The complete 2026 guide to
Retainers hold teeth in their new positions after braces or aligners come off.
Once active treatment ends, the bone and gums around your teeth need time to stabilize, and teeth naturally tend to shift back toward their old positions. Retainers prevent that relapse. Options include removable clear (Essix-style) retainers, removable wire-and-acrylic (Hawley) retainers, and fixed bonded wires placed behind the front teeth. Most orthodontists prescribe full-time wear at first, then nighttime-only for the long term, often indefinitely. Some local practices include the first set of retainers in the treatment fee.
A transparent, molded retainer that looks like an aligner; discreet but wears out over years.
Durable acrylic-and-wire retainer that can last many years and be adjusted.
A thin wire bonded behind the front teeth for around-the-clock retention without remembering to wear it.
Orthodontists are the bite- and tooth-alignment specialists. After dental school they complete two to three years of accredited residency in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. The defining credentials are AAO membership and board certification — Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO).
Procedure facts on this page draw on authoritative medical sources. Confirm specifics in a consultation.
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) ↗American Dental Association — MouthHealthy ↗Verify a dentist’s credentials and Florida license yourself:
AAO — American Association of Orthodontists ↗ ABO — American Board of Orthodontics ↗ Florida Board of Dentistry — License verification ↗