A retainer is a custom-made dental appliance worn after orthodontic treatment to hold your teeth in their new, corrected positions. Once your braces or clear aligners come off, your teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward where they started — a process called relapse. Retainers gently prevent this from happening, preserving the beautiful results you worked so hard to achieve.
Think of your retainer as the final, and most important, phase of your orthodontic journey. Treatment moves your teeth — your retainer keeps them there.
Even after your teeth are perfectly aligned, the bone and soft tissue surrounding them need time to stabilize in their new positions. Without a retainer, your teeth will gradually drift — sometimes noticeably, sometimes subtly — undoing months or years of treatment. Wearing your retainer as prescribed is the single most effective way to protect your investment and keep your smile looking its best, for life.
Every patient is unique, and so is their retention plan. At Essex Orthodontics, we offer three types of retainers so we can find the best fit for your lifestyle and smile.
Not sure which retainer is right for you? Our team will walk you through every option and help you choose the best fit for your needs.
Retainer care at Essex Orthodontics is open to everyone — whether you're a patient who just finished treatment with us, or someone new who simply needs a replacement or repair.
Every patient who completes orthodontic treatment at Essex Orthodontics receives a custom retainer as part of their care plan. We'll guide you on how and when to wear it, and support you throughout your retention journey.
Lost, broken, or worn-out retainer? No problem — you don't need to be a current patient to come to us. We welcome anyone who needs a new retainer made, or an existing one repaired. Walk-ins and new patients are always welcome.
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