Retainers & Post-Treatment Care

At Modern Orthodontics, we provide comprehensive retainers and orthodontic post-treatment care in Tribeca, Harlem, and the Bronx. Your orthodontic journey does not end when braces or Invisalign are removed. The retention phase is essential to keeping your smile straight and healthy.

Our team understands that after investing time and care into your smile, you want those results to last a lifetime. That is why we design personalized aftercare plans that include the right orthodontic retainers for your needs.

After braces or Invisalign, teeth naturally want to drift back toward their original positions. The best way to prevent shifting is through consistent retainer wear. At Modern Orthodontics, we create custom fixed retainers or removable retainers designed to maintain your results. By wearing your retainer as instructed, you can protect the investment you made in your smile and avoid needing corrective treatment in the future.

We also emphasize the importance of long-term oral care. Cleanings, dental check-ups, and regular orthodontic visits all play a role in protecting your results. Our doctors will monitor your teeth and ensure your retainer continues to fit properly.

The retention phase is a critical part of your orthodontic journey. During this time, your retainer holds teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissues stabilize. You may notice your retainer feels snug, that your speech adjusts briefly, or that saliva flow increases at first. These changes are normal and temporary.

We generally recommend nightly retainer wear long-term, with the first one to two years after treatment being the most important. Consistency ensures your teeth remain aligned and your smile continues to look its best. Many patients find that wearing their retainer becomes part of their nightly routine, just like brushing their teeth.

There are some people who have teeth that relapse very quickly–sometimes a change can occur after just a few hours without their retainer.  For those patients, nighttime wear only may not be sufficient. We work closely with our patients to determine the most suitable post-treatment retention plan. Not everyone is the same!

At Modern Orthodontics, we offer both removable and fixed options so every patient has the right solution.

• Removable retainers include clear plastic aligner-style retainers and traditional Hawley retainers with acrylic and wire. These are easy to clean and can be removed during meals or brushing.
• Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded behind the front teeth, providing continuous protection without daily removal.  These require additional time and effort to keep clean.  Biting into hard foods with the fixed retainer can cause it to detach.

Our orthodontists will recommend the option that best fits your lifestyle, whether you want the convenience of a removable device or the security of a bonded solution.

Our favorite answer is simple: as long as you want your teeth to stay straight. Teeth shift naturally over time, and your retainer prevents relapse. We encourage nightly wear indefinitely. The first one to two years after braces are the most critical, when full-time or nightly wear is strongly recommended.

This lifelong habit ensures the smile you worked so hard to achieve will continue to shine for decades to come.

Just as routine dental visits keep your teeth healthy, regular orthodontic check-ups ensure your retainer is doing its job. During these visits, our team checks for wear, fit, and stability. We also encourage you to bring your retainer to each appointment so adjustments can be made if necessary.

Regular visits also give you the chance to ask questions about fit, replacement, or care, so you always know your retainer is protecting your smile properly.

Missing a single night may cause your retainer to feel tight the next time you wear it. This is normal and usually subsides quickly. However, if you repeatedly skip nights, your teeth can shift noticeably. Wearing your retainer consistently is the best way to maintain your results.

If your retainer breaks or goes missing, contact Modern Orthodontics immediately. Teeth can begin to move within days without the protection of a retainer. Our offices in Tribeca, Harlem, and the Bronx can provide a backup or a rush replacement to keep your smile on track.

With proper care, a retainer can last several years. Clear plastic retainers often need replacement every one to three years due to natural wear. Fixed retainers can last much longer but should be monitored at routine check-ups to ensure they remain intact.

Patients often ask about the cost of retainers in New York. While exact pricing depends on the type and replacement needs, our team is committed to offering affordable options across all three locations. Insurance may cover part of the cost, and we provide flexible solutions to ensure every patient has access to the retention care they need.

We also make it simple to replace lost or broken retainers. With three convenient offices, patients can schedule an appointment quickly to stay on track with their orthodontic treatment plan.

Choosing the right orthodontic team for your retainers and post-treatment care is just as important as the treatment itself. At Modern Orthodontics, we combine experience, technology, and a patient-first approach to deliver lasting results.

• Experienced Specialists: Our doctors are highly trained orthodontists with years of advanced education beyond dental school, ensuring every treatment plan is tailored for success.
• Advanced Technology: From digital scanning to 3D imaging, we use the latest tools to create precise and comfortable orthodontic retainers.
• Personalized Care: Every patient’s smile is unique. We design custom aftercare solutions that fit your lifestyle, whether you prefer fixed retainers or removable options.
• Convenient Locations: With offices in Tribeca, Harlem, and the Bronx, expert care is always close to home.
• Trusted by Families Across NYC: Our patient reviews highlight friendly staff, flexible scheduling, and results that last.

By choosing Modern Orthodontics, you are partnering with a team that values your long-term smile as much as you do.