Retainers Lakewood, CO

Why Retainers Are Essential for Your Smile’s Future in Lakewood

After investing time and effort into achieving that beautiful smile with braces or Invisalign®, protecting your investment becomes crucial. Retainers play a vital role in maintaining your newly aligned teeth and preventing unwanted movement. Without proper retainer use, your teeth will naturally attempt to shift back to their original positions before the bone and tissue fully stabilize.

Many patients ask, “How long do I need to wear my retainer?” The answer depends on several factors unique to your orthodontic journey. However, Dr. Timothy Hardy and Dr. Cierra Randall recommend a simple principle: wear your retainers for as long as you want your teeth to remain straight. This straightforward approach acknowledges that natural physiological drift—the natural narrowing of our smiles as we age—continues throughout life and can cause crowding even years after orthodontic treatment.

Your retainer is more than just another orthodontic appliance; it’s your smile’s long-term protection plan. At Dr. Hardy in Lakewood, we provide custom-fitted retainers designed specifically for your unique dental structure. Located at 311 S Teller St, we’ve helped thousands of Lakewood residents maintain their beautiful smiles since 2016, making us a trusted name in retainer provision and aftercare.

Types of Retainers Available With Dr. Hardy in Lakewood

Hawley Retainers

The classic Hawley retainer features a durable acrylic base that fits snugly against your palate with a wire that wraps around your front teeth. These time-tested retainers offer several advantages for Lakewood patients:

Hawley retainers can be adjusted as needed to accommodate minor tooth movements, making them versatile for long-term use. Their sturdy construction means they typically last longer than other retainer options when properly maintained. Many Dr. Hardy patients appreciate that Hawley retainers can be customized with different colors and designs, adding a personal touch to their orthodontic aftercare.

These retainers can be easily removed for eating, brushing, and special occasions, giving you flexibility while still providing the necessary support to maintain your alignment. With proper care, your Hawley retainer from Dr. Hardy can serve you for years, ensuring your investment in orthodontic treatment continues to pay dividends with a beautiful smile.

ESSIX Clear Retainers

For patients seeking a more discreet option, ESSIX clear retainers offer virtually invisible protection for your newly aligned teeth. These transparent plastic retainers are custom-molded to fit precisely over your teeth:

ESSIX retainers are nearly invisible when worn, making them a popular choice among our adult patients in Lakewood who prefer a less noticeable orthodontic appliance. The thin, clear material provides comfortable wear while still effectively preventing unwanted tooth movement. Because they cover the entire surface of your teeth, ESSIX retainers also offer some protection against teeth grinding for certain patients.

We create your ESSIX retainers using advanced digital scanning technology, ensuring a perfect fit that feels comfortable and natural. While they typically have a shorter lifespan than Hawley retainers, many patients prefer them for their aesthetic advantages and comfort during speech and daily activities.

Fixed Retainers

For patients with specific retention needs or those concerned about compliance with removable retainers, we offer fixed retainer options:

Fixed retainers consist of a thin wire that’s bonded to the back of your front teeth, providing continuous retention without requiring daily insertion. This option is ideal for patients who had significant spacing issues before treatment or those who might struggle with the responsibility of wearing removable retainers consistently. The permanent nature of fixed retainers means you never have to worry about forgetting to wear them.

Dr. Hardy and Dr. Randall may recommend fixed retainers for the lower front teeth where crowding is most likely to recur, while using removable retainers for the upper teeth. This combination approach provides optimal protection against relapse while still allowing for thorough cleaning of most tooth surfaces. We provide detailed care instructions for maintaining excellent oral hygiene with fixed retainers.

Proper Retainer Care and Maintenance in Lakewood, CO

Daily Cleaning and Care Techniques

Maintaining your retainer’s cleanliness is essential for both oral health and the longevity of the appliance itself. Implement these expert-recommended practices from Dr. Hardy to keep your retainer in top condition:

Clean your retainer daily using a soft toothbrush and mild liquid hand soap—never toothpaste, which can be abrasive to retainer materials. Gently brush all surfaces of the retainer with warm (never hot) water to remove plaque buildup and prevent odors. For deeper cleaning, you can occasionally use specialized orthodontic cleaners like Efferdent, but remember these don’t replace daily brushing.

Store your retainer properly when not in your mouth by always placing it in its protective case. This simple habit prevents damage, loss, and exposure to bacteria. Keep retainers away from heat sources, including hot water, dishwashers, car dashboards, and direct sunlight, as heat can warp the plastic and alter the fit of your retainer, potentially compromising its effectiveness.

Wearing Schedule for Optimal Results

Following the correct wearing schedule is crucial for maintaining your orthodontic results. Dr. Hardy recommends these guidelines for Lakewood patients:

Wear your retainer for at least 16 hours daily during the critical stabilization period—typically from when you return home from school or work until you wake up the following morning. Simply wearing retainers only while sleeping (approximately 8 hours) is insufficient to prevent tooth movement during this initial phase. As your treatment progresses, Dr. Hardy or Dr. Randall will adjust your wearing schedule based on your individual needs and how your teeth are responding.

Always remove your retainer before eating and drinking anything except water. This prevents food particles from becoming trapped in the appliance and protects it from staining or damage. If you have a fixed retainer, take extra care when eating hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage the wire or adhesive bonds.

Troubleshooting Common Retainer Issues

Even with proper care, retainer issues occasionally arise. Know how to handle these common situations:

If your retainer feels tight or uncomfortable after not wearing it for some time, this indicates your teeth have started to shift. Don’t force the retainer—instead, contact Dr. Hardy at 303-233-2445 immediately to schedule an appointment. The sooner you address this issue, the easier it will be to correct. Never attempt to adjust your retainer yourself, as this can damage the appliance or lead to improper tooth movement.

For broken or lost retainers, contact our Lakewood office right away. Waiting too long allows teeth to shift, potentially requiring additional orthodontic treatment to realign. Remember that as a courtesy, Dr. Hardy covers breakage of fixed retainers for the first year, after which repair or replacement costs become your responsibility. Keep this in mind when creating your orthodontic aftercare budget.

Special Care Instructions for Fixed Retainers

Effective Flossing Techniques

Maintaining optimal oral hygiene with a fixed retainer requires special attention to flossing techniques:

Use floss threaders or specialized orthodontic flossers to clean beneath the wire of your fixed retainer. These tools allow you to thread the floss between your teeth and under the wire, helping to remove food particles and plaque that regular brushing can’t reach. We recommend establishing a consistent daily routine for cleaning around your fixed retainer to prevent calculus buildup and gum inflammation.

Consider investing in a water flosser (Waterpik) as a supplementary cleaning method. These devices use a pressurized stream of water to flush out debris from hard-to-reach areas around your fixed retainer. Many of our Lakewood patients find that combining traditional flossing with a water flosser provides the most thorough cleaning experience for fixed retainers.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Knowing when to contact our Lakewood office about your fixed retainer can prevent complications:

Be alert for any sensation of looseness, sharp edges, or pressure points from your fixed retainer. If the wire feels loose on one side or creates uncomfortable pressure on certain teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hardy immediately. Prompt attention to these issues can prevent unwanted tooth movement and irritation to your tongue or gums.

Monitor for signs of difficulty cleaning around your fixed retainer, such as persistent bad breath, gum inflammation, or visible buildup. If maintaining adequate oral hygiene becomes too challenging with your fixed retainer, Dr. Hardy or Dr. Randall can discuss alternative retention options. Your long-term oral health is our priority.

Why Choose Dr. Hardy for Your Retainer Needs in Lakewood

Expert Team Led by Board-Certified Orthodontists

Dr. Hardy in Lakewood features a team of highly qualified professionals dedicated to maintaining your beautiful smile:

Dr. Timothy Hardy, a Board-Certified orthodontist and active member of the American Association of Orthodontics, brings award-winning expertise to every retainer he designs. His extensive background includes receiving The Everett Shapiro Award in Orthodontics and publishing research both nationally and internationally. Dr. Hardy’s commitment to excellence ensures that your retainer provides optimal protection for your orthodontic investment.

Dr. Cierra Randall complements our team with her passion for improving patients’ self-confidence through healthy, beautiful smiles. Having completed her Orthodontic Residency and Master of Science in Dentistry at the University of Colorado, Dr. Randall brings specialized knowledge of retention techniques to our Lakewood practice. Together with our skilled orthodontic technicians and patient coordinators, they create a comprehensive approach to retainer provision and maintenance.

State-of-the-Art Technology for Perfect Fits

Dr. Hardy leverages advanced technology to ensure your retainer fits perfectly:

Our practice utilizes precise 3D digital scanning to create highly accurate models of your teeth without messy traditional impressions. This digital approach eliminates the discomfort of alginate impressions while producing retainers that fit more precisely against your teeth for better retention and comfort. The digital workflow also allows for faster fabrication times and easier replacement if needed in the future.

We select only premium materials for our retainers, balancing durability with comfort to provide the best patient experience. Whether you choose Hawley, ESSIX, or fixed retainers, you can trust that your appliance from Dr. Hardy is designed for optimal performance and longevity when cared for properly according to our guidelines.

Convenient Lakewood Location with Flexible Scheduling

Accessing quality retainer care is simple at our centrally located Lakewood office:

Dr. Hardy is conveniently located inside the Belmar shopping area at 311 S Teller St, at the southwest corner of S. Teller St and W. Alameda Ave. This central location in downtown Lakewood makes retainer check-ups and replacements easily accessible for patients throughout the area. With hours extending from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday and 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on Fridays, we accommodate various schedules for working professionals and students.

We understand that emergencies happen, especially with retainers. That’s why our Lakewood team prioritizes addressing retainer issues promptly to prevent tooth movement. If you experience any problems with your retainer, call (720) 330-2673 for guidance on next steps or to schedule an immediate appointment if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers

How long will I need to wear my retainer?

The duration for wearing retainers varies based on individual factors, including the complexity of your original orthodontic case, age, oral habits, and natural growth patterns. Initially, most patients are instructed to wear their removable retainers for 16-20 hours daily for several months after completing active orthodontic treatment. This allows the bone and gum tissues to reorganize around the newly positioned teeth.

After this initial period, many patients transition to nighttime-only wear for at least a year. However, the truth that many orthodontists hesitate to share is that some level of retainer wear is beneficial indefinitely to maintain perfect alignment. Natural aging processes cause changes in your bite and tooth position throughout life, so wearing retainers several nights per week indefinitely offers the best protection for your orthodontic investment.

Why do my teeth shift even years after braces?

Teeth have a natural tendency to move throughout life, regardless of whether you’ve had orthodontic treatment. This phenomenon, called physiological mesial drift, causes a gradual shifting of teeth toward the front of the mouth and contributes to lower front tooth crowding that many people experience with age. Additionally, jaw growth continues subtly into adulthood, which can affect tooth alignment over time.

Habits like tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, and teeth grinding can exert constant pressure on teeth, gradually causing movement. Furthermore, natural changes in gum tissue and bone density as we age can allow for slight tooth mobility. These factors explain why Dr. Hardy emphasizes long-term retainer use as the only reliable method to maintain your orthodontic results permanently.

How often should I replace my removable retainer?

With proper care, Hawley retainers typically last 5-8 years before requiring replacement, while ESSIX clear retainers generally need replacement every 2-3 years due to their thinner material that’s more susceptible to wear. However, these timeframes can vary significantly based on your individual habits. Teeth grinding, improper cleaning, or exposing retainers to heat can dramatically shorten their lifespan.

We recommend bringing your retainer to each dental cleaning appointment for professional assessment. Signs that indicate your retainer needs replacement include cracks, tears, significant discoloration, warping, looseness when inserted, or any discomfort when wearing. Don’t wait until your retainer breaks completely—schedule a check-up when you notice these early warning signs.

Can I get a replacement retainer if mine is lost or broken?

Yes, Dr. Hardy in Lakewood can create replacement retainers even years after your original orthodontic treatment. If you’ve lost or broken your retainer, contact our office at (720) 330-2673 immediately to schedule an appointment. The longer you go without wearing your retainer, the more likely your teeth will shift, potentially requiring additional orthodontic treatment to correct.

If you have digital scans on file with our office from recent years, we may be able to fabricate a new retainer without taking fresh impressions. As a courtesy, Dr. Hardy covers repair costs for fixed retainers for the first year. After this period, replacement fees will apply, so we encourage patients to budget for potential future retainer replacements as part of their long-term orthodontic care plan.

What should I do if my retainer no longer fits?

If your retainer feels tight or doesn’t fit properly after a period of not wearing it, this indicates your teeth have shifted. Don’t force the retainer into place, as this could damage both the appliance and your teeth. Instead, contact us immediately at 303-233-2445 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Hardy or Dr. Randall.

Depending on the degree of movement, our Lakewood orthodontists might recommend wearing a previous aligner (for Invisalign patients), creating a new retainer, or, in some cases, brief retreatment to realign your teeth before fitting a new retainer. The sooner you address fit issues, the simpler and less expensive the solution typically is. Remember that retainers are designed to maintain position, not correct shifts that have already occurred.