Retainers

Removable Retainers

Once the active orthodontic appliances are removed, the patient will receive retainers to stabilize the dental correction. Because the bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth are stabilizing for several months after braces are removed, it is imperative that the retainers are worn as instructed. Failure to wear the retainers may result in undesirable movement of the teeth, which could necessitate re-treatment.

How Retainers are Worn

Because teeth can continue to move throughout life, we feel that individuals who have undergone orthodontic therapy should wear retainers indefinitely. A patient should wear retainers full time for one week full time following the removal of braces.

After one week, the patient can wear the retainer just at night. Dr. Race or Dr. Danielle will see you every six to nine months to make recommendations on the wisdom teeth.

How to Care for Retainers

Retainers are made of a thermoplastic material that is sensitive to excessive heat, so they should be kept away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards or any place where the temperatures exceed 115 degrees (Fº).
Retainers should be kept in the proper retainer case when they are not in the patient’s mouth.
Keep away from any family pets, as they like to chew on them.
Clean before and after placement in the mouth. Because the material used for fabrication is slightly porous, plaque tends to cling to the surfaces. Gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush and a mild liquid soap will remove the plaque. A denture cleaning solution, such as Efferdent, will aid in the removal of plaque and tartar. Be sure to rinse the retainers thoroughly after cleaning to remove any cleanser residue.

Because retainers are worn for years, they will need periodic replacement. Your original treatment contract includes one set of retainers after the braces are removed. If the retainers are lost or damaged due to neglect, there will be a charge for replacement. If the retainers become loose or break, contact our office immediately.

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Habits or Conditions that Require Stronger Retention

Mouth breathing
Clenching and/or grinding of teeth (muscle hyperactivity)
Tongue thrusting, low tongue posture or abnormal tongue posture
Playing a musical instrument with a reed
Lip sucking
Pen or pencil biting
Spacing between the teeth prior to treatment
Severely rotated teeth

Our goal is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential in order to achieve this goal.

Dental Examinations and Cleanings

The patient should continue with proper oral hygiene procedures at home, to include thorough brushing and flossing techniques, and should continue to see their family dentist at least every six months for cleaning and dental examinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to wear a retainer after my treatment is finished?wpdevteam2026-06-12T15:00:07+00:00

Why do I need to wear a retainer after my treatment is finished?

Teeth have a “memory” and naturally want to shift back to their original positions after your braces are removed or your Invisalign treatment ends. Retainers hold your teeth tightly in their new, straight positions while the surrounding bone solidifies.

How often should I wear my retainer?wpdevteam2026-06-12T15:00:26+00:00

How often should I wear my retainer?

Immediately after your treatment, you will likely need to wear your retainers full-time (day and night). After a specific period, Dr. Race or Dr. Cianciolo will transition you to night-time only wear to maintain your smile long-term.

What is the best way to clean and care for my retainer?wpdevteam2026-06-12T15:00:41+00:00

What is the best way to clean and care for my retainer?

You should brush your retainer daily with a soft toothbrush and cool water (hot water can warp the plastic). We also recommend using specialized retainer cleaning tablets a few times a week to prevent plaque buildup and keep them fresh.

What should I do if I lose or break my retainer?wpdevteam2026-06-12T15:00:59+00:00

What should I do if I lose or break my retainer?

Call our Brookfield or Mukwonago office right away! It is crucial to replace a lost or broken retainer quickly before your teeth have a chance to shift out of alignment.

How long will my retainers last before needing a replacement?wpdevteam2026-06-12T15:01:15+00:00

How long will my retainers last before needing a replacement?

With proper care, retainers can last for a long time. However, normal wear and tear happens. Bring your retainers to your dental check-ups, and contact us if they feel loose, become cracked, or show signs of heavy wear.

What Our Patients Say

       
   Race Orthodontics
   182 Google reviews 
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   Murphy Jackson 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter couldn't wait to get braces .She is very excited that we picked Race
  
 
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   Kristen Vento 
 11 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great staff!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Connor Kopp 
 12 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good service and the orthodontists are nice
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Griffin Kopp 
 12 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Efficient and professional
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Kayla Rickard 
 18 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kind, prompt, fun environment
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Ashley Reynolds 
 18 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone here is amazing, so nice, so professional. Both of my kids are getting ortho work done and now I am too! Wouldn't recommend any other place for treatment. Thank you so much for taking care of us!
  
 
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   Randy Wilson 
 19 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely the best orthodontist team around! We have 3 children here and have never had a bad experience. Keep up the great work team Race!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Stan Tanner 
 19 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Race and his team are fantastic. Both of my kids have completed their braces through him and had great results. We did a lot of research before choosing an orthodontist and ultimately chose Dr. Race even though we live in Oconomowoc and it’s a 35 minute drive. It has definitely been worth it, and I would highly recommend him and his team.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Renee Adams 
 20 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Race orthodontics is awesome! It has been a great experience for all of our children. My child used to be shy to smile, but ever since she has been going to Race Orthodontics she has gained more confidence. Thank for giving her that confidence to smile! She is hoping to smile at her first Badger game!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jennifer Faber 
 25 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best place ever! My kids love seeing Dr. Race. They are so great with the kids. It is such a welcoming environment!

We welcome patients of all ages

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Retainers

Removable Retainers

How Retainers are Worn

How to Care for Retainers

Habits or Conditions that Require Stronger Retention

Dental Examinations and Cleanings

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to wear a retainer after my treatment is finished?

How often should I wear my retainer?

What is the best way to clean and care for my retainer?

What should I do if I lose or break my retainer?

How long will my retainers last before needing a replacement?

What Our Patients Say

Orthodontic Insights

Coming Soon

How Airway Orthodontics Improves Sleep and Concentration in Children

Choosing the Best Braces Options: A Guide from Your Orthodontist in Brookfield

Adult Orthodontics in Brookfield and Mukwonago, WI: It’s Never Too Late to Transform Your Smile

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Mukwonago

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