Retainers

Medically reviewed by Dr. David Dung, DDS, MS, Board-Certified Orthodontist.

Retainers in Honolulu & ʻAiea, HI

A retainer keeps your teeth in their new position after braces or Invisalign®. Most patients wear a new retainer full-time for a short period, then switch to nighttime wear, and keep wearing it at least a couple of nights a week long term, because teeth naturally drift throughout life. Our board-certified orthodontists fit and monitor every retainer to protect the smile you worked for.

Finishing active treatment is a milestone, but it is not quite the finish line. Retention is what makes your results last. As board-certified specialists, Dr. Dung, Dr. Tom, and Dr. Todoki take this final phase as seriously as the treatment that came before it.

Why You Need a Retainer After Braces

The day your braces come off, your teeth are straight but not yet settled. The bone and tissue around them need time to stabilize, and without a retainer, teeth tend to shift back toward where they started. Wearing your retainer as directed is the single most important thing you can do to keep your smile straight for life.

How Long Do You Have to Wear a Retainer?

Retainer wear happens in stages:

First few weeks: wear your retainer full-time, day and night, except when eating or brushing.
After that: most patients switch to wearing it only at night.
Long term: continue wearing it at least one to two nights a week, indefinitely.

Because teeth can move at any age, the honest answer is that some nighttime retainer wear is a lifelong habit. The good news is that a few nights a week is usually all it takes to protect your results.

Types of Retainers

There are three common types, and we will recommend the best fit for your case:

Hawley Retainers (Wire and Acrylic)

The classic removable retainer: a molded acrylic base with a thin metal wire across the front teeth. Hawley retainers are durable, adjustable, and can last many years with good care.

Clear (Essix) Retainers

A clear, removable tray that fits over your teeth, similar in look to an Invisalign aligner. Essix retainers are nearly invisible and comfortable, though they are thinner and need replacing more often than a Hawley.

Fixed (Bonded) Retainers

A thin wire bonded behind the front teeth, where no one can see it. A fixed retainer holds teeth in place around the clock with no daily effort, which makes it a great choice for patients who would rather not rely on remembering to wear one.

Permanent vs. Removable Retainers: Which Is Right for You?

Each approach has trade-offs:

Removable (Hawley or Essix) is easy to clean and take out for eating, but it only works if you actually wear it. It can also be lost, so always store it in its case, never a napkin.
Fixed (permanent) protects your teeth continuously with no discipline required, but it calls for a little extra care when flossing. Many patients do best with a fixed retainer behind the lower front teeth plus a removable retainer on top.

We will help you choose based on your case, your habits, and your preference.

How to Care for Your Retainer

A retainer is an investment, so treat it well:

Clean it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, or a product like Efferdent. Avoid hot water and harsh toothpaste.
Keep it away from heat. In Honolulu, that means never leaving it in a hot car or a beach bag in the sun. Clear retainers can warp above about 115 degrees.
Always store it in its case. Pets, especially dogs, love to chew retainers.
Bring it to your check-ups so we can make sure it still fits.

Habits That Call for Stronger Retention

Some patients need closer monitoring or a sturdier retainer. Tell us if you have a habit of mouth breathing, clenching or grinding, tongue thrusting, lip sucking, biting pens or pencils, or playing a reed instrument, since these can put extra pressure on your teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a permanent or removable retainer better?

Neither is universally better. Fixed retainers protect teeth continuously with no effort but need careful flossing; removable retainers are easier to clean but only work if you wear them. We recommend the best fit for your case.

How do I clean my retainer?

Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a denture cleaner like Efferdent, and keep it away from heat. Avoid hot water, which can warp a clear retainer.

What should I do if I lose my retainer?

Contact our office right away. The longer you go without a retainer, the more your teeth can shift, so we will get you a replacement as quickly as possible.

Protect Your Smile for Life

Finished treatment or need a replacement retainer? We are here to help.

> Book a visit → Request an appointment · Honolulu (808) 941-5241 · ʻAiea (808) 488-0026