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Retainers to Maintain Your Smile in Tacoma

After active orthodontic treatment, teeth can naturally shift over time. Retainers are designed to help maintain the position of your teeth after braces or aligner treatment. At Tacoma Dental Hub, we can discuss retainer options and provide guidance on wearing and caring for your retainer based on your individual needs.

Why Are Retainers Important?

Orthodontic treatment moves teeth into new positions, but maintaining those positions requires ongoing retention.

Retainers help stabilize the alignment achieved during orthodontic treatment and reduce unwanted tooth movement. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate type of retainer and wear schedule based on your treatment.

Fixed retainer bonded behind the front teeth

Types of Dental Retainers

Removable Clear Retainers

Clear retainers are made from transparent plastic-like material and fit over the teeth. They can be removed by the patient and are designed to maintain tooth position.

Hawley Retainers

Hawley retainers generally use a combination of a plastic or acrylic component and wire to hold the teeth in position.

Fixed Retainers

Fixed or bonded retainers consist of a thin wire attached to the back surfaces of selected teeth. Because they remain in place, they provide continuous retention without requiring the patient to remove and insert them.

When Are Retainers Used?

Retainers are commonly used after active orthodontic treatment, including treatment with braces or clear aligners.

They may also be recommended when a patient’s teeth have shifted and additional retention is needed after orthodontic correction.

The exact wear schedule varies. Follow the instructions provided by your dentist or orthodontic provider.

Clear dental retainer designed to maintain tooth alignment

Dental Care Conveniently Located in Tacoma

Tacoma Dental Hub is located at 6003 Tacoma Mall Blvd, Tacoma, WA 98409, making our office convenient for patients in Tacoma and nearby communities. Contact our office if you need guidance with a retainer or want to discuss maintaining your orthodontic results.

Our Location

6003 Tacoma Mall Blvd, Tacoma, WA 98409

Comfortable patient waiting area with modern seating at Tacoma Dental Hub.

What If Your Retainer Does Not Fit?

A retainer that feels unusually tight, painful, or does not fit properly should be evaluated.

Do not force a damaged or poorly fitting retainer. Contact your dental office so the cause can be assessed and the appropriate next step can be recommended.

Sometimes a replacement retainer may be needed, while other situations may require further evaluation of tooth movement.

Explore Our Orthodontic Services

Invisalign®

Clear aligner treatment designed to provide a discreet approach to certain orthodontic corrections.

Aligners

Custom clear trays may be used to gradually improve certain tooth alignment concerns.

Keep Your Smile Aligned

If you have completed orthodontic treatment or need help with an existing retainer, contact Tacoma Dental Hub to discuss your retention and long-term dental care needs.

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