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18514275922051963
Red, White, and Braces Bright!! 💫 Wishing everyone a sparkling 4th of July don’t forget to show off that star-spangled smile!! 🇺🇸✨
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18065605703277823
Today we celebrate a decade of dedication, compassion, and countless smiles!! Happy 10-Year Anniversary to Eliana your loyalty, hard work, and kindness have shaped our dental family in the best way. Cheers to the memories made and the smiles yet to come!! ☺️❤️
#happyanniversary #orthodontist #anniversary
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18049851674410636
DEBOND FRIDAY!! Ending the week with some beautiful smiles 😁 

#debondfriday #nomorebraces

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