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Active orthodontic treatment is the easier half of getting a stable smile. Retention is the longer half. Stellar provides initial retainers as part of every completed treatment plan, and offers replacement retainers, Vivera-style clear retainers, and new retainers for patients who had braces elsewhere - at all four Delaware offices.
After active orthodontic treatment, your teeth are in their corrected position - but the bone, ligaments, and gum tissue around them haven't yet stabilized. Without consistent retainer wear, the periodontal fibers that hold teeth in place gradually pull them back toward their original positions. Within a year, even minor crowding can return. Within five years, much of the original alignment problem can come back.
This is the most common conversation we have with adult patients: "I had braces as a kid but my teeth shifted." Almost always, the reason is inconsistent retainer wear - either because the patient stopped wearing them too early, lost them and never replaced them, or was never given a long-term retention plan.
Stellar's commitment: every completed treatment includes a clear retention plan with realistic wear schedules and easy access to replacement retainers for as long as you need them.
If a wear schedule slip happens, don't panic. Resume nightly wear and the retainer often re-seats. If it doesn't, call us.
Each has tradeoffs in aesthetics, durability, comfort, and how much patient action is required. The right choice depends on the case and your lifestyle.
Clear thin-plastic retainers that look like a thin Invisalign tray. Most popular choice for adults and image-conscious teens. Vivera is the more durable option (made by the company behind Invisalign) and lasts longer between replacements. Standard Essix is the more economical clear option.
Best for: patients who want nearly invisible retention. Removable for eating. Easy to lose if not stored carefully.
The classic acrylic-and-wire design. A thin metal wire crosses the front of the teeth, attached to a custom-molded acrylic plate that sits against the roof of the mouth. Adjustable, very durable, and the longest-lasting retainer option.
Best for: patients who want a retainer that can be slightly adjusted over time. More visible than clear retainers when worn but no metal-mouth look. Removable for eating.
A thin wire bonded permanently behind the lower front teeth (and sometimes the upper). Invisible from the outside. Works 24/7 with no patient action required.
Best for: patients who don't want to remember to wear something every night. Cannot be removed by the patient. Requires extra flossing care. Often combined with a clear retainer for the upper arch.
Replacement retainers are one of the most common reasons existing and former Stellar patients call. We make replacement as fast and painless as possible.
Replacement retainers are typically not covered by Medicaid or most dental insurance plans. The cost is private-pay.
This is one of the most common retainer conversations at Stellar. You had braces as a teen, retainers fit fine then, but the retainer cracked or got lost years ago and you never replaced it. Now your teeth have shifted slightly.
Two possible paths:
The free consultation is where we figure out which path fits.
A well-cared-for clear retainer lasts 2 to 5 years. A Hawley retainer can last 5 to 10 years. A bonded retainer lasts as long as the bond holds. Most retainers die early from preventable mistakes.
Forever, in declining intensity. The first 6 to 12 months after treatment finishes typically require near full-time wear (20+ hours a day). After that, most patients taper to nights only indefinitely. Stop wearing entirely and teeth gradually shift back.
Three primary types: clear plastic retainers (Vivera or Essix), Hawley retainers (acrylic and wire), and fixed bonded retainers (a thin wire behind the front teeth). Each has tradeoffs in aesthetics, durability, and care.
Call (844) 727-2237 as soon as you realize it's gone. We can usually fit you in for new retainer impressions or a 3D iTero scan within a few days. Replacement is a transparent flat-rate cost.
Typically $250 to $400 per arch depending on retainer type. Replacement retainers are not covered by Medicaid or most dental insurance. We give you the exact price when you call.
Vivera is a more durable clear retainer made by the company behind Invisalign. The plastic is thicker than standard Essix, so they last longer between replacements. Stellar offers both.
Yes. Stellar fits replacement and new retainers for patients who had treatment elsewhere. We take a fresh 3D iTero scan and produce the new retainer. Bring prior records if you have them.
Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water (not hot - hot warps plastic). Store in its case every time. Avoid wrapping in napkins. Soak in retainer cleaner weekly. Replace when it warps, cracks, or no longer fits.
If the shift is minor, sometimes. For significant shifts, a short cosmetic Invisalign case (often 6 to 9 months) restores the original alignment, followed by new retainers. The free consultation is where we figure out which path fits.