Retainers Salt Lake City: Protect Your Straight Smile

Why Retainers Matter After Orthodontic Treatment

Your teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions after braces or clear aligners are removed. A retainer after braces is designed to hold your teeth in place while the surrounding bone and tissue stabilize. Without one, months or years of orthodontic work can gradually reverse. Wearing your retainer as directed is one of the simplest things you can do to protect the investment you made in your smile.

Types of Orthodontic Retainers We Offer

Stoker Dental & Orthodontics offers three main types of orthodontic retainers. Dr. Brigham Stoker will recommend the option that best fits your treatment history, lifestyle, and personal preference.

Clear Retainers

Clear retainers are custom-made transparent trays that fit tightly over your teeth. They are nearly invisible when worn, making them a popular choice for adults and teens who want a discreet option. These retainers are comfortable, easy to remove for eating and brushing, and effective at maintaining alignment after treatment.

Fixed (Bonded) Retainers

A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth — typically the lower arch. Because it stays in place at all times, you do not have to remember to put it in each night. Fixed retainers work well for patients who want a hands-off approach to retention, though they do require careful flossing around the wire.

Hawley Retainers

The Hawley retainer features an acrylic base that rests against the roof of your mouth (or behind your lower teeth) with a metal wire that wraps around the front. Hawley retainers are durable, adjustable, and easy to clean. They are a reliable option that has been used successfully in orthodontics for decades.

Benefits of Getting Your Retainer at Stoker Dental

When you get your retainer at the same practice that managed your orthodontic treatment, your care team already understands your bite, your tooth movement history, and your goals. Dr. Stoker uses digital impressions for a precise, comfortable fit — no messy molds. And because we offer general dentistry, orthodontics, and cosmetic services all in one location, any follow-up adjustments or questions are handled right here in our office.

Retainers vs. Invisalign Vivera Retainers

Patients who completed Invisalign treatment sometimes ask about Vivera retainers, which are made by the same company. Vivera retainers are clear trays similar to Invisalign aligners but designed specifically for retention. Standard clear retainers serve the same purpose and may be a more cost-effective choice. During your appointment, Dr. Stoker can help you compare both options and decide which is the better fit for your needs.

What to Expect During Your Retainer Fitting

Your retainer fitting is a quick, straightforward appointment. We take a digital scan of your teeth — a fast and comfortable process — and use that scan to create a retainer shaped precisely to your current alignment. For clear and Hawley retainers, you will return for a short follow-up visit to pick up your finished retainer and confirm the fit. Fixed retainers are bonded in place during a single appointment. Dr. Stoker will walk you through your recommended wear schedule before you leave.

Retainer Care and Maintenance

Taking care of your retainer helps it last longer and keeps your mouth healthy. Rinse removable retainers with lukewarm water after each use and clean them daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap — avoid hot water, which can warp the material. Store your retainer in its case whenever it is not in your mouth. For fixed retainers, use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to clean around the wire each day. Bring your retainer to every dental checkup so we can inspect it for wear.