Getting your braces off or finishing your last Invisalign® tray is exciting, but active tooth movement is only one part of orthodontic care. Retainers in Denver, Colorado help hold the positions created during treatment while the tissues around your teeth adapt. At Advanced Orthodontic Care, Dr. Jeff Birg is a certified specialist in orthodontics, and Dr. Robert Rudman (Retired) founded our practice in 1999.
Why Teeth Need Support After Active Treatment
Braces and clear aligners move teeth by applying controlled pressure. Once active treatment ends, the bone, ligaments, and other tissues around your teeth still need time to adjust to their new positions. Teeth can also continue to shift throughout life.
A retainer limits that movement. Retention is therefore part of orthodontic care, not an optional accessory once your smile looks straight.
You Still Need Retention After Braces or Invisalign
After braces or Invisalign, your retainer schedule should come from your orthodontist. Many people begin with more frequent wear and later move to nighttime use. The exact schedule depends on your treatment and how your teeth respond.
If you recently finished clear aligners, our information on post-treatment care after Invisalign explains what follows your final tray. We also discuss why teeth can shift after braces and why continued retainer wear matters.
What if Your Retainer Is Lost or Stops Fitting?
A missing or damaged retainer is worth handling quickly, before you notice obvious movement. Call our office if yours no longer seats correctly, suddenly feels unusually tight, or has cracked or warped rather than forcing it into place.
Replacement can be simpler when the original appliance was made from digital records. Our office can use 3D scans to create retainer impressions. If your digital scans are already on file, we may be able to order a replacement tray without taking another set of scans or traditional impressions.
How you clean your appliance matters, too. Hot water can warp some materials, while toothpaste and harsh chemicals may damage the surface. Our tips for cleaning your retainer cover safer ways to rinse, store, and maintain it.
Protect the Results You Worked For
Your retainer helps preserve the alignment created during orthodontic treatment. If yours is lost, damaged, or no longer fits comfortably, contact us at Advanced Orthodontic Care in Denver. Dr. Jeff Birg and our team can review your retainer needs at 303-331-0222.