All About Orthodontic Retainers

Finished braces or Invisalign? Discover the three types of retainers and how to keep your smile straight for life with nightly wear and easy replacements.

🦷 Just got your braces off or finished Invisalign? Congrats on your new smile! 😁 Now let’s talk about the MOST important step: KEEPING it straight with retainers!

In this video, we break down everything you need to know about retainers after orthodontic treatment:

✅ The 3 main types of retainers:   • Clear retainers (Essix/Vivera-style)   • Hawley retainers (classic acrylic + wire)   • Permanent bonded retainers (fixed behind the teeth)

✅ How to choose the best retainer for your lifestyle✅ The #1 question we get: “How long do I have to wear retainers?”   (Spoiler: Plan on wearing them at night… for life! 🛌)

Plus — if you ever lose, break, or outgrow your retainer, we’ve got your back with easy replacements! 🙌

Your smile is an investment — let’s protect it together! 💎

👉 Book a consultation or order a replacement retainer: [Link to your website/booking]👉 Follow for more ortho tips!

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Transcript

Once you’ve completed your orthodontic treatment with either braces or Invisalign, it’s time to maintain that new smile.

Retainers are designed to keep everything in place, so we always recommend wearing them after treatment.

There are three main types of retainers:

  • Clear retainers
  • Hawley (acrylic and wire) retainers
  • Permanent (bonded) retainers

We’ll help you choose the option that fits you and your lifestyle best.

The number one question we get about retainers is:
“How long will I need to wear my retainers?”

You should plan on wearing your retainers at night for the rest of your life.

And finally, if you ever need a replacement, you can always reach out to us. If your retainer is broken or misplaced, we’ve got you covered.

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Tags
Retainers
Date Posted
January 23, 2026
Video Frequently Asked Questions

All About Orthodontic Retainers

Why do I need to wear retainers after braces or Invisalign?
After treatment, your teeth naturally want to shift back toward their old positions. Retainers hold your teeth in place while the bone and gums stabilize around them, helping you protect the smile you worked so hard for.
What types of retainers does Idaho Orthodontics offer?
We offer clear retainers, traditional Hawley retainers (acrylic and wire), and permanent/bonded retainers that stay attached behind the teeth. During your visit, we’ll review the pros and cons of each and help you choose what fits your bite, habits, and lifestyle.
How long will I need to wear my retainers?
Plan on wearing your retainers every night for the rest of your life. That might sound like a lot, but it quickly becomes part of your routine—like brushing your teeth—and it’s the best way to keep your smile straight long-term.
What should I do if my retainer is lost, cracked, or doesn’t fit anymore?
If your retainer is lost, broken, or suddenly feels too tight, contact Idaho Orthodontics as soon as you can. We can check how much your teeth have shifted (if at all) and make a new retainer if needed. The sooner you reach out, the easier it is to keep your smile on track.
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