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Retainers in San Antonio
Braces move teeth. Retainers are what stop them moving back. This part is not optional.
Three kinds, and which one suits you
Teeth do not set in concrete when the braces come off. Retention is a permanent part of orthodontic treatment, and the retainer you get should match how you actually live.
- Permanent (bonded) retainers. A thin wire fixed behind the teeth. Nothing to remember, nothing to lose.
- Clear retainers. Removable and virtually invisible. Usually worn at night after an initial full-time period.
- Hawley retainers. The classic wire and acrylic design. Extremely durable and adjustable.
A lot of our adult patients arrive because a retainer stopped being worn years ago. See adult orthodontics if that sounds familiar.
Retainer facts worth knowing
Broken retainer, fast turnaround
Even years after treatment. One of our patients broke a permanent retainer four years post-treatment and was seen immediately.
Wear tapers, it does not stop
Full-time at first, then nights, then most people stay on nights indefinitely.
Replacements are normal
Retainers get lost, sat on, and put in napkins at restaurants. Call us, do not wait.
Book your free consultation
Tell us how to reach you and our team will call to find a time that works. New patient requests only.
Prefer to talk now? Call (210) 714-5525.
Common questions
How long do I have to wear a retainer?
Realistically, indefinitely at night. The teeth that moved will drift if nothing holds them. This is not upselling, it is how the tissue behaves.
What happens if I stop?
Teeth gradually shift, usually the lower front ones first. If it has already happened, retreatment is often shorter than your original course.
My retainer broke. What now?
Call (210) 714-5525 and get in soon. A gap of weeks without retention is when relapse starts.
Can I get a permanent retainer instead of remembering one?
Often, yes. Bonded wires suit patients who know they will not keep track of a removable one. We will tell you if your bite makes bonding impractical.
Keep reading
Ready to start? Your consultation is free.
Exam, digital scan and X-ray at no cost, at either San Antonio office. You will leave knowing your options and what treatment would cost.