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What Comes After Braces? Why Your Retainer Is the Real Hero

A smiling man and woman in white shirts stand against a gray background, with the woman's arm resting on the man's shoulder.

When your braces come off, it’s a moment worth celebrating! Gone are the brackets and wires, leaving behind a beautiful, straight smile. But before you toss your orthodontic care to the wind, there’s one crucial step you can’t afford to skip: wearing your retainer. This unsung hero of orthodontic care ensures that the months (or years) spent perfecting your teeth don’t go to waste. At Kincer Orthodontics in Marietta, we emphasize the importance of the retention phase to help you maintain your perfect smile for years to come.

What is the Retention Phase?

After braces are removed, your teeth aren’t entirely set in their new positions. The soft tissues and bone around your teeth need time to stabilize. Without the support of a retainer, teeth can gradually shift back to their original positions—a process called relapse.

The retention phase is the post-braces stage where retainers hold your teeth in their new alignment while your gums and bone adapt. This phase is as essential as wearing braces and can last several months or even years, depending on your unique orthodontic needs.

Why Retainers Are Non-Negotiable

  1. Preventing Relapse
    Studies show that without consistent retainer use, up to 90% of patients experience some level of teeth shifting within 10 years of braces removal (American Journal of Orthodontics). Wearing your retainer ensures your teeth stay straight, protecting your investment.
  2. Preserving Oral Function
    Properly aligned teeth contribute to better chewing, speaking, and overall oral health. Retainers help maintain these benefits.
  3. Avoiding Additional Orthodontic Treatment
    Relapse can lead to the need for braces or aligners again—an expense and inconvenience you can easily avoid with diligent retainer wear.

Types of Retainers: Which One is Right for You?

At Kincer Orthodontics, we offer different types of retainers tailored to your lifestyle and needs:

  • Hawley Retainers: Made of acrylic and wire, these traditional retainers are durable and adjustable.
  • Clear Retainers: A nearly invisible option, these retainers are popular for their discreet appearance.
  • Fixed Retainers: Bonded to the back of your teeth, these permanent options are ideal for those worried about forgetting their retainer.

Dr. Kincer will guide you in choosing the best option for long-term success.

How to Care for Your Retainer

Keeping your retainer clean and intact is critical for its effectiveness. Here are a few tips:

  • Clean Regularly: Rinse your retainer with cool water after removal and brush it daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Avoid Heat: High temperatures can warp retainers, so keep them away from hot water, car dashboards, and dishwashers.
  • Use the Case: Always store your retainer in its case when not in use to avoid damage or loss.

How Long Should You Wear a Retainer?

Retention isn’t a short-term commitment. Most orthodontists recommend wearing your retainer full-time for the first 4-6 months after braces, followed by nightly wear indefinitely. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, lifelong retainer wear is the only way to ensure your smile stays perfectly aligned.

Your Smile Is Worth It

At Kincer Orthodontics in Marietta, we celebrate every patient’s braces removal as a milestone, but we also stress that the journey isn’t over. Retainers are the key to preserving your stunning new smile. Think of them as the final piece of the puzzle—a small effort with a big reward.

Protect Your Investment at Kincer Orthodontics

Ready to keep your smile in perfect shape? Schedule your retention phase consultation with Kincer Orthodontics today. Serving Marietta and surrounding areas, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t let all your hard work go to waste—let us help you hold onto your confident, dazzling smile!

Posted on behalf of William R. Kincer Practice Limited to Orthodontics

44 Old Hamilton Road
Marietta, Georgia 30064

Phone: (770) 424-5280

Monday – Thursday
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

(770) 424-5280 Schedule an appointment

Our Patient Reviews

William R. Kincer, D.M.D., P.C.

5.0/ 5.0

Based on 19 reviews

  • We are beyond thankful for Dr. Kincer and his team!! Dr. Kincer is one of the most honest and conservative Orthodontist, which is a VERY rare find in the industry. We moved to south Florida about halfway through our treatment of 18 months and did not switch orthodontists; that’s how much Dr. Kincer means to us! Our daughter’s smile is absolutely beautiful!!

    Lindsay D
  • Dr. Kincer is the BEST at what he does!!! Both of my girls have been under Dr. Kincer's care, with exceptional results. They both began treatment at age 8, because of their tiny mouths that required Phase I and Phase II treatments. As a result of his recommended treatment plan, our girls will have exceptional teeth for life. Our family is incredibly thankful for Dr. Kincer's meticulous care that resulted in BEAUTIFUL smiles!!!

    Jen B
  • Dr. Kincer is the best. I am almost a year into my treatment and i have nothing but great things to say. He is so kind and his team is amazing. They are simply amazing and truly care for what their customers need and what their teeth need. I highly recommend Doctor Kincer to anyone looking for orthodontics.

    Jennie H
  • Excellent orthodontist. Invisalign was the best money I ever spent on myself. Dr. Kincer is meticulous, thorough, has attention to detail, and fixed my flared teeth. Everyone is always complimenting my smile. He is always timely, professional, and his support staff (Jennifer and Lynn) are really caring. He is able to shave down teeth to make them aesthetically fit my smile and proportions. Dr. Kincer and Lynn really make sure their patients are comfortable-- especially when it comes down to removing attachments for invisalign and IPR, when your teeth are already sensitive. I recommended him to my brother and little cousin for orthodontic work and for their retainers :)

    Kimberly T
  • After having my braces off for 12 years. I go in today to see my little sister get her braces off, and Dr. Kincer readjusted my Old retainers to fit again!! He is a great orthodontist!

    Brittany B
  • Our family has been using Dr. Kincer for the past 10 years. Our oldest daughter has had amazing transformations with her treatment and our second is shaping up to do the same. Couldn't ask for a better, more friendly place.

    Shannon R
  • This is our fifth year and second kid with Dr. Kincer. Love him and his staff! Would recommend them to anyone!

    Jill T
  • Both my kids have beautiful, straight teeth because of Dr. Kincer's work. He takes great care to work with every aspect of getting braces.

    Franny

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