Retainers
Orthodontic retainers help keep your smile straight after braces or aligners. At Kujak Orthodontics in Onalaska, WI, we offer both removable and bonded retainers to preserve your results and prevent teeth from shifting. Whether you’re wearing a clear plastic retainer or a fixed wire, (consistent wear and proper care are essential—and we’re here to help every step of the way.
How to Care for Your Removable Retainer:
Daily cleaning will keep your retainer in good condition and your mouth healthy. Here’s how:
- Rinse with cold water after each use to remove saliva and food debris.
- Gently scrub your retainer with a soft toothbrush — skip the toothpaste, which can scratch and cloud the surface.
- Use alcohol-free soap or soak in denture cleaner for a deeper clean.
- Never expose your retainer to heat — boiling water, dishwashers, or hot cars can warp the plastic.
- Store it in a protective case, and always keep it out of reach from pets. (Dogs love to chew on them!)
With proper care, your removable retainer should last for several years. If it becomes worn, loose, or cracked, our Onalaska orthodontic team can help with a replacement.
How to Care for Your Bonded Retainer:
Bonded retainers (also known as permanent or fixed retainers) require a bit of extra care:
- Brush carefully around the retainer wire using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss daily using a floss threader or orthodontic floss to clean under the wire and between your teeth.
- Consider using a proxy brush or water flosser to remove food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
- Avoid biting directly into hard or sticky foods, as they can loosen the bonding material over time.
If your bonded retainer becomes loose or breaks, it’s important to act quickly. We can repair it or replace it with a removable retainer—either way, wearing a properly fitted retainer is key to preventing tooth movement.
What Happens if I Lose or Break My Retainer?
Losing or breaking your retainer puts your teeth at risk of shifting—especially in the weeks and months after treatment. If something happens to your retainer, call us right away. Quick action can help avoid the need for additional orthodontic treatment later.
Even if it’s been a while since you lost or stopped wearing your retainer, we’ve got options. We’ll assess your current tooth position and determine the best next step, whether that’s a new retainer, limited retreatment, or simple monitoring.
Do I Need to Wear My Retainer Forever?
Yes—but it gets easier over time. Initially, you’ll wear your retainer full-time (22–23 hours a day) for several weeks. After that, most patients switch to nighttime wear a few times a week to maintain alignment.
Lifelong retainer wear is the only way to ensure your teeth stay straight and your investment in orthodontic treatment pays off for years to come.
