Custom Retainers in Dothan, AL
You've put time and care into your smile. Let's keep it looking its best for years to come.
After braces or clear aligners, wearing your retainer is an important part of maintaining your results. At McClimans Orthodontics, we create custom retainers in-house with advanced 3D printing technology and explain how to make them part of your everyday routine.
If you're a past McClimans patient and need a new retainer, we'd love to see you again. Contact our team to arrange a visit.
What does a retainer do?
A retainer helps hold your teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment. This stage of care is called retention.
The bone and tissues around your teeth need time to adapt after treatment, and teeth can continue to shift as you age. Wearing your retainer as directed helps maintain the alignment of your smile over the long term.
Custom Retainers Made In-House
We use an advanced in-house 3D printer to create custom retainers right here in our Dothan office.
Our in-house technology allows us to make retainers tailored to your smile. Dr. McClimans will recommend the appropriate retainer for your needs, check its fit, and explain how to wear and care for it.
Types of Retainers
The right retainer depends on your teeth, bite, and retention needs. Dr. McClimans will explain which option, or combination of options, makes sense for your smile.
Clear Removable Retainers
Clear retainers fit closely over your teeth and are discreet when worn. They look similar to clear aligners but are designed to maintain your alignment after treatment. You can remove them for meals, brushing, and flossing.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers use a molded acrylic base and a metal wire to help hold teeth in place. They are removable and can be adjusted by your orthodontist when appropriate.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers, also called bonded or permanent retainers, use a thin wire attached behind the teeth, often the lower front teeth. They stay in place and require careful brushing and flossing around the wire. A removable retainer may also be recommended.
How long will I need to wear my retainer?
Retention is a long-term commitment to your smile. Many patients wear retainers more frequently at first, then transition to nighttime wear as directed by their orthodontist.
Dr. McClimans will give you a personalized wear schedule based on your treatment and how your teeth are settling. Keep following that schedule even when your teeth look straight, and check with our team before reducing your wear time.
Need a Replacement Retainer in Dothan?
Retainers can become worn, lost, or damaged over time. If yours cracks, changes shape, or no longer fits properly, contact our office promptly so we can help you protect your results.
If it's been a while since we've seen you, you're always welcome back. Whether you finished treatment recently or years ago, we can check your smile and discuss a new retainer.
If your teeth have moved, Dr. McClimans will explain what a replacement retainer can maintain and whether any additional treatment is worth considering. You'll get honest guidance about your options.
Request a Retainer Appointment
How to Clean and Care for Your Retainers
A few simple habits can help keep your retainers clean and in good condition. Follow the instructions we provide for your specific retainer.
For removable retainers:
- Rinse them with lukewarm water whenever you remove them.
- Clean them daily with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste, then rinse thoroughly.
- Use only a retainer-cleaning product approved for your retainer material.
- Avoid hot water, bleach, and alcohol-based mouthwash.
- Remove them for meals and drinks other than plain water.
- Store them in their protective case when you're not wearing them.
- Keep them away from pets, hot cars, and other heat sources.
For fixed retainers, brush carefully around the wire and floss beneath it daily using a floss threader or another tool our team recommends. Continue regular dental checkups, and contact us if the wire loosens or breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers
Do I need a retainer after clear aligners?
Yes. Teeth need support to maintain their alignment after both braces and clear aligners, including Invisalign® and 3M™ Clarity™ Clear Aligners. Follow the retainer schedule Dr. McClimans recommends.
Do I have to wear retainers forever?
Long-term retainer wear helps maintain your results because teeth can continue shifting throughout life. For many patients, this means nighttime wear indefinitely. Dr. McClimans will explain your individual schedule.
Can a retainer straighten teeth that have shifted?
A retainer is primarily designed to hold teeth in place. If your teeth have shifted, Dr. McClimans will evaluate whether a replacement retainer or additional treatment is appropriate. Don't force an old retainer onto teeth it no longer fits.
What should I do if my retainer feels tight or won't fit?
Contact our office if your retainer no longer seats fully, causes pain, or feels noticeably different. Don't force it into place or try to reshape it yourself. We'll check the fit and explain what to do next.
How much does a replacement retainer cost?
The cost depends on the type of retainer and whether new records, a repair, or a replacement is needed. Contact our Dothan office, and we'll explain the recommended next step and cost before proceeding.
Keep Smiling with McClimans Orthodontics
For more than 25 years, Dr. Tee McClimans has cared for generations of families throughout Dothan and the Wiregrass. That care continues after your braces come off or your last aligner is complete.
If you have questions about your retainers or need a replacement, reach out. We'll help you understand what your smile needs next.