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.
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.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers are a classic, reliable option for maintaining your smile after orthodontic treatment. They feature a thin metal wire that runs across the front of your teeth and is anchored to a custom acrylic base that fits comfortably on the roof of your mouth or behind your lower teeth. These removable retainers are durable, easy to clean, and can even be adjusted slightly over time to refine alignment if needed.
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: