Retainers in Reston, VA

Achieving a beautiful smile is just the beginning—maintaining it for a lifetime is equally important. That's why we emphasize the importance of orthodontic retainers, ensuring that your smile stays as stunning as the day your treatment was completed.

Retainers are for life, but there's no one-size-fits-all rule for how often you should wear them. At Reston Orthodontics, Dr. Kim customizes your retainer wear schedule based on your individual needs and the alignment of your teeth. During your consultation, Dr. Kim will provide personalized guidance and gauge the frequency of retainer wear to maintain your beautiful smile effectively.

Retainers at Reston Orthodontics

Retainers are custom-made and can be removable or fixed.

• These days, clear retainers, which look similar to Invisalign clear aligners, are the most common retainers given. They offer a more aesthetic alternative to the older wire retainers called hawleys. In certain situations, Dr. Kim will recommend hawley retainers over clear ones.
• Fixed retainers consist of wires bonded behind the front bottom and/or top teeth.

Crafting your custom retainer is a precise process at Reston Orthodontics. We either take a traditional impression or utilize cutting-edge digital scanning technology to create a detailed 3D model of your teeth. From these models, we fabricate a retainer that fits snugly and comfortably, ensuring optimal retention.

After completing your orthodontic treatment, Dr. Kim will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Typically, you'll visit our Reston orthodontic office three months after treatment completion, followed by another appointment at six months. For Phase I patients, the initial three months involve wearing your retainer all the time except during school hours to prevent loss. After this period, nighttime wear is usually sufficient to maintain your results.

Retainer Care

Proper retainer care is essential for preserving its effectiveness and longevity. Here are some essential tips:

• Brush your retainer with a toothbrush and toothpaste at least one to two times a day, cleaning both the inside and outside surfaces.
• Remove your retainer when eating and drinking, except for water, to prevent damage or staining.
• If your retainer feels tight or uncomfortable, it's a sign that you haven't been wearing it enough. Increase wear time to maintain the alignment of your teeth.
• Promptly contact our office if your retainer is lost or damaged to ensure timely replacement.