Protect Your Perfect Smile with Professional Retention Care
You’ve just finished months of orthodontic treatment with your Goodyear orthodontist, and your teeth look amazing. But here’s what many patients don’t realize: the retention phase is just as critical as the active treatment phase. At Hilgers Orthodontics in Goodyear, AZ, we make sure your investment in a straight, healthy smile stays protected for years to come.
Think of retention as the insurance policy for your orthodontic results. Without proper retainer care and consistent wear, teeth naturally want to shift back toward their original positions. That’s where our expert retention program steps in to preserve those incredible before and after results you worked so hard to achieve.
What Is Orthodontic Retention and Why Does It Matter?
Orthodontic retention is the phase of treatment that follows active orthodontic treatment (whether you had traditional braces or clear aligners). During this phase, you’ll wear retainers to maintain the new position of your teeth while the surrounding bone and tissues stabilize.
Your teeth have a memory. Even after months of careful alignment, they’ll naturally try to drift back to their original positions without proper retention. This process, called relapse, can happen within weeks or months if you skip wearing your retainer.
The benefits of professional retention care include:
- Maintaining your straight smile permanently
- Protecting your investment in orthodontic treatment
- Preventing the need for future re-treatment
- Supporting proper bite alignment and jaw function
Types of Retainers We Offer
At Hilgers Orthodontics, we customize your retention plan based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and treatment results. We offer several retainer options:
Removable Clear Retainers These virtually invisible retainers are made from clear plastic and fit snugly over your teeth. They’re easy to clean, comfortable to wear, and nearly undetectable when you’re speaking or smiling.
Traditional Wire Retainers These classic retainers feature a thin wire across the front of your teeth with an acrylic base that rests against the roof of your mouth. They’re durable, long-lasting, and highly effective at maintaining tooth position.
Fixed Retainers Sometimes called permanent retainers, these are thin wires bonded to the back of your teeth (usually your lower front teeth). Since they’re permanently attached, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to wear them.
What to Expect During Your Retention Phase
Initial Retainer Fitting Your retention journey starts with precise impressions or digital scans of your newly aligned teeth. We’ll create custom retainers that fit perfectly and comfortably.
Wear Schedule Guidelines Initially, you’ll wear your retainers full-time for the first few months. As your teeth stabilize, we’ll gradually reduce the wear time to just nighttime.
Regular Check-ups We’ll monitor your progress with periodic retention check-ups to ensure your retainers are fitting properly and your teeth are staying in position.
Retainer Care and Maintenance
Taking care of your retainers is straightforward, but consistency matters. Clean your retainers daily with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material. Store them in their protective case when not wearing them.
Most importantly, wear them as directed. Skipping even a few nights can allow unwanted tooth movement to begin.
Your Comfort and Care Are Our Priority
We understand that transitioning to retainer wear can feel like an adjustment after completing active treatment. Our team takes time to address any concerns you might have and provides ongoing support throughout your retention phase.
Dr. Hilgers and our experienced orthodontic team have helped thousands of patients in the Goodyear area maintain their beautiful smiles through expert retention care. We’re committed to making sure your orthodontic investment lasts a lifetime.
Protecting Your Investment for Life
Retention isn’t just about the first year after treatment. For most patients, some form of retention (usually nighttime wear) continues indefinitely. When you consider the alternative (watching your straight teeth gradually shift back), most patients find the routine becomes second nature.
You rock your braces with confidence during treatment, and now you’ll maintain that confidence with consistent retainer wear.
Ready to Protect Your Perfect Smile?
Don’t let your orthodontic results slip away. Expert retention care ensures your smile stays straight, healthy, and beautiful for years to come.
Call Hilgers Orthodontics at 623-935-3908 (Pine Valley) or 623-243-9884 (Estrella Mountain Ranch) or book your retention consultation online today. We accept most insurance plans and offer flexible payment options.
Your perfect smile deserves protection. Let’s keep it that way together.
