How long do dental implants last?

With proper care—including daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups—dental implants can last 20 years or more.

Will the implant procedure be painful?

You’ll be comfortably numb during the dental implant surgery, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure itself. Most patients report only mild discomfort afterward. Any swelling or soreness can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication, and our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to keep you comfortable during healing.

Can you get an Implant if you’ve been missing a tooth for a long time?

Yes, possibly. If you’ve experienced bone loss, we may recommend a bone graft first to help rebuild the area before placing the implant. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your jaw to see if dental implant placement is a good option.

Retainers

Keep Your Smile Straight with an Orthodontic Retainer

Finishing your orthodontic treatment is a big milestone–but keeping those beautifully aligned teeth in place is just as important. That’s where retainers come in. Whether you’ve straightened your teeth with Invisalign or clear aligners, wearing a retainer helps ensure your teeth stay in their new position and don’t shift over time. At The Dental Hub in Columbus, OH, we offer a variety of orthodontic retainers designed to suit your lifestyle, oral health needs, and smile goals.

dentist-assisting-patient-wear-invisible-braces

Why Retainers Matter After Orthodontic Treatment

Just because your teeth look straight doesn’t mean the job is done. After orthodontic treatment, your teeth, gums, jawbone and ligaments need time to settle into their new positions–and that’s where retainers come in. Without a retainer, your teeth may gradually shift back to their original position, potentially undoing all the time and effort you’ve put into your smile.

Retainers help preserve your perfect smile and lock in your results. We’ll help you choose the right type of retainer based on your needs, habits and lifestyle–so your smile stays the way you like it.

Types of Retainers

At The Dental Hub, we provide several options to match your comfort level, lifestyle, and smile goals:

Clear Retainers

These removable retainers are custom-made from a mold or impression of your teeth. They’re clear, comfortable, easy to wear, and nearly invisible–ideal for patients who want to maintain their alignment without visible hardware. They’re a popular choice following Invisalign or other clear aligner treatments, offering a seamless transition into smile maintenance.

Fixed Retainers

A fixed retainer—also known as a permanent retainer—is bonded to the back of your teeth to help keep them in place long-term. These are often placed behind the lower front teeth and are a great option for patients who are more likely to experience shifting. While you can’t remove them, fixed retainers are low-profile and easy to manage with proper care, brushing, and floss threaders without the need to remember daily wear.

How to Care for Your Retainer

Keeping your retainer clean is essential for both your oral health and the lifespan of the appliance. Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap to remove buildup and debris daily. If you have a removable retainer, avoid using hot water as it can warp the material. And when you’re not wearing it, always store it in a protective case. Our dentists will show you how to care for your specific type of retainer and help you maintain your oral health between visits.

Keep Your Smile Straight

Finished your orthodontic treatment? Let’s make those results last. At The Dental Hub, we’ll guide you through the orthodontic retention process and help you choose the retainer that best fits your lifestyle and long-term goals.

With two convenient Columbus locations, we’re here to keep your smile aligned, healthy, and confident for years to come. To schedule your appointment, call us at:

Bexley Location

Lancaster Location

Athens Location

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wear my retainer?

Our dentists will provide you with personalized guidance, but most patients start by wearing their retainers full-time–then gradually transition to wearing it only at night. Consistency is key. Wearing your retainer as directed helps keep your teeth in place and protects the results of your orthodontic treatment.

Can I eat with my retainer in?

If you have a removable retainer, it’s best to take it out before eating to avoid damaging the material and to maintain good hygiene. If you have a fixed retainer, you’ll want to avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge the wire. Our team will walk you through what to watch out for so you can protect your retainer–and your smile.

What if my retainer doesn’t fit correctly anymore?

Contact our office if your retainer feels too tight, too loose, or causes discomfort. Don’t wait, give us a call. Teeth can shift faster than you might think, especially if your retainer isn’t fitting properly. We may need to evaluate your fit and make adjustments—or create a new retainer based on an updated impression of your teeth.