Brown Family Orthodontics Explains Retainers: What You Need to Know
How Retainers Help Keep Your Smile Straight and Healthy After Treatment.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What Are Retainers and Why Do They Matter?
What Happens After Braces or Aligners?
Types of Retainers: Which Is Right for You?
How to Care for Your Retainer
Common Questions About Retainers
Why Choose Brown Family Orthodontics for Your Retention Needs
The Retainer is the Finish Line—Not the End
Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
You've finished your
braces or
aligners—great news! But there's still one final step to ensure that dazzling smile sticks around: wearing your retainer. At Brown Family Orthodontics, led by
Dr. Ed Brown III and
Dr. Jessica Ulmer, retainers are not just an afterthought—they're the foundation of your long-term smile success. With seven locations across Mississippi and Louisiana and over 50 years of family-owned orthodontic expertise, our team ensures your smile remains as perfect as the day your braces came off.
What Are Retainers and Why Do They Matter?
Retainers are custom-made dental devices that hold your teeth in place after orthodontic treatment. After braces or clear aligners like
Invisalign® or
Spark Aligners, your teeth are still settling into their new position. Without a retainer, they may drift back to where they started—undoing all that progress.
The experts at Brown Family Orthodontics emphasize retention because the forces inside your mouth—like chewing, speaking, and natural shifting—are always at work. Your smile may look perfect now, but those teeth might not stay that way for long without a retainer. Dr. Ed and Dr. Jess educate patients on how a retainer is like the "glue" that holds their results together.
What Happens After Braces or Aligners?
Once your active treatment ends, your teeth aren't locked in place. The gums and bones supporting them need time to stabilize. This is where retainers shine. They act as silent guardians, preventing relapse and aligning your bite.
Most patients wear their retainers full-time for the first 3–6 months post-treatment. After that, nighttime wear is typically enough. Dr. Ed and Dr. Jess create tailored plans so patients know exactly how long and when to wear their retainers. It's all about protecting your investment—and your confidence.
Types of Retainers: Which Is Right for You?
Fixed Retainers
These are thin wires bonded behind your teeth, often on the lower front teeth. They're invisible, convenient, and perfect for people who might forget to wear a removable one. Since they stay in place, they provide continuous support. The trade-off? You'll need to floss carefully around them and check for damage periodically.
Clear Removable Retainers
Clear retainers, like Essix-style trays, are made of clear plastic molded to your teeth. They're discreet, easy to remove for eating and cleaning, and comfortable for most patients. They work well if you're disciplined and committed to wearing them consistently.
Which One Is Best?
There's no universal answer. Dr. Jess and Dr. Ed guide patients through the pros and cons and provide recommendations based on lifestyle, age, and treatment history. Whether it's a fixed wire's security or a clear tray's flexibility, they help you make the right choice.
How to Care for Your Retainer
Daily Cleaning
Rinse your retainer with lukewarm water after removal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or retainer cleaner daily. Avoid hot water—it can warp plastic retainers. Clean fixed retainers with floss threaders or water flossers to reach around the bonded wire.
What Not to Do
Don't eat with your retainer in. Food and drinks can stain, damage, or trap debris against your teeth. Never use boiling water, mouthwash, or harsh chemicals to clean it. Also, never wrap your retainer in a napkin—it's the fastest way to lose it.
When to Replace It
Retainers wear out. Cracks, warping, or looseness are signs you need a new one. Don't wait—shifting can happen fast. Brown Family Orthodontics makes replacement simple and quick so your smile stays stable.
Common Questions About Retainers
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Retainer?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask. The answer? It depends—but also likely for life. Let's break it down.
Initially, most patients are instructed to wear their removable retainers full-time—usually around 22 hours a day—for at least 3 to 6 months after finishing braces or aligner treatment. After that, if everything looks stable, you'll likely switch to nighttime-only wear.
But here's the truth: your teeth are always shifting, even as an adult. That's why Dr. Ed and Dr. Jess recommend lifetime retainer wear. Think of it like wearing glasses—once your smile has been corrected, the retainer keeps everything focused.
It might sound like a big commitment, but wearing your retainer while you sleep is a small price for a perfect smile.
Can I Eat or Drink With My Retainer In?
The quick answer? No—and here's why.
Removable retainers are not designed for eating or drinking. Food can easily get trapped between the retainer and your teeth, causing decay or bad breath. Plus, chewing puts pressure on the plastic, which can cause it to crack or warp.
Drinks like soda, coffee, or fruit juices can stain clear retainers and introduce sugar or acid that leads to decay. Water is the only safe thing to drink while wearing your retainer.
With fixed retainers, you'll need to be cautious too. Avoid biting into hard or sticky foods that could damage the wire or pull it off. Dr. Ed and Dr. Jess can give you a detailed list of foods to avoid and show you how to floss properly with a fixed wire.
What If I Lose or Break My Retainer?
It happens more often than you think. Retainers get left at restaurants, wrapped in napkins, stepped on by pets—you name it. The key is not to wait. If your retainer breaks or disappears, your teeth can start shifting quickly. Call Brown Family Orthodontics immediately. We’ll schedule you for a replacement as soon as possible.We also recommend always keeping your retainer in its case when not in use.
Pro tip from Dr. Jess: keep a spare retainer if you can. That way, you're never without one—even if life throws a curveball. Brown Family Orthodontics makes the replacement process easy and fast, ensuring your smile stays right where it should.
Why Choose Brown Family Orthodontics for Your Retention Needs
Trusted, Family-Owned Expertise Across Mississippi and Louisiana
For over 50 years, Brown Family Orthodontics has delivered generations of smiles with heart and precision. What started as a family-run practice has grown into a trusted network with seven convenient locations across Chalmette, Mandeville, Metairie, Marrero, Madisonville, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula.
Our mission is to treat every patient like family, providing expert care with a personal touch. Whether coming in for your first retainer or replacing an old one, you're in great hands.
Our 5-star Google rating with 150+ glowing reviews says it all—patients love the care, the results, and the friendly atmosphere. We love our patients and are so grateful for their trust in us.
The Personalized Care of Dr. Ed and Dr. Jess
Dr. Ed Brown III and Dr. Jessica Ulmer (Dr. Jess) are more than orthodontists—they're passionate about helping people live more confidently through better smiles. Their approach to retention is holistic and deeply personalized. They take the time to understand your lifestyle, concerns, and goals. Then, they guide you toward the right retainer choice and help you care for it properly. Their goal isn't just to straighten your teeth—it's to keep them that way forever.
Seven Convenient Locations and 5-Star Reviews
With locations in Mississippi and Louisiana, Brown Family Orthodontics makes top-tier orthodontic care accessible to thousands of families. Whether in Chalmette or Ocean Springs, you can count on the same warm welcome, professional care, and exceptional results. Our consistent 5-star Google reviews speak volumes about the quality of our services and the loyalty of our patients. We go above and beyond, from braces and aligners to retainers and follow-up care. We are here for you!
Convenient Locations and Flexible Scheduling
With seven clinics across Mississippi and Louisiana and contact numbers for each location, it's easy to find a Brown Family Ortho office near you:
- Chalmette: 504-455-1625
- Mandeville: 985-626-8297
- Metairie: 504-455-1625
- Marrero: 504-455-1625
- Madisonville: 985-893-1044
- Ocean Springs: 228-872-8153
- Pascagoula:
228-762-4403
The Retainer is the Finish Line—Not the End
Retention isn't a footnote—it's the grand finale. After months or years of orthodontic care, your retainer ensures that work stays intact. It's a simple tool with powerful results, and at Brown Family Orthodontics, it's treated with the importance it deserves. With personalized plans, expert fitting, and long-term support, your smile is in good hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a retainer fix minor tooth movement?
Sometimes, yes—but only in very minor cases. You may need to resume orthodontic treatment if your teeth have shifted significantly. Let Dr. Jess or Dr. Ed evaluate you.
How often should I clean my retainer?
Daily! Rinse it after every use, and give it a deeper clean once a day using soap and a soft brush.
Do retainers hurt?
They might feel snug at first, but they shouldn't hurt. If there's pain or soreness, it's time for a check-up.
Can I get a new retainer if mine is lost?
Absolutely. Brown Family Orthodontics makes replacements quick and easy. Just call your local office.
Are fixed retainers permanent?
They can last years with proper care but may need replacement if damaged or worn down.
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