Retainers
A retainer holds teeth where treatment left them, for anyone who has finished braces or aligners.
Teeth can move throughout life, so a retainer comes with a plan. Dr. Jafari decides which kind fits you and how long to wear it.
In short
Provided by an orthodontist
Clear, wire or fixed, as she recommends
Checks and replacements, quoted in writing
What happens
- 01
Step 1: A scan or impression
We take a new scan of your teeth when treatment ends.
- 02
Step 2: The fitting
We check the fit and show you how to put it in, take it out and clean it.
- 03
Step 3: Wearing it
You wear it as Dr. Jafari directs. She tells you when that can change.
- 04
Step 4: Checks
We look at the retainer and your teeth at check visits, and replace a retainer that no longer fits.
What to know before you start
Comfort
A new retainer can feel snug for a few days. A fixed wire can feel strange against the tongue at first.
Alternatives, and waiting
Retainers come in more than one kind, and she explains the trade-offs. Without one, teeth can drift back toward where they were.
Risks and after-care
A fixed wire can trap plaque, so keep flossing as shown. A cracked or lost retainer needs a call to us. Clean a removable one daily, and keep it in its case when it is out.
How it is billed
Your first retainer is part of the treatment estimate. A replacement is quoted in writing before we make it.
How fees work
Questions about retainers
How long do I wear a retainer?
Dr. Jafari tells you. It depends on your teeth and the kind of retainer.
What if I lose it?
Call us before you stop wearing it. We tell you what to do and quote a replacement in writing.
Can my family dentist check it?
Yes. Bring it to your cleanings and ask them to look at it, and call us about anything that seems off.
Provided by an orthodontist
Dr. Shirin Jafari, DDS, orthodontist, licensed in Indiana. Her residency and board are listed on her profile.