The Key to Long-Lasting Results
Somerville, Hillsborough, & Montgomery Retainers
Retainers from Somerset Orthodontic Specialists help preserve the results of your orthodontic treatment long after your braces or clear aligners come off. Because teeth naturally shift over time, wearing your retainer as directed is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain your new smile.
Dr. Robert Peterman and Dr. Michael Fogge will recommend the right type of retainer for your needs and provide guidance on when and how often to wear it so you can enjoy your results for years to come.
A Retainer for Every Smile in Somerville, Hillsborough, & Montgomery
Just as every orthodontic treatment plan is personalized, your retention plan should be, too. Different retainer designs offer different benefits, and choosing the right one helps support your smile after treatment is complete.
Below are the retainer options available at Somerset Orthodontic Specialists, along with what makes each one unique. Dr. Peterman and Dr. Fogge will help you determine the best choice for you.
In-House Retainers
By designing and printing retainers in-house, Somerset Orthodontic Specialists can provide a custom solution that's made specifically for your smile. This streamlined process helps us maintain quality, improve turnaround times, and make it easier to replace a lost or damaged retainer.
Our In-House Retainers Process
In-house retainers at Somerset Orthodontic Specialists are custom-made from clear, comfortable, BPA-free plastic, which we print right in our Somerville, Hillsborough, and Montgomery offices.
First, we’ll take digital scans of your teeth. Dr. Peterman and Dr. Fogge use these scans and our cutting-edge 3D-printer to create the retainers right in our office, which helps save you money and allows you to quickly transition into the retention phase of treatment when the time is right.
Essix Retainers
If you're looking for a retainer that's easy to wear and nearly invisible, an Essix retainer may be the right choice. Similar in appearance to clear aligners, Essix retainers fit snugly over your teeth to help preserve your orthodontic results after treatment.
How Essix Retainers Work
Essix retainers are fabricated from 3D digital scans of your teeth to provide a fully covered, custom-fit option for long-term smile retention.
These retainers are practically invisible and completely removable, so they fit your teeth and your lifestyle conveniently.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers have been a trusted part of orthodontic care for decades. Their durable acrylic design makes them an excellent option for maintaining your smile while withstanding everyday wear.
The Advantage of Hawley Retainers
Made from a combination of sturdy acrylic and stainless steel wire, Hawley retainers are custom-crafted to fit your smile after braces or clear aligner treatment. Because they can be adjusted over time, Dr. Peterman and Dr. Fogge may be able to modify the retainer if minor tooth movement occurs, helping you continue your retention plan without immediately replacing it.
Fixed Retainers
For some patients, the best way to maintain orthodontic results is with a fixed retainer bonded behind the teeth. Because it stays in place, a fixed retainer works around the clock without needing to be removed or remembered.
Added Stability When Necessary
Not every patient needs a fixed retainer. If Dr. Peterman and Dr. Fogge recommend one, it's because they believe your smile will benefit from additional long-term stability in specific areas. When appropriate, a fixed retainer is paired with a removable retainer to help maintain the alignment of your entire smile.
Phase 1 Retainers
After Phase I orthodontic treatment, your child may need a Twin Block retainer to help maintain the progress already achieved while their permanent teeth continue to develop. This appliance helps preserve early treatment results until it's time to begin Phase II, if additional treatment is needed.
Support For A Growing Smile
A Twin Block retainer is a removable appliance that helps guide jaw growth while supporting proper tooth eruption and bite development. Dr. Peterman and Dr. Fogge will monitor your child's growth and determine when they're ready to move into the next phase of treatment.
Retainer Care Guidelines
Your smile journey doesn’t end when your braces come off. To maintain your new, straight, healthy smile, you’ll need to take care of your retainers and wear them correctly.
Follow these instructions to ensure your confident smile lasts a lifetime:
- Bring your retainer to all follow-up appointments so we can make sure it still fits properly.
- Keep your retainer case with you 24/7 so your retainers stay safe when you’re not wearing them. Always placing them in your case can prevent costly replacements.
- Call us to schedule an appointment as soon as possible if you notice that your retainer doesn’t fit properly or is cracked or broken.
- Call us right away if you lose your retainer. The longer you go without a retainer, the more likely your teeth are to shift out of alignment.
- Clean your retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and warm — but not hot — water. This helps remove plaque and eliminate odors. Do not use any cleaning products on your retainers without first consulting your Somerset Orthodontic Specialists team.
- Keep your retainers away from heat — including hot water, hot cars, the washing machine or dryer, and even your pockets — so they don’t warp and break easily.
Retainers FAQs
Wondering what life with retainers is like? Here’s what to expect when retaining your smile post-treatment at Somerset Orthodontic Specialists.
