Getting your braces off or finishing treatment with clear aligners is a reason to celebrate! You’ve put a lot of time and care into your smile, and now it’s time to enjoy the results.

Before you head out to show off your new smile, though, let’s talk about what will help keep it that way: your retainer.

If you’re wondering, “How long do I really need to wear this?” you’re not alone. For most people, retainer wear is a lifelong habit, usually at night once their orthodontist gives the go-ahead. This small addition to your routine helps protect the smile you worked so hard to achieve.

At Jolley Orthodontics in Trophy Club, TX, we want you to feel just as...

Wearing your retainer after braces or aligners is the key to keeping your smile straight and healthy. But what happens if you go to put it in… and it just won’t fit? Whether it feels too tight, won’t go on all the way, or is uncomfortable, here’s what to do when your retainer doesn’t fit:

1. Don’t Force It

If your retainer doesn’t slide on easily, don’t push it into place. Forcing a retainer that doesn’t fit can damage the appliance or put too much pressure on your teeth, causing discomfort or even injury.

2. Ask Yourself: How Long Has It Been?

If you’ve skipped wearing your retainer for even a few days, your teeth may have started to...

Orthodontic treatment is an investment that will last a lifetime! Retainers are a key part of maintaining your new beautiful smile. Here are our best tips and tricks to avoid losing, breaking, or causing your retainer to not fit anymore.

The Perfect Fit

Did you know that your teeth keep moving throughout your lifetime? It is true! Our teeth, like our entire bodies, are continuing to change throughout our lifetime. This means that even after orthodontic treatment changes in your tooth alignment may occur if retainers are not worn as prescribed by Dr. Jolley. If you forget to wear your retainer for even just a few days those slight movements can affect the fit of your retainer. This is why it is...

You have finally gotten your braces off! Congratulations and welcome to your new beautiful smile. Wearing your retainer as directed is the absolute best way to make sure your teeth don’t shift or move over time. Here is the thing… just because you are out of braces, does not mean that your orthodontic journey is quite over. Unfortunately, teeth can and will shift as we age. Sometimes it is barely noticeable and other times it can be significant. The good news is that keeping your newly straightened smile in good shape is easy.

We know that getting used to wearing your retainer can take some time. Check out the following information to help you figure out how.

My Retainer Feels Tig...