Retainers

Contact us today
Request a Complimentary Consultation

Retainers

Finishing braces or clear aligner treatment is an exciting milestone — but your orthodontic journey doesn’t end there. At West County Orthodontics, we help patients protect their new smiles with custom retainers designed for long-term success. Dr. Al Khatib and Dr.Utreja, experienced Chesterfield orthodontists, ensure that every patient leaves with a plan to keep their teeth beautifully aligned for years to come.

Retainers
Retainers

Why Are Retainers Important?

After orthodontic treatment, your teeth naturally want to shift back to their original positions — a process called relapse. Retainers are essential in holding your teeth in place and preserving the results you’ve worked hard to achieve.

No matter your age or treatment type, retainers are a critical final step to maintain your bite and alignment. Think of them as insurance for your smile.

Benefits of Wearing Retainers:

  • Maintain alignment after braces or clear aligners
  • Prevent relapse and shifting
  • Support long-term bite stability
  • Easy to wear and care for
  • Custom-fit for comfort and durability

Types of Retainers We Offer

We provide a variety of retainer options, depending on your needs and preferences:

REMOVABLE RETAINERS

Made from clear plastic or acrylic and wire, removable retainers are worn at night and can be taken out for eating and cleaning. They’re great for long-term maintenance and easy to manage with the right routine.

FIXED (BONDED) RETAINERS

These retainers are bonded to the back of your teeth — typically the lower front — and provide constant support. They’re ideal for patients with a higher risk of shifting and require little daily effort.

Dr. Al Khatib and Dr.Utreja will recommend the best type of retainer based on your treatment plan and personal habits.

Retainers
Retainers

Retainer Instructions & Care

Wearing your retainer properly is the key to lasting results. We’ll provide a full care plan, including:

  • When and how long to wear it
  • How to clean your retainer (never with hot water!)
  • What to do if it’s lost, broken, or no longer fits
  • Periodic check-ins to ensure continued alignment

As your trusted orthodontist in Chesterfield MO, Dr. Al Khatib and Dr.Utreja are here to support you every step of the way — even after active treatment ends.

WHAT IF I LOST OR BROKE MY RETAINER?

Retainers can wear out or get lost — and when that happens, time is critical. If your retainer is damaged or missing, contact West County Orthodontics as soon as possible. We’ll help you get a replacement quickly to avoid any shifting. We also keep digital scans of your smile on file to make reordering easier and faster.

FAQs About Retainers

Most patients wear retainers full-time for a few months, then transition to nightly wear indefinitely to prevent shifting.

Teeth can shift back quickly, especially in the first year after treatment. Long-term wear is essential to protect your results.

They may feel snug at first, but most patients adjust quickly. If discomfort persists, we can make small adjustments.

Use a toothbrush and cool water daily. Avoid heat or harsh chemicals. Optional cleaning tablets can be used occasionally.

Yes! Contact our office and we’ll scan your smile to create a new custom retainer promptly.

Retainers

Smile Protection Starts Here

Whether you’re wrapping up treatment or it’s been years since you finished, retainers play a crucial role in preserving your smile. Dr. Al Khatib and Dr.Utreja and the team at West County Orthodontics are committed to keeping your results strong and stable.