At Clubhouse Orthodontics, Dr. Brock Frazee is proud to serve families looking for a trusted Edmond orthodontist. Conveniently located in East Edmond, our private orthodontic practice welcomes patients from throughout Edmond, Arcadia, Luther, Jones, and the greater Oklahoma City area. As a locally owned, single-doctor orthodontic practice, every patient receives personalized care directly from Dr. Frazee all the way from the first consultation through the final retainer check. That continuity of care allows us to create personalized retention plans designed to keep your teeth beautifully aligned for life. Whether you’ve recently completed treatment, have questions about retainer care, or need to replace a lost retainer, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know! We get it, retainers can be confusing!
Why Are Retainers So Important?
After your braces come off or you finish clear aligner treatment, your teeth naturally want to move back toward their original positions. This is known as orthodontic relapse, and it can happen more quickly than many people realize.
Your gums, bone, and surrounding tissues need time to stabilize around your newly aligned teeth. Wearing your retainer consistently helps
- Keep your teeth straight
- Protect the investment you’ve made in your smile
- Prevent unwanted shifting
- Maintain a healthy bite
- Reduce the likelihood of needing future orthodontic treatment
Choosing an experienced orthodontist in Edmond, OK doesn’t just matter during treatment but it also matters afterward. Your retainer is customized specifically for your smile, and regular follow-up visits with Dr. Brock Frazee, your Edmond orthodontist, helps ensure your teeth remain healthy, stable and properly aligned for years to come!!
Types of Retainers
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all retainer. The best option depends on your smile, your bite, and your lifestyle. Dr. Frazee will recommend the retainer that’s right for you.
Essix Retainers (Clear Retainers)
An Essix retainer is a custom-made, clear plastic retainer that fits snugly over your teeth. It’s one of the most popular choices because it’s comfortable, discreet, and easy to wear.
Permanent Retainers
A permanent retainer, sometimes called a bonded or fixed retainer, is a thin wire that is attached behind your front teeth. Although it’s called “permanent,” it still requires routine checkups and good oral hygiene. Brushing carefully around the wire and flossing properly are essential to keeping both your teeth and your retainer healthy.
We also can fix your permanent retainer if it has gotten wonky over the years!
How Long Will I Need to Wear My Retainer?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask. The truth is that teeth continue to shift naturally throughout life. Even years after orthodontic treatment, small movements can occur due to aging, everyday bite forces, and changes in the surrounding tissues. Most patients wear their retainer full-time immediately after treatment before transitioning to nighttime wear. Wearing your retainer regularly is the best way to keep your smile exactly where you want it!
At Clubhouse Orthodontics, we often remind patients that orthodontic treatment doesn’t truly end when braces come off. As a leading Edmond orthodontist, Dr. Frazee emphasizes that consistent retainer wear is one of the most important parts of protecting your smile. With the right retention plan, you can enjoy the results of your orthodontic treatment for decades. Think of your retainer as insurance for your smile. A few hours of wear each night can help preserve years of orthodontic treatment.
What Happens If You Lose Your Retainer?
Life happens, and losing a retainer is more common than you might think. If your retainer is lost, broken, cracked, or no longer fits comfortably, don’t wait to have it replaced. Teeth can begin shifting sooner than expected, especially during the first year after orthodontic treatment. Just give us a call at Clubhouse and we can get your fixed up with a new retainer in no time!