Retainers in Torrance, CA

"Retainers are night-time for life-time"

Get Your New Retainer, Same-Day!

Fast, convenient, and ready the same day. No more impressions or long wait times.

Come in for an intraoral scan, and your new retainers will be ready for same-day pickup.

Understanding Retainers:
The Key to Maintaining Your Smile

A retainer is a device designed to keep your teeth in their straightened position after orthodontic treatment. Retainers are made from clear plastic, acrylic, or wires that fit snugly over or behind the teeth. Their primary purpose is to minimize the natural tendency of teeth to revert to their original positions over time.

By wearing retainers as prescribed, patients can ensure the longevity of their orthodontic results, keeping their smiles straight and beautiful.

Do I Need a Retainer?

Everyone undergoing orthodontic treatment should utilize a retainer as the final step in their smile journey. You’ve worked hard to achieve that incredible smile, and retainers keep your teeth straight and minimize relapse.

Besides keeping the teeth straight, retainers are crucial for supporting the bone around your teeth as they adapt to their new positions. Our bodies and teeth naturally change over time. By wearing a retainer, you’re proactively minimizing the changes in the correction you’ve achieved.

Proper Care for Your Retainer

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your retainer remains effective and lasts for years:

1. Daily Cleaning: Your retainer needs daily attention, like your teeth, because bacteria can grow on a dirty retainer. Gently brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Also, consider soaking it at least once a week in a retainer-cleaning solution to prevent build-up. However, avoid using hot water as it can cause damage.

2. Safe Storage: It’s easy to misplace or damage a retainer. Always put the retainer in its protective case when you’re not wearing it. Safe storage keeps retainers clean and minimizes the risk of breakage or loss. “If it’s not in your face, it should be in your case.”

3. Avoid using products with alcohol or bleach: These chemicals can damage the retainer and may be harmful when ingested.

4. Handle with Care: When inserting or removing your retainer, gently use both hands to prevent unnecessary stress or bending.

5. Regular Check-ups: Over time, retainers can wear out or might not fit as snugly. Consult your orthodontist if you feel your retainer no longer fits as it did at first.

6. Orthodontist Guidance: Remember that your orthodontist is your best resource. They will provide specific care instructions tailored to your type of retainer.

Types of Retainers

Hawley retainers, commonly referred to as wire retainers, consist of a combination of acrylic or hard plastic and a metal wire. Designed for comfort, the retainer sits either on the roof of your mouth or under your tongue, with the wire providing support to the teeth. The wire retainer can often be personalized with a variety of colors and designs.

Clear Retainer
Clear retainers are removable plastic trays that sit over your teeth. They can be worn following orthodontic treatment to maintain your results.

Fixed Retainer
A fixed or permanent retainer is a custom-fitted slender wire cemented or bonded to the inner side of either the upper or lower teeth.

Retainer FAQs

How does getting a same-day retainer work?

Instead of biting into impression putty, you get an intraoral scan of your teeth. We use that 3D scan to make your retainer right here in our Torrance office, so most patients pick it up the same day. Call or text 310-543-2711 to schedule your scan.

How do I know which type of retainer is right for me?

Dr. Jen will review your bite, treatment, and daily habits, then recommend the best option for you. Clear retainers are nearly invisible. Hawley retainers are durable and can be adjusted for small corrections. A fixed retainer stays bonded behind your teeth, so you don't have to remember to put it in. Some patients pair a fixed retainer with a removable one worn at night.

Can I pick a color for my Hawley retainer?

Yes. The acrylic part of a Hawley retainer comes in different colors and designs, so you can choose something that feels like yours. Ask about your options when you come in for your scan.

How do I keep a fixed retainer clean?

A fixed retainer never comes out, so plaque can build up along the wire if you skip cleaning. Brush carefully along the wire and the backs of your front teeth twice a day. To floss, use a floss threader to pass floss under the wire between each tooth, or use a water flosser. If the wire feels loose or a bond comes off, call our office.

Should I keep a spare retainer?

Many patients do. A backup set is handy for travel, sleepovers, or a gym bag, and it keeps you covered if your main retainer cracks or goes missing. Ask our team about a spare at your next visit.