The most important part of the whole journey happens after the braces or aligners come off. That is where Retainers come in. We always tell our patients near the Lincoln Village area that if you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth will try to move back to where they started. We’ve seen it happen! A student goes off to college, forgets their retainer under the bed, and suddenly their front teeth are shifting again.
We offer different types of Retainers to fit your lifestyle. Some are clear and fit right over your teeth, and others are a little wire that stays behind your teeth where nobody can see it. If you lose yours or the dog chews it up—which happens a lot more than you’d think—just call us. We can make a new one fast so you don’t lose all that hard work. We want your smile to stay perfect for the rest of your life, not just for a few months after treatment.
Your Trusted Tracy Dentist
Since 2013
Retainers play a vital role in orthodontics by stabilizing teeth in their new positions after braces or Invisalign.
Retainers play a vital role in orthodontics by stabilizing teeth in their new positions after braces or Invisalign. Teeth naturally have a tendency to shift back to their original places—the period after active orthodontic treatment is critical as bone and gums adjust to the new alignment. Our experienced Tracy dentist carefully monitors both baby teeth and permanent teeth throughout this phase. Practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, helps maintain results and overall oral health.
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.
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.
Made with a durable plastic base and metal wire, adjustable and long-lasting. They allow your bite to settle and provide a customizable fit.
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.
When a child has lost a primary tooth too early, neighboring teeth can drift into the empty space, disrupting the alignment of a permanent tooth. Space maintainers—including removable space maintainers and fixed space maintainers—hold open the gap until the permanent tooth erupts properly.
Using a space maintainer helps prevent crowded teeth, misalignment, and the need for more extensive orthodontic care later. At Smiles Dental Spa, our team, including experienced pediatric dentists, closely monitors your child’s tooth development and fits space maintainers when needed. These appliances hold the space until the tooth is ready or guide growth until an artificial tooth becomes necessary.
Living in the Central Valley also means we deal with a lot of dust and allergies. Sometimes, kids who have trouble breathing through their nose end up breathing through their mouth, which can actually change how their teeth grow! If you notice your child always has their mouth open while watching TV or sleeping, it’s a good idea to bring them in for a quick look. Catching these things early can save you a lot of time and money on braces later on.
Proper oral hygiene is essential for retainers and space maintainers to function well and stay comfortable:
Maintaining your appliances protects your investment and ensures your smile stays healthy and aligned.
We actively support your smile maintenance journey, ensuring orthodontic success long after braces are removed with expert guidance and follow-up care.
A caring, communicative approach with every visit
Advanced technology for accurate, safe diagnostics
Flexible scheduling for busy lifestyles
Expertise in both family dental care and cosmetic dentistry procedures
Convenient location with easy parking
We thrive on patient feedback! See what your neighbors in Tracy have to say about their experience, and if you have a moment, please leave us a review—we appreciate you taking the time!
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.
1431 N Tracy Blvd
Tracy, CA 95376
