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Call / Text (803) 263-9400
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  • Our Practice
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    • How We’re Different
    • Meet Dr. White Brown
    • Meet Our Team
    • Our Technology
    • Community Involvement
    • Patient Reviews
  • Orthodontics
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      • Braces for Kids
      • Braces for Teens
      • Braces for Adults
      • Braces FAQ
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      • About Invisalign
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      • Invisalign for Kids
      • Invisalign for Teens
      • Invisalign for Adults
      • Invisalign FAQ
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How Important Are Retainers for Protecting Your Orthodontic Results

Retainers
White Brown Smiles
December 20, 2024

You’ve completed your braces or Invisalign treatment — congratulations! However, your orthodontic journey doesn’t end there. The next essential step is maintaining your results with a retainer. So, just how important are retainers to the success of your smile? Very! Retainers are the key to preserving your straight teeth and ensuring long-term oral health. Let’s explore why they’re so crucial.

The Science Behind Retainers

Upon completing orthodontic treatment, your teeth are in their ideal positions, but they’re not yet fully stable. Your gums, jawbone, and surrounding tissues need time to adapt to their new alignment. Without support, your teeth can try to shift back to their original positions — this is where retainers step in.

Wondering “how important are retainers” after your braces are removed? Think of retainers as the insurance policy for your smile. Like braces or Invisalign, retainers represent an investment in maintaining alignment and preventing setbacks that could undo months or years of orthodontic work.

At White Brown Smiles, we stress that retaining your smile is as important as correcting it. By consistently wearing your retainer, you’ll keep your teeth exactly where they need to be.

How Important Are Retainers for Long-Term Tooth Health?

Still, ask yourself, “How important are retainers” in the long run? Here’s the answer: Retainers don’t just lock in your alignment; they also help prevent future dental complications.

With age, your teeth naturally shift — even if you don’t notice it initially. A consistent retainer routine can counteract these movements. Proper use of a retainer prevents these small shifts from snowballing into problems like overcrowding and bite misalignment.

In addition, retaining alignment helps you keep up with oral hygiene. Straight teeth are easier to floss and clean, reducing risks of cavities and gum disease. Wearing your retainer means protecting your pearly whites from oral health issues down the road.

Choosing the Right Retainer for You

Now that you know how important retainers are, the next step is to choose the one that suits you best. At White Brown Smiles, we offer two main types: removable and fixed retainers.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers are a popular choice for people who like flexibility. Made from clear, durable plastic or acrylic, they are aesthetically pleasing and easy to clean. However, they require daily dedication. Forgetting to wear them — even for a few nights — can lead to tooth movement.

Fixed Retainers

These are small wires bonded to the back of your teeth. They stay in place 24/7, ensuring that your teeth don’t shift even if you forget about them. Fixed retainers are great for patients who might struggle to remember to wear a removable retainer.

Our orthodontists will help determine which solution fits into your lifestyle while ensuring long-term alignment and comfort.

Tips to Maximize Your Retainer’s Lifespan

Understanding how important retainers are means also knowing how to care for them properly. Here are a few tips for maintaining their effectiveness:

  • Clean daily: For removable retainers, gently brush them with lukewarm water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid harsh cleaners or hot water, as these can damage the material.
  • Store safely: Keep your retainer in its protective case whenever it’s not in use. This prevents accidental damage or loss.
  • Check for wear and tear: Regularly inspect your retainer for signs of damage. If it doesn’t fit properly or shows cracks, schedule a replacement.
  • Bring it to check-ups: At regular dental and orthodontic visits, bring your retainer along so your orthodontist can evaluate its fit and condition.

Your investment in orthodontics is worth protecting, and your retainer plays an undeniable role in keeping your smile straight and healthy.

Retainers Are a Lifelong Commitment to Your Smile

Your journey to a perfect smile doesn’t end when your braces are removed — it shifts into a phase of maintenance and care. If there’s one thing to take away, it’s that retainers are an essential part of preserving your orthodontic results.

How important are retainers? They’re non-negotiable for maintaining your alignment and protecting your oral health for years to come. At White Brown Smiles, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a lifetime of confident, radiant smiles. Want to learn more? Call our office for your complimentary consultation today!

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Our Reviews

Experience Our 5-Star Care

Hear from past patients about their life-changing experiences and why they trust our team for their family’s care.

Joya M.
I had such a great experience today thanks to Shala! She was my assistant while getting my braces put on, and she made the whole process so much easier. We were talking and laughing the entire time it really helped calm my nerves. Shala was super friendly, professional, and made me feel comfortable from start to finish. Thank you for making what could’ve been a stressful appointment actually enjoyable!
Monaa S.
It was literally a vibe the entire time!!! Shala was amazing!! I love her ♥️
Kaniya H.
I got my braces put on today and myg Shala made sure that the process went very smoothly I just met her today but feels like I known her for forever lol. So if you’re ever thinking about getting braces or feel like you need them or just want a new SMILE come to White Brown Smiles on Oneil Court
Shakiya B.
Very thorough and gentle. Miss. Sharon was so nice. I fell alseep during my session with her. Lol
yvonne H.
Shala was very professional and amazing and she was very knowledgeable. She was helpful and made sure I was comfortable and even help me with my colors of rubber bands. Hope I get her next time.
Jalonda W.
Let me start by saying, I’ve been to a consultation for braces before but I don’t remember it being this warm and welcoming. Everyone was nice, very informative and explained everything they were doing every step of the way. I went to the Oburg location, Dr. Brown was very thorough and quick, I can see why her office was recommended. Looking forward to my journey with her the next 3 years! And also the plan was very much affordable to get started.
Aloneise
Getting my braces on was very quick and painless ayana was very skilled in the application
Diamond J.
💗💗 everyone is so friendly and I was handled with care, wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. Looking forward to the rest of my treatment :) and Ms.Sharon is the sweetest!
Devaun M.
My appointment went great. My tech was very thorough letting me know what was going on each step of my aligner install. Also provided clear instructions on carrying for my aligners.
Yaya did great, and thank you!
Domonique B.
Mr . Roosevelt was very helpful & kind . I'll be looking forward to seeing him each & every time , I come in for my appointments 😊 .
Jahisha W.
"From the moment I stepped into Rosevelt's office, I knew I was in excellent hands. His charismatic and polite demeanor instantly put me at ease, and his professional manners shone through in every interaction. With a decade of experience under his belt, Dr. Rosevelt clearly knows his craft. He took the time to explain every step of my orthodontic journey, ensuring I felt informed and comfortable. What truly sets him apart is the amazing customer service he and his team provide. It's rare to find a dental professional who is not only skilled but also genuinely cares about their patients' well-being. If you're looking for an orthodontist who delivers exceptional results with a smile, Rosevelt is the one!"
Rachael B.
Roosevelt is patient and kind! Very knowledgeable!! Hope I get him next visit 🩷🥰
Terrianna C.
Shayla and Roosevelt at Florence SC white brown smile highly recommend very arm opening nothing but good laughs and vibes would definitely recommend to anyone. :)
Demarius W.
Shala was very knowledgeable, understanding, and helpful wasn’t rude or disrespectful and made sure I was good before I left
Ed & Liz S.
We are in the middle of the braces process for my son in middle school, and we have had a terrific experience so far with the doctor and all her technicians! The one time that we had trouble with something, they brought us right back in and found a solution right away. They are really great about answering all my questions since this is the first time we have dealt with braces.
Dr. White with a smiling patient
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Locations
Oneil Court (Columbia)
  • 224 Oneil Ct #13
    Columbia, SC 29223
Florence
  • 2859 David H McLeod Blvd
    Florence, SC 29501
Harbison Blvd (Columbia)
  • 275 Harbison Blvd., Suite GG
    Columbia, SC 29212
Orangeburg
  • 2847 Pelham Ct
    Orangeburg, SC 29118
Greenville
  • 611 Haywood Rd.
    Greenville, SC 29607
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existing patients
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Contact Hours
Monday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
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