MCKO white logo
Schedule Today!
Your Expert Retainer Provider
in Goodlettsville
Schedule An Appointment
Call Us!

Retainers Care From Your Trusted Orthodontic Expert in Goodlettsville

Dr. Koen believes your smile deserves care that lasts a lifetime. As a trusted orthodontic provider serving Goodlettsville, Nashville, Hendersonville, and White House, she’s been helping families maintain healthy, confident smiles for over 30 years. She and her team are here to guide you through every step of retainer care, no matter where you are in your orthodontic journey. 

The Mary Cay Koen team offers family-friendly care for all ages, in a welcoming environment where your questions are always answered. Dr. Koen is proud to serve her community with personalized support and clear guidance.

Schedule An Appointment Today
Group of 4 attractive young adults posing for a picture on a cloudless summer day

Retainers Keep Your Teeth Looking Their Best

A retainer is a custom-made appliance that helps keep your teeth in their new, aligned positions after orthodontic treatment. Whether you’ve completed treatment with braces or clear aligners, wearing a retainer is key to preventing your teeth from shifting. Retainers protect your investment, maintain your smile’s alignment, and support long-term oral health.

Types of Retainers at Mary Cay Koen Orthodontics

Mary Cay Koen Orthodontics offers three types of retainers to help maintain your smile. Retainers are either removable (Hawley retainers or clear retainers) or permanent (bonded lingual retainers). Removable retainers can be taken out for cleaning or meals, while permanent retainers are fixed behind the teeth for continuous support and long-term stability.

A set of glacier blue hawley retainers in a light blue case, sitting on a wooden table

Hawley Retainers

Hawley retainers are a reliable, popular choice for maintaining your smile after braces. Ideal for patients who want a durable, adjustable option, they feature a custom-molded acrylic plate that fits comfortably against the roof of your mouth. The wire design allows for slight tweaks over time, helping your orthodontist fine-tune alignment if needed.

Woman sitting in orthodontists chair while inserting her clear retainer

Clear Retainers

Clear retainers are a simple, sleek way to maintain your new smile after treatment. These custom-made, transparent trays are designed to fit snugly over your teeth, helping to prevent any unwanted shifting. Since they’re nearly invisible, clear retainers are a popular choice for patients who want a low-profile option that blends into their everyday life.

Orthodontist inspecting the permanent retainer of a patient

Bonded Lingual Retainers

Bonded lingual retainers offer a more permanent approach to retention. These retainers are placed discreetly on the back of your teeth and are crafted in-house for a custom fit during your appointment. Because they stay in place 24/7, bonded retainers are an excellent option for many patients, and they are often worn in combination with removable retainers.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers are a common and flexible option for maintaining your smile after treatment. Here are some of the key advantages and potential drawbacks to consider:

Pros:

  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Can be removed for eating and special occasions
  • Comfortable and custom-molded for a secure fit

Cons:

  • Can be lost or damaged if not stored properly
  • Requires consistent wear to be effective
  • May need occasional replacement over time

Permanent Retainers

Bonded retainers are a great option for long-term stability without the need to remember daily wear. Bonded behind the teeth, they offer continuous support after treatment. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide which retainer option is right for you:

Pros:

  • Always in place—no need to remember to wear it
  • Discreet and not visible when smiling
  • Great for maintaining alignment over time

Cons:

  • Can be harder to clean around
  • May require special flossing tools
  • Not removable without a dental visit

What to Expect with Orthodontic Retainers

The retainer phase is a pivotal part of your smile’s journey, ensuring the hard work of orthodontic treatment translates into a lasting, beautiful smile. In the upcoming sections, we’ll dive into the essentials of wearing, cleaning, and storing your retainers, guiding you through the simple yet crucial steps to uphold the allure of your smile with ease.

When you first start wearing a retainer, you may feel some mild soreness, but this usually fades within a few days. We recommend wearing removable retainers full-time, including overnight, then switching to nighttime wear as directed. Remove them for eating, swimming, or sports. For permanent retainers, avoid sticky or hard foods to protect the wire.

Keeping your retainer clean is an important part of your overall  oral hygiene routine. Removable retainers should be gently cleaned with a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm water, mild soap, or a retainer cleaning solution. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface. Always brush and floss after eating before putting your retainer back in. For permanent retainers, daily flossing underneath the wire is essential. A floss threader, water flosser, or interdental brush can make this easier.

Always store your removable retainer in a dedicated case when it’s not in use. This helps protect it from damage, loss, or curious pets. Avoid leaving your retainer near heat. Dishwashers, hot water, or a warm car can easily warp your retainer’s material. A secure case is the best way to keep your retainer safe and in good shape.

When you first start wearing a retainer, you may feel some mild soreness, but this usually fades within a few days. We recommend wearing removable retainers full-time, including overnight, then switching to nighttime wear as directed. Remove them for eating, swimming, or sports. For permanent retainers, avoid sticky or hard foods to protect the wire.

Keeping your retainer clean is an important part of your overall  oral hygiene routine. Removable retainers should be gently cleaned with a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm water, mild soap, or a retainer cleaning solution. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface. Always brush and floss after eating before putting your retainer back in. For permanent retainers, daily flossing underneath the wire is essential. A floss threader, water flosser, or interdental brush can make this easier.

Always store your removable retainer in a dedicated case when it’s not in use. This helps protect it from damage, loss, or curious pets. Avoid leaving your retainer near heat. Dishwashers, hot water, or a warm car can easily warp your retainer’s material. A secure case is the best way to keep your retainer safe and in good shape.

Maintain Your Smile With Expert Retainer Care in Goodlettsville

Dr. Koen is committed to helping you protect your smile long after treatment ends. With 30+ years of trusted care in Goodlettsville and surrounding communities, her and her team are here to guide you through every step of retainer wear and care. To learn more or schedule an appointment, reach out online or call our office.

Schedule An Appointment
See Why Families Trust
Mary Cay Koen Orthodontics
CloseMenu
Schedule Today!
Facebook-f Instagram Twitter