Retainers
Retainers in Oakton, VA
Keep Your Smile Straight for Life
You’ve invested time and care into your new smile — now let’s make it last. At Oakton Family Orthodontics, we provide custom-made retainers for all our patients who complete orthodontic treatment, whether they had braces or clear aligners.
Retainers are the final (and essential!) phase of your orthodontic journey. Without them, your teeth can shift back — even after years of treatment. We’ll help you understand exactly what kind of retainer is best for you and how to keep your smile looking great for life.
Why Are Retainers So Important?
After your teeth have been moved into their ideal positions, your gums, jawbone, and ligaments need time to stabilize. Without a retainer, your teeth will begin to shift — sometimes quickly, and often without you even noticing until it’s too late.
Wearing your retainer as instructed is the best way to protect your smile and maintain your results long-term.
Types of Retainers We Offer
At Oakton Family Orthodontics, we offer several types of retainers, depending on your needs, preferences, and lifestyle:
Clear (Essix) Retainers
These are clear plastic retainers that fit snugly over your teeth — similar to a clear aligner. They’re discreet, comfortable, and removable. Most patients love this option because it’s easy to wear during the day or night and nearly invisible.
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
This type of retainer is a thin wire that’s permanently bonded to the back of your front teeth (usually on the lower arch). It stays in place 24/7, making it ideal for patients who want a set-it-and-forget-it solution. You’ll still need a removable retainer for your upper teeth.
Hawley Retainers
A classic style made of acrylic and wire, Hawley retainers are adjustable, durable, and easy to repair. Some patients prefer this type for its long lifespan and ability to tweak positioning slightly if needed.
How Long Will I Need to Wear My Retainer?
In short: forever — but not full-time forever.
- For the first 3–6 months, we usually recommend wearing your retainer full-time, unless instructed otherwise.
- After that, most patients switch to nighttime wear only, indefinitely.
- Every smile is unique, and Dr. Kilic will give you a personalized plan based on your treatment.
What If I Lose or Break My Retainer?
Don’t panic — but don’t wait! Your teeth can start shifting within just a few days without a retainer. Call our office right away, and we’ll schedule you to get a replacement made.
We recommend keeping your old retainer as a backup (if it still fits), and always storing your current one in its case when it’s not in your mouth. Pets love to chew on them, and they’re easy to lose in napkins!
Retainers Aren’t Just for Teens
Why Oakton Families Trust Us
Expert care from a board-certified orthodontist
Personalized instructions and follow-up to support long-term success
Retainer replacements and backup retainers available
Convenient Oakton location, serving Vienna, Fairfax, Falls Church, and beyond
Need a New Retainer?
Lost yours? Broke it? Haven’t worn one in years but want to stop your teeth from shifting? We can help.
Proudly serving patients in Oakton, VA and the surrounding Northern Virginia area
FAQs
About Retainers
Do I really have to wear my retainer forever?
Yes — if you want your teeth to stay straight. Teeth naturally shift over time, especially in the first few years after treatment. Wearing your retainer consistently helps preserve your smile for life. Over time, you may only need to wear it a few nights a week, but lifelong maintenance is key.
How long do retainers last?
It depends on the type and how well you care for them. Clear plastic retainers may last 1–5 years, while Hawley and bonded retainers can last much longer with proper care. We’ll let you know when it’s time to replace or adjust yours.
What happens if I forget to wear my retainer for a few days?
If it’s only been a day or two, your retainer might still fit — but it may feel tight. If it doesn’t fit anymore, don’t force it. Call us as soon as possible so we can assess the situation and decide whether you need a new retainer or a short treatment refresh.
What’s the best way to clean my retainer?
- Clear retainers: Rinse with lukewarm water daily and gently brush with a soft toothbrush. Use a retainer cleaning solution (like Retainer Brite) weekly.
- Hawley retainers: Clean similarly, and avoid using hot water or harsh toothpaste.
- Bonded retainers: Brush and floss carefully around the wire — we’ll show you how!
Never put your retainer in the dishwasher, boiling water, or leave it in a hot car.
Can I get a new retainer if I had braces years ago but lost it?
Absolutely! Even if you didn’t have treatment at our office, we can scan your teeth and make a new retainer to help maintain your smile — or prevent it from shifting any further.
Need a new retainer or want to protect your smile long-term?
Book an appointment at Oakton Family Orthodontics — we’ve got you covered!
