How Retainers Protect Your Smile After Orthodontic Treatment
- January 14, 2026
The most rewarding part of braces is the day you get them off, and we love sharing that moment when patients finally see the smile they’ve worked so hard to achieve. But it’s just as important to remember that wearing your retainer is what keeps that smile straight long‑term. Before you tuck your retainer into a bathroom drawer and forget about it, take a moment to think about how it protects all the progress you’ve already made.
At Lincoln Orthodontics, we make sure our patients know their treatment doesn’t truly end when braces or aligners come off. Dr. Willett will remind you that retainers are for life and they’ll need to be maintained as long as you want your teeth straight! Here’s how retainers keep your smile straight for years to come:
Why Retainers are Important
After orthodontic treatment, your teeth naturally want to shift back toward their original positions. This movement, called relapse, can happen slowly and silently—sometimes before you even notice a change.
Wearing your retainer as directed:
- Keeps your teeth in their new, aligned positions
- Prevents unwanted shifting and crowding
- Protects the time, effort, and investment you’ve made in your smile
Skipping retainer wear, even occasionally, can lead to changes that may require additional treatment down the road.
Consistency is Key
Long-term consistency is key to maintaining your results. We offer custom retainers to perfectly fit you. This usually means both a removable retainer and a bonded retainer that is glued to the back of your front teeth.
Lost or Broken Retainer? We’ve Got You Covered!
Life happens, we get it. As much as we wish retainers were perfect, we know things happen. Retainers can crack, break, or get misplaced altogether. The good news? Our team can help and repair or replace the retainers as necessary. We offer:
- Retainer repairs and replacements
- Fit checks to ensure your retainer is still doing its job
- Touch-up orthodontic treatments if any minor shifting has occurred
To make it even easier for our patients, we provide 3D-printed models of their teeth for easier and cheaper replacements. If you notice your retainer feels uncomfortable or it’s not fitting the way it used to, don’t ignore it. Early intervention can often prevent the need for more extensive treatment later.
Custom Mouthguards
Rubber bands are one part of the whole care routine that helps keep your treatment on track. Along Protecting your smile during sports and high-impact activities is crucial, and that’s why we also offer high-quality, customized athletic mouthguards. Our mouthguards can protect patients during:
- Sports and other physical activities
- Nighttime teeth grinding
- Activities where braces need extra protection
- Work‑related tasks that pose a risk to the teeth
These aren’t the generic, boil-and-bite guards you find in stores; our guards are professionally crafted for a precise fit, offering superior protection and comfort.
They are made from a high-grade, durable, and shock-absorbent silicone material specifically engineered for extra cushion and maximum impact dissipation. This specialized design creates a protective barrier, keeping your teeth, gums, and jaw safe from common sports injuries.
It is important to note that these mouthguards may initially feel slightly bigger or bulkier in the mouth than store-bought options, but we assure you that this is only temporary. With consistent use during practices and games, your mouth will quickly adjust, and the custom fit will soon begin to feel much more comfortable and natural.
Touch-Up Treatments
If your teeth have shifted because a retainer wasn’t worn consistently, small adjustments may be possible. Dr. Willett can evaluate your smile and recommend “touch-up” treatments designed to gently guide your teeth back into their correct place. These touch-ups are faster and easier than a full course of treatment and are often provided with aligners or only partial braces, depending on each patient’s preference.
Your smile is an investment and retainers are how you protect it. Wearing your retainer as directed, bringing it to checkups, and reaching out if something doesn’t feel right can make all the difference.
If you have questions about your retainer, need touch-up treatment, or think your teeth might be shifting, schedule a visit by calling (402) 489-8841 today. We’re here to help you keep smiling confidently for all the years to come. If you’re new to the area or no longer seeing your original orthodontist but need retainer repair or adjustments, we would love to welcome you to our family! No matter where you are in your smile journey, our team is happy to help.
