(858) 484-6100
9330 Carmel Mountain Rd. #D San Diego 92129
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San Diego: (858) 484-6100

Retainers & Retention

Keep Your Smile Perfect: Understanding Retainers and Long-Term Retention
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What is Retention?

 

Retention is the critical phase of orthodontic treatment that begins after your braces are removed or you’ve completed your treatment with clear aligners & Invisalign, and it’s essential for maintaining your beautiful new smile for a lifetime. Dr. Marston emphasizes that retention is just as important as the active treatment phase itself, because teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions once the braces or aligners are removed. To prevent this regression, he will provide you with custom-made retainers—either removable or permanently bonded behind your teeth—that hold your teeth in their newly corrected positions while the surrounding bone, gums, and ligaments stabilize and adapt to the changes. By faithfully wearing your retainers as directed by Dr. Marston, you protect your orthodontic investment and ensure that your straight, confident smile remains intact for years to come. The retention phase is your long-term commitment to smile success, and the team at Marston Orthodontics will guide you every step of the way with clear instructions and ongoing support.

Maintaining Your 4D Retainers

Keeping Your 4D Aligners and Retainers Clear and Healthy

Daily Maintenance Protocol

A color change is an early warning sign that bacteria is building up.

Step 1: Soak Your Aligners or Retainers

Soak aligners/retainers for 30–60 minutes in ONE of the following solutions:

Option A: Hot Water + Cleaning Tablet

Use hot water (just below boiling) with a cleaning tablet from:

  • Polident

  • Efferdent

  • Retainer Brite

Benefits:

  • Hot water helps restore the aligner to its original shape so it fits and functions like new.

  • If you are not satisfied with cleanliness, repeat for another cycle.

Option B: 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

Soak aligners in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.

Option C: Oxygen-Powered Mouthwash

Use an oxygen-powered mouthwash such as:

  • Therabreath

  • Colgate Peroxyl

  • Crest Pro-Health Advance

All of these mouthrinses contain hydrogen peroxide.

Step 2: Rinse and Brush

After soaking:

  • Rinse aligners in cold tap water

  • Gently brush away any remaining residue from the surface

Additional Care Tips

  • Avoid staining foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, curry, and wine while wearing your aligners.

  • Discoloration is an early warning sign that bacteria are collecting and active on your appliance.

    • This may also indicate the need for improved cleaning of your teeth and gums.

  • Using the steps above can help restore your aligner or retainer to a clear, fresh state.