SERVICES
Retainers in Tracy, CA
Supporting a Lifetime of Healthy Alignment
Keep Your Smile with Retainers & Space Maintainers
You’ve done it! Whether you just finished months of Invisalign or years of traditional braces at a local Tracy orthodontist, your teeth are finally straight. But here is the “insider secret” from your neighborhood Dentist: your teeth have a memory. Without a retainer, those teeth will want to wander back to their old, crooked positions faster than a commuter rushing to the ACE train on a Monday morning.
At our Tracy office, we see patients from the Hidden Lake and Tracy Hills neighborhoods who invested a lot of time and money into their smiles. A retainer is the simple, “insurance policy” that keeps that investment safe for a lifetime.
Your Trusted Tracy Dentist
Since 2013
Maintaining Alignment After Orthodontic Treatment
The Different Types of Retainers
Not every smile in the 95376 and 95377 zip codes is the same, which is why we offer different types of retainers to fit your lifestyle:
- Removable Clear Retainers (Essix): These look just like Invisalign trays. They are nearly invisible, easy to wear, and very popular with our students at West High and Kimball High.
- Hawley Retainers: The classic “wire and acrylic” style. These are incredibly durable and allow your teeth to touch naturally. Plus, you can customize the color of the plastic!
- Permanent (Fixed) Retainers: This is a thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth. You don’t have to worry about “forgetting” to wear it, which makes it a great choice for busy professionals commuting over the Altamont Pass.
Types of Retainers
Clear Retainers (Essix)
Transparent, removable plastic retainers that fit snugly over your teeth. Discreet, easy to clean, and ideal for patients seeking a low-profile option, including those with artificial teeth.
Hawley Retainers:
Made with a durable plastic base and metal wire, adjustable and long-lasting. They allow your bite to settle and provide a customizable fit.
Fixed Retainers
Thin wires bonded permanently to the back of your front teeth, offering continuous support without needing to remember wear time. Patients must maintain careful hygiene to prevent plaque buildup, especially around artificial teeth.
Educational
Why Your Teeth Want to Move
Your teeth aren’t set in concrete; they are held in place by living ligaments and bone. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, it takes time for the bone to “harden” around the new positions of your teeth.
If you don’t wear your retainer:
- Relapse: Your teeth will slowly drift, often causing crowding in the front bottom teeth first.
- Bite Issues: Even a small shift can change how your teeth fit together, leading to jaw pain or TMJ issues.
- Wasted Investment: If the shifting is bad enough, you might end up needing “Phase 2” braces or clear aligners all over again.
Life with Your Retainer in Tracy
We make the process easy. We use digital imaging to get a perfect 3D scan of your teeth—no more biting into that goopy, gag-inducing putty.
Pro-Tips for Retainer Success:
- “If it’s not in your face, it’s in the case”: Most retainers are lost at local Tracy restaurants when they get wrapped in a napkin and thrown away. Always carry your case!
- Keep it Clean: Use a soft toothbrush and cool water. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic—especially if you leave it in a hot car during a Central Valley summer.
- Regular Checks: Bring your retainer to your six-month dental cleaning. We’ll check the fit and give it a professional-strength cleaning to remove any tartar buildup.
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that the “retention phase” is just as important as the “active phase” of moving your teeth. Without a retainer, the natural aging process will cause your teeth to shift regardless of whether you had braces or not.
Trusted Local Support
We know life is busy between school sports at the Tracy Sports Complex and weekend trips to the Bay Area. If you lose your retainer or it stops fitting, don’t wait! A quick visit to our office can prevent your teeth from moving too far. We can usually have a new one made for you in just a few days.
Ready to Keep That Smile Perfect?
Whether you need a new set of clear retainers or want to check if your permanent wire is still secure, we are here to help. Let’s make sure your smile stays exactly where it belongs.
FAQ
Common Questions
Visit Us Today
Schedule an Appointment for Retainers and Space Maintainers
Maintain the stability and appearance of your newly aligned smile. Contact Smiles Dental Spa to schedule an appointment for dental retainers and space maintainers with Dr. Shirley Zhao.
Contact our office at (209) 585-1475 or conveniently schedule your appointment online through NexHealth. Visit us at 1431 N Tracy Blvd, Tracy, CA 95376—trusted care tailored for your family.
Phone
Location
1431 N Tracy Blvd
Tracy, CA 95376
Maintaining Alignment After Orthodontic Treatment
How Retainers Work
Custom-made to comfortably fit your mouth, orthodontic retainers hold your teeth steady while your jawbone hardens around them in the correct position. This prevents relapse, maintaining your hard-earned results for a lifetime.
Dr. Zhao will highly recommend the best type of retainer for your unique treatment plan and lifestyle. For children who have lost a baby tooth, she may also include space maintainers to preserve proper spacing until the permanent teeth erupt. Patients typically wear retainers full-time at first, then transition to nighttime wear for ongoing maintenance.
Types of Retainers
Clear Retainers (Essix)
Transparent, removable plastic retainers that fit snugly over your teeth. Discreet, easy to clean, and ideal for patients seeking a low-profile option, including those with artificial teeth.
Hawley Retainers:
Made with a durable plastic base and metal wire, adjustable and long-lasting. They allow your bite to settle and provide a customizable fit.
Fixed Retainers
Thin wires bonded permanently to the back of your front teeth, offering continuous support without needing to remember wear time. Patients must maintain careful hygiene to prevent plaque buildup, especially around artificial teeth.
Simple Daily Habits for Long-Lasting Results
Caring for Your Retainers and Space Maintainers
Proper oral hygiene is essential for retainers and space maintainers to function well and stay comfortable:
- Brush and floss thoroughly, including around appliances
- Clean removable space maintainers daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap
- Avoid heat or hot water that could deform plastic retainers
- Schedule regular office visits to check fixed retainers and space maintainers
- Follow Dr. Zhao’s instructions precisely for wear time and care
Maintaining your appliances protects your investment and ensures your smile stays healthy and aligned.
