Protecting Your New Smile
for the Long Run
Custom Orthodontic Retainers in Minneapolis’ Western Suburbs
Your orthodontic treatment doesn’t end when your braces come off or your Invisalign® aligners are finished. Retainers play a critical role in protecting the time and care you’ve invested in your smile, and at Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics, we make the retention phase simple, comfortable, and stress-free.
With three convenient locations in Minnetonka, Excelsior, and Wayzata, our friendly orthodontic team is here to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile for years to come.
What Are Retainers, and Why Are They So Important?
Retainers are custom-made orthodontic appliances designed to help keep your teeth in their new positions after braces or Invisalign treatment. After orthodontic treatment, your teeth naturally want to shift back toward their original positions. A retainer helps hold your teeth in place while your bite and surrounding tissues stabilize.
Many adults come to us because they stopped wearing their retainers years ago. The good news? With the right guidance and consistency, retention can be easy and effective.
What Are the Benefits of Regularly Wearing Your Retainer?
Wearing your retainer is one of the most important steps in protecting your new smile. Consistent retainer wear can help you:
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Your retainer helps keep your teeth in their corrected positions after orthodontic treatment. Since teeth naturally shift over time, wearing your retainer as directed is essential for maintaining the alignment you’ve achieved. This helps preserve a healthy, attractive smile and protects the results of your treatment.
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Orthodontic treatment requires a significant investment of time, effort, and resources. Wearing your retainer regularly helps safeguard that investment by preventing your teeth from gradually moving out of alignment. By following your orthodontist’s recommendations, you can continue enjoying the benefits of your beautiful smile for years to come.
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When retainers are not worn consistently, teeth can shift enough to require additional orthodontic treatment. Regular retainer wear helps maintain your results and, as a result, reduces the likelihood of needing future corrective procedures. It’s a simple habit that can help you avoid unnecessary time, expense, and inconvenience down the road.
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A straight, healthy smile can have a positive impact on your confidence in both personal and professional settings. Wearing your retainer helps ensure your smile stays looking its best over time. With consistent retainer use, you can continue smiling, laughing, and speaking with confidence for years after treatment.
Types of Retainers We Offer
At Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics, we offer multiple retainer options, which means we can recommend what works best for your smile, lifestyle, and comfort level.
Clear Removable Retainers
Clear retainers are discreet, lightweight, and custom-made to fit comfortably over your teeth. They’re a popular choice for both teens and adults who want a low-profile option.
Traditional Hawley Retainers
These retainers use a thin wire and acrylic base and have been trusted for decades. They’re durable and adjustable, making them a reliable option for many patients.
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
A bonded retainer is attached to the back of your teeth and works behind the scenes to keep them aligned. Since it stays in place, there’s no need to remember to put it in or take it out.
How Long Will I Need to Wear My Retainer?
Every smile is different, but retainers are a long-term commitment. Most patients wear their retainers full-time at first, then transition to nighttime wear as recommended by their orthodontist.
Our team will give you clear, personalized instructions so you always know what’s best for your smile.
Caring for Your Retainer
Proper care helps your retainer last longer and keeps your smile healthy.
Helpful tips include:
- Clean your retainer daily with a gentle brush and mild soap
- Avoid using hot water to clean them, as it can warp clear retainers
- Store your retainer in its case when not in use
- Keep it away from pets (retainers make a good chew toy)
- Bring your retainer to checkups so we can ensure it still fits properly
If your retainer feels uncomfortable, cracked, or no longer fits, don’t wait. Early replacement can help prevent unwanted tooth movement.
How Much Will a Retainer Cost?
Your orthodontic retainer is included with the price of your braces or Invisalign treatment.
In the event you need a replacement or additional retainers, the cost will depend on the type of retainer you need. We also offer a clear retainer replacement program, where you pay a fee and then you can get discounts on future retainer needs.
Keep Your Smile Right Where It Belongs
At Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics, we’re here for you long after active treatment ends. From retainers to routine check-ins, our goal is to help you enjoy a confident, healthy smile for life in a calm, comfortable, and welcoming environment.
Ready to protect your smile? Schedule an appointment with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Retainers
Teeth can begin shifting sooner than many people realize. While significant movement doesn’t happen overnight, even a few days or weeks without wearing your retainer can cause minor changes in alignment. The longer you go without a retainer, the greater the risk of noticeable shifting. If you’ve lost your retainer, contact our team as soon as possible to discuss replacement options.
Yes. If your teeth have remained relatively stable, a replacement retainer should be all you need to maintain your smile. However, if significant shifting has occurred, additional orthodontic treatment may be recommended before a new retainer can be made. A quick evaluation can help determine the best solution for your specific situation.
Not necessarily. A retainer that feels tight or doesn’t fit properly may indicate that your teeth have shifted. Depending on the amount of movement, you may be able to get back on track with a new retainer or a minor orthodontic touch-up. The sooner you schedule an appointment, the more options you’ll typically have available.
Because teeth naturally shift throughout life, long-term retainer wear is the best way to maintain your orthodontic results. Most patients eventually transition to nighttime wear, but retainers remain an important part of protecting your smile. Think of your retainer as a simple, ongoing way to preserve the time and effort invested in treatment.
Missing a night or two occasionally may not cause significant changes, but repeatedly skipping retainer wear can allow your teeth to gradually shift. Every smile is different, and some patients experience movement more quickly than others. To keep your results looking their best, it’s important to follow the wear schedule recommended by your orthodontist.