Protect Your Straight Smile
A custom retainer is the final step in keeping your teeth straight after braces or aligners. Without one, teeth naturally drift back. We fit the right type for your lifestyle so your results last a lifetime.
Custom-Fitted
Made from your exact impressions
Quick Turnaround
Ready in days, not weeks
Free Consultation
Assessment and fitting included
How can we help you?
Tell us what you need, and we will get you the right retainer.
Understanding Retainers
Why retainers matter and what happens without one
After braces or aligners move your teeth into their new positions, the bone and tissue around them need time to stabilize. Without a retainer, teeth naturally drift back toward their original positions. This is called relapse, and it happens to almost everyone who skips the retainer phase.
A retainer holds your teeth in place while the bone remodels and solidifies around them. You wear it full time for the first few months, then transition to nights only. Over time, you may only need it a few nights a week.
The retainer is what protects the investment you made in braces or aligners. Skipping it is the single most common reason patients end up needing orthodontic treatment again.
Why it matters
Retainer Types
Three options to protect your straight smile
We recommend the type that works best for your teeth, your lifestyle, and your preferences. Some patients use a combination.
Invisible and Comfortable
Clear Retainer
A transparent, custom-molded tray that fits snugly over your teeth. Nearly invisible when worn, comfortable, and easy to pop in and out for cleaning.
- Nearly invisible when worn
- Comfortable custom fit
- Easy to remove for eating and cleaning
Always Working
Fixed/Bonded Retainer
A thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth. It stays in place permanently, holding your teeth without any effort from you. You cannot see it or feel it.
- No compliance needed, always in place
- Completely invisible from the front
- Ideal for lower front teeth
Classic and Adjustable
Hawley Retainer
The traditional removable retainer with a metal wire across the front teeth and an acrylic plate that sits against the roof of your mouth. Durable and adjustable.
- Can be adjusted if teeth shift slightly
- Very durable, lasts for years
- Available in custom colors for kids
Why Retainers Matter
Six reasons the retainer matters most
Protects your orthodontic investment
You spent months or years getting your teeth straight. A retainer keeps them there. It is the most important step in the entire orthodontic process.
Prevents teeth from shifting back
Without retention, teeth naturally drift toward their original positions. A retainer holds them in place while the bone stabilizes.
Comfortable custom fit
Every retainer we make is custom-molded from your exact impressions. It fits your teeth precisely so it is comfortable to wear day and night.
Multiple options available
Clear, fixed, or Hawley. We match the retainer type to your teeth, your habits, and your preferences so it actually gets worn.
Quick and easy fitting
Getting a retainer takes just one or two short appointments. Impressions, fabrication, and fitting. Simple and fast.
Results that last a lifetime
Consistent retainer wear keeps your teeth in position for life. It is the simplest, most effective way to protect your straight smile permanently.
The Process
Getting your retainer is quick and simple
Consultation and Assessment
We examine your teeth, assess how stable they are in their new positions, and recommend the retainer type that best fits your situation and lifestyle. If you lost or broke a retainer, we determine if the same type is still the best fit.
- Teeth checked
- Retainer type recommended
Care and Maintenance
How to keep your retainer in great shape
Clean daily
Brush your retainer with a soft brush and lukewarm water every time you take it out. Use retainer cleaner or mild soap. Never use hot water, which can warp the plastic.
Store it properly
When your retainer is not in your mouth, keep it in its case. Retainers left wrapped in napkins get thrown away. Retainers left out get stepped on.
Wear it as directed
Full time for the first few months, then nights only. Consistency matters most in the first year. After that, wearing it a few nights a week usually keeps things stable.
Avoid heat and pressure
Do not leave your retainer in a hot car, near a stove, or in boiling water. Heat warps the material. Do not chew on it or clench it between your front teeth.
Replace when needed
Clear retainers wear out over time and may need replacing every 1 to 2 years. Hawley retainers last longer but may need wire adjustments. Come in if anything feels off.
Watch for signs it does not fit
If your retainer feels tight after not wearing it for a while, your teeth have shifted. Wear it more consistently. If it no longer fits at all, come in so we can assess and make a new one before things move further.
Cost & Insurance
A small cost that protects a big investment
Your initial retainer is typically included in the cost of your orthodontic treatment. If you need a replacement because of wear, loss, or damage, we keep your records on file so making a new one is quick and straightforward.
Some orthodontic insurance benefits cover replacement retainers. We check your plan and let you know what is covered before you commit.
Quick and affordable
Come in for a free assessment. We check your teeth, recommend the right retainer, and give you clear pricing.
- Initial retainer often included in ortho cost
- Quick replacement turnaround
- Insurance may cover replacements
Often Included in Ortho Treatment
The initial retainer is usually included in your orthodontic treatment cost. Replacements have a separate, affordable fee.
Affordable Replacements
Replacement retainers are straightforward and reasonably priced. We give you the exact cost upfront.
Insurance May Help
Some orthodontic insurance benefits cover retainer replacements. We check your specific plan and let you know.
Your questions, answered
Plain answers from our Peterborough team: no jargon, no pressure.
- New patients welcome
- Most insurance accepted
- CareCredit financing available
Most orthodontists recommend wearing your retainer full time for the first 3 to 6 months after braces or aligners are removed, then transitioning to nights only. Many patients wear their retainer at night indefinitely to prevent any shifting.
Still have questions?
Call and you'll reach a real person on our team: no phone tree, no hold music. We'd genuinely love to help.
(603) 924-3664Rather write to us? Contact us
Retainer Consultation
Whether you need your first retainer or a replacement, come in and we will get you sorted. Quick assessment, custom fit, and clear pricing. No cost for the consultation, no obligation.
- New patients welcome
- Most insurance accepted