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We accept all insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare, Call to ask about your no-cost appointment
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Orthodontic retainers in Chicago help maintain your beautifully aligned smile after treatment, keeping your teeth in their ideal position for long-lasting results.
Completing orthodontic treatment marks a major milestone, but the work doesn’t end when braces come off. Many patients discover their teeth begin shifting within weeks or months, undoing the alignment they worked so hard to achieve. This shifting happens because the bone and soft tissues surrounding teeth need time to stabilize in their new positions, making retention just as important as the active treatment phase.
At Sonrisa Family Dental, our team provides comprehensive orthodontic care throughout Chicago, including custom retainers designed to protect your newly aligned smile. Founded by Jason Korkus, DDS, our practice serves families across multiple Chicago neighborhoods with a commitment to creating beautiful smiles and making quality dental care accessible to everyone.
Orthodontic retainers are custom-made appliances that hold teeth in their corrected positions after braces or clear aligner treatment. Once active orthodontic forces are removed, teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original positions—a phenomenon called relapse. Retainers counteract this movement by providing gentle, consistent pressure that allows the surrounding bone and periodontal ligaments to adapt to the new tooth positions.
The retention phase typically begins immediately after braces removal or the completion of aligner therapy. During the first several months, bone remodeling continues around the tooth roots, making this period particularly vulnerable to shifting. Research from the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics indicates that retention protocols significantly reduce the risk of post-treatment relapse when patients follow their prescribed wear schedules.
We provide several retainer options based on individual treatment needs and patient preferences. Removable retainers include clear plastic aligners similar in appearance to Invisalign trays, and Hawley retainers featuring a wire that runs across the front teeth with an acrylic base that rests against the roof of the mouth. These removable options allow for easy cleaning and can be taken out during meals.
Fixed retainers consist of a thin wire bonded to the back surfaces of the front teeth, typically on the lower arch. These permanent retainers work continuously without requiring patient compliance, making them particularly effective for individuals who had significant crowding or spacing issues before treatment. Our orthodontic team will recommend the most appropriate retainer type based on your specific bite, the complexity of your original malocclusion, and your lifestyle needs.
Initial retention protocols usually require full-time wear, meaning patients keep their retainers in place except when eating and brushing. This intensive phase typically lasts three to six months, depending on the stability of the correction and the patient’s age. Younger patients whose jaws are still developing may need extended full-time wear to account for ongoing growth changes.
After the initial stabilization period, most patients transition to nighttime-only wear. This maintenance phase can continue indefinitely, as teeth have the potential to shift throughout life due to natural aging processes, wisdom tooth eruption, or changes in oral habits. Many orthodontists now recommend lifelong retention to preserve treatment results. Our team provides clear instructions on wear schedules and adjusts recommendations based on how well your teeth are maintaining their positions during follow-up visits.
Proper retainer maintenance extends the life of the appliance and keeps it functioning effectively. Removable retainers should be cleaned daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or retainer cleaning solution. Avoid using hot water, which can warp the plastic and alter the fit. When not wearing your retainer, store it in its protective case to prevent damage or loss.
Fixed retainers require careful attention during brushing and flossing. Floss threaders or water flossers help clean around the bonded wire, preventing plaque buildup that could lead to decay or gum inflammation. Regular dental cleanings allow our hygienists to thoroughly clean around fixed retainers and check the integrity of the bonding. If a fixed retainer becomes loose or breaks, contact our office promptly to schedule a repair, as even brief periods without retention can allow teeth to shift.
Explore the true stories and journeys of several Invisalign® patients
Sonrisa Family Dental accepts Medicaid and Medicare for orthodontic services, making retention care accessible to more families throughout Chicago. We also work with most PPO insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Guardian, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, MetLife, Delta Dental, and United Healthcare. Our team can verify your coverage and explain what portion of retainer costs your plan covers.
For patients without insurance or those with out-of-pocket expenses, we offer multiple payment options. Qualifying patients can finance their orthodontic care through CareCredit or Sunbit, providing flexible payment plans that fit various budgets. We also offer the Open Dental Discount Membership, an in-house program designed to make dental care more affordable for families without traditional insurance coverage.
Retainers don’t last forever and will eventually need replacement. Clear plastic retainers typically last one to three years with proper care, while Hawley retainers can last five to ten years if well-maintained. Signs that a retainer needs replacement include visible cracks or breaks, a loose or uncomfortable fit, persistent odor despite cleaning, or difficulty inserting the retainer as it once fit.
Never continue wearing a damaged retainer, as it won’t hold teeth properly and could cause discomfort or oral tissue irritation. If your retainer is lost, broken, or no longer fits correctly, schedule an appointment right away. The longer you go without wearing a retainer, the more likely your teeth will shift, potentially requiring additional orthodontic intervention to recapture the alignment.
At Sonrisa Family Dental, our dedicated team of dental professionals is committed to providing exceptional care for every member of your family. Founded by Dr. Jason Korkus, DDS, our practice brings together dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and caring support staff who share a passion for creating healthy, beautiful smiles.
Our bilingual team members fluently serve Chicago’s diverse communities in both English and Spanish, ensuring every patient feels comfortable and informed. With an orthodontist, general dentists, and oral surgeons across our multiple locations, we provide comprehensive dental care under one trusted practice family.
We believe in building lasting relationships with our patients, taking time to learn about your unique needs and goals. Our team regularly participates in continuing education to stay current with the latest dental techniques and technologies, ensuring you receive the most advanced care available.
Whether you’re nearing the end of orthodontic treatment, need retainer replacement, or are experiencing post-treatment shifting, our team is ready to help preserve your smile. We serve patients throughout Chicago with convenient locations and flexible appointment scheduling. Visit our orthodontics page to learn more about our comprehensive orthodontic services.
Dr. Jason Korkus and our experienced team provide caring, professional dental services for everyone in your family. We understand that maintaining orthodontic results requires ongoing commitment, and we’re here to support you through every phase of retention. Contact our office today to schedule your retainer consultation and protect the investment you’ve made in your smile.
