Retain Your Smile for Life
Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, & Walterboro Retainers
Retainers at Winning Orthodontic Smiles help protect the smile you've worked so hard to achieve. After braces or Invisalign treatment, Dr. Travis Fiegle, Dr. Katie Solomon, and Dr. Gavin Fox provide custom retainers designed to keep your teeth aligned and your results lasting for years to come.
Protecting Your Smile Results
Even after your braces come off or your final aligner is removed, your teeth naturally want to shift back toward their original positions. That's why retainers are such an important part of treatment.
At Winning Orthodontic Smiles, our board-certified orthodontists offer several retainer options to fit different smiles, lifestyles, and treatment needs. Whether you're finishing braces, Invisalign, or Phase I treatment, we'll help you choose the right retainer to keep your smile on track.
Essix Retainers
Essix retainers are one of the most popular retention options because they're clear, comfortable, and virtually invisible.
How Essix Retainers Work
Created from precise digital scans of your teeth, Essix retainers are custom-made to fit your smile perfectly. These removable retainers cover the entire arch of teeth and are designed to hold everything exactly where it belongs.
Because they're clear and discreet, many patients appreciate how easily Essix retainers fit into everyday life.
Hawley Retainers
For decades, Hawley retainers have helped patients maintain beautiful orthodontic results.
How Hawley Retainers Work
Made from a combination of durable acrylic and metal wire, Hawley retainers are custom-fitted to your smile and designed to provide long-term retention.
One advantage of Hawley retainers is their adjustability. If minor shifting occurs over time, our doctors may be able to modify the retainer rather than replacing it entirely, helping you maintain your results more efficiently.
Fixed Retainers
Some patients require an extra level of protection after orthodontic treatment at Winning Orthodontic Smiles.
How Fixed Retainers Work
A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the lower front teeth to help prevent unwanted movement. Because it's attached directly to the teeth, it works continuously without requiring daily compliance.
When fixed retainers are recommended, they're typically paired with a removable retainer to maintain alignment throughout the rest of the smile.
How to Care for Your Retainer
Your smile journey continues long after active treatment ends. Proper retainer care helps ensure your results last a lifetime.
Follow these simple guidelines to keep your retainer—and your smile—in excellent condition:
- Wear your retainer consistently: Follow the instructions provided by Dr. Fiegle, Dr. Solomon, or Dr. Fox to prevent unwanted tooth movement.
- Store it safely: Always place your retainer in its case when you're not wearing it to help avoid loss or damage.
- Bring it to appointments: Regular checks allow us to make sure your retainer still fits properly.
- Clean it daily: Gently brush your retainer with a toothbrush and lukewarm water to remove plaque and bacteria.
- Keep it away from heat: Hot water, hot cars, and dryers can warp the material and affect the fit.
- Contact us if there's a problem: If your retainer cracks, breaks, feels tight, or goes missing, let us know right away.
Taking good care of your retainer helps protect the investment you've made in your smile.
Transitioning From Braces to Retainers
Your Braces Come Off
The day you've been waiting for has finally arrived. Once your braces or aligners are removed, you'll get your first look at your completed smile transformation.
Your Retention Plan Begins
Immediately after treatment, your teeth need support while the surrounding bone and tissues stabilize. That's where your retainer comes in.
Most patients begin by wearing their retainers full-time before eventually transitioning to nighttime wear.
Protecting Your Investment
Think of your retainer as insurance for your smile. Consistent wear helps prevent relapse and keeps your teeth aligned long after active treatment ends.
Long-Term Success
The patients who enjoy the most stable results are the ones who wear their retainers exactly as instructed. That's why our team provides detailed guidance and ongoing support throughout the retention phase.
Monitored Smile Protection
At Winning Orthodontic Smiles, we believe retention is just as important as active treatment. When you finish your treatment with braces or clear aligners, you'll get a full eight months of retention care to set you up for long-term success.
Custom-Made for Every Patient
Every retainer is designed specifically for your smile using precise digital records and advanced technology.
Easy Replacement Options
Life happens. Retainers get lost, cracked, or accidentally thrown away. Because we maintain detailed digital records, replacing retainers can often be faster and more convenient.
Continued Support
Even after treatment ends, our team remains committed to protecting your smile. Regular follow-up visits allow us to monitor your results and address any concerns before they become bigger problems.
Retainers FAQs
Wondering what life with retainers is like? Here's what to expect when retaining your smile post-treatment at Winning Orthodontic Smiles.
Protect Your Smile for Years to Come
Your smile is an investment worth protecting. Dr. Travis Fiegle, Dr. Katie Solomon, and Dr. Gavin Fox proudly help patients throughout Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, and Walterboro maintain their orthodontic results with custom retainers and long-term retention solutions.
Schedule an appointment with Winning Orthodontic Smiles today to learn more about protecting your smile for life.