Dental Retainers in NYC
Protect your smile after traditional braces or Invisalign with custom retainers. Schedule your appointment at SmileWorks today!
Expert Retainer Services in New York
After completing orthodontic care with traditional braces or clear aligners, protecting your investment becomes essential. At SmileWorks Manhattan, we provide comprehensive retainer services designed to maintain your perfectly aligned teeth. Dr. Jin Sup Shin specializes in creating custom retention solutions that prevent teeth from moving back to their original positions. Don’t worry about losing your orthodontic results — our advanced retainers keep your smile exactly where it should be.
Many factors influence successful retention after teeth straightening in New York. Our office evaluates each patient’s unique needs to create a personalized retention plan. Whether you complete treatment with Invisalign or traditional braces, we’ll explain the important role retainers play in preserving your results. From removable retainer options to fixed solutions, we ensure your beautiful smile stays perfectly aligned for years to come.
What are Dental Retainers?
Orthodontic retainers are custom-made appliances designed to keep teeth in proper position after orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign. These essential devices prevent teeth shift and maintain the results you worked hard to achieve.
At SmileWorks, we offer both fixed and removable retainers based on your unique dental and lifestyle needs. Some patients benefit from a bonded lingual retainer for extra security, while others prefer the flexibility of removable options.
Simply put, while braces and aligners straighten your teeth, retainers help maintain those results for lasting confidence. Schedule an appointment to find the right retention solution for your new smile!
Keep your beautiful smile perfectly aligned with custom-made orthodontic retainers—designed to preserve your results and long-term confidence!
Keep your smile beautifully aligned with custom-made dental retainers—designed to preserve your perfect results and long-term confidence!
Types of Dental Retainers We Offer
Hawley Retainers
The Hawley retainer features acrylic covering the roof of your mouth with wire across the front surfaces of teeth. This durable design is stronger than clear options and adjustable if minor movement occurs. The wire and acrylic construction makes it less likely to deform or break with proper care.
In our office, we primarily use these for young patients after early orthodontic treatment, as they can accommodate growing mouths and remain tight-fitting longer.
Essix Retainer (Clear Retainers)
Clear retainers, including Vivera retainers for Invisalign patients, cover every tooth precisely and are our preferred retention method. These virtually invisible appliances are discreet and comfortable for daily wear. Vivera retainers are specially fabricated using Invisalign’s advanced technology for superior fit.
For patients with grinding habits, we recommend a night guard on upper teeth combined with a regular clear retainer for lower teeth. This prevents damage and ensures your retainers remain effective. Clear options require extra care as they can be easily misplaced.
Fixed Retainer (Front Teeth Only)
A permanent retainer or bonded lingual retainer consists of a thin wire bonded to the back surfaces of front teeth. This fixed option provides continuous retention without requiring patient compliance. It’s beneficial for patients who started with significant crowding or spacing.
These bonded retainers require special cleaning techniques but offer the advantages of 24/7 retention. They function invisibly behind your teeth while preventing any shift in position.
Meet Dr. Jin Sup Shin and Our Expert Team
Trust your retainer care to award-winning orthodontist Dr. Jin Sup Shin, renowned for maintaining beautifully aligned smiles after teeth straightening treatment. Her expertise ensures your retainer is tailored to your unique bite, preserving your orthodontic results. As an adjunct professor at NYU, Dr. Shin stays current with retention innovations.
At our modern Midtown East office, we understand that maintaining your smile requires personalized care. Dr. Shin evaluates your specific needs to design custom orthodontic retainers that keep teeth in ideal position while ensuring comfort. Using state-of-the-art 3D imaging and durable materials, we provide high-quality retainers that fit seamlessly.
Keep your smile beautifully aligned with custom-made retainers—designed to preserve your perfect results!
Keep your smile beautifully aligned with custom-made dental retainers—designed to preserve your perfect results and long-term confidence!
How Should I Care for My Dental Retainer?
Taking steps to care for your retainer can help extend its life and keep your teeth healthy. Here are some key steps you should consider to help care for your retainer and ensure it remains effective and lasts for years:
- Take your retainer out to eat and drink
- If you have a fixed retainer, consider buying a floss threader to help make flossing easier
- Always store your retainer in its case when not in use
- Gently brush your retainer daily to prevent bacteria growth
- Soak your retainer in a retainer-cleaning solution weekly
- Avoid using harmful chemicals like alcohol or bleach on your retainer
- Don’t leave your retainer in a hot place like a car
- Be gentle when inserting and removing your retainer
- Always brush and floss your teeth before putting your retainer on
- Speak to your orthodontist if you have any concerns or issues with your retainer
- Avoid hard or sticky foods if you have a fixed retainer
At SmileWorks, we will provide you with specific instructions on the best care practices for your retainer. If you lose your retainer or it breaks, contact us as soon as possible to get a replacement to ensure your teeth stay straight and don’t have the chance to start shifting out of alignment.
What Are The Long-Term Benefits of Retainer Wear?
Consistent retainer use provides benefits beyond maintaining straight teeth. Proper alignment makes daily hygiene easier, reducing cavity and gum disease risks. Correct positioning also prevents excessive wear, TMJ issues, and other problems associated with misalignment. Many patients find their retainers help stabilize their bite and even reduce nighttime grinding when worn consistently.
The small effort of nightly wear prevents need for repeated orthodontic care. Adults who neglected retention after teenage traditional braces often require retreatment — an expensive, time-consuming process. By following your retention plan and attending regular checkups at our Manhattan office, you ensure your beautiful smile lasts a lifetime. This preventive approach saves thousands of dollars compared to future corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Full-time for 4-6 months, then nightly wear indefinitely. This schedule ensures your teeth remain in their new positions while allowing bone tissue to stabilize around them. Consistent wear is crucial for maintaining your orthodontic results.
Three types: fixed, clear removable, and Hawley retainers. Fixed retainers are bonded behind your teeth, clear removable retainers fit like invisible aligners, and Hawley retainers combine wire and acrylic for durability.
Your teeth will shift back to their original positions. This movement can begin within days of not wearing your retainer and may eventually undo all your orthodontic treatment results.
Brush daily with mild soap and lukewarm water. Additional care includes weekly soaking in a cleaning solution and avoiding hot water that could warp the material. Never use toothpaste as it’s too abrasive.
Yes, they improve breathing, speech, and grinding habits. Retainers can also help with jaw alignment, reduce snoring, and prevent future dental problems by maintaining proper tooth positioning.
Always in its protective case when not in use. Keep away from heat sources, pets, and never wrap in napkins – this prevents damage, loss, and maintains hygiene.
Keep Your Smile Straight With a Custom Retainer From SmileWorks
At SmileWorks, maintaining your perfect smile should be simple and stress-free. That’s why we provide high-quality, custom-fit retainers designed to keep your teeth aligned for years to come. Whether you need a new retainer, a replacement, or expert guidance on the best option for your lifestyle, our experienced team in Midtown East, Manhattan, is here to help. With advanced dental technology and a patient-focused approach, we ensure your retainer fits comfortably and lasts so you can confidently enjoy your straight smile.
Don’t let your teeth shift after all your hard work. Protect your smile with a custom retainer from SmileWorks. Investing in a high-quality retainer now can save you from future orthodontic treatment. Call us today at (646) 722-1177 or schedule your free consultation through our contact form.
Visit Us
We’re conveniently located in Midtown East, Manhattan. Find us on the 8th floor of the Grand Central Professional Building. Plenty of nearby parking and public transportation options are available.
- 30 Central Park South Suite #11D New York, NY 10019
- 646-722-1177
- Tues-Fri 9am-6:30pm 1st, 3rd Saturdays 9am-2pm
