retainers & retention

Keep Your Smile Perfect: Understanding Retainers and Long-Term Retention

what is retention?

Retention is the critical phase of orthodontic treatment that begins after your braces are removed or you’ve completed your treatment with clear aligners & Invisalign, and it’s essential for maintaining your beautiful new smile for a lifetime. Dr. Marston emphasizes that retention is just as important as the active treatment phase itself, because teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions once the braces or aligners are removed. To prevent this regression, he will provide you with custom-made retainers—either removable or permanently bonded behind your teeth—that hold your teeth in their newly corrected positions while the surrounding bone, gums, and ligaments stabilize and adapt to the changes. By faithfully wearing your retainers as directed by Dr. Marston, you protect your orthodontic investment and ensure that your straight, confident smile remains intact for years to come. The retention phase is your long-term commitment to smile success, and the team at Marston Orthodontics will guide you every step of the way with clear instructions and ongoing support.

maintaining your 4D retainers

Keeping Your 4D Aligners and Retainers Clear and Healthy

Daily Maintenance Protocol

Step 1: Soak Your Aligners or Retainers

Soak aligners/retainers for 30–60 minutes in ONE of the following solutions:

Option A: Hot Water + Cleaning Tablet

Use hot water (just below boiling) with a cleaning tablet from:
- Polident
- Efferdent
- Retainer Brite
Benefits:
- Hot water helps restore the aligner to its original shape so it fits and functions like new.
- If you are not satisfied with cleanliness, repeat for another cycle.
Option B: 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

Soak aligners in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.

Option C: Oxygen-Powered Mouthwash

Use an oxygen-powered mouthwash such as:

Therabreath

Colgate Peroxyl

Crest Pro-Health Advance

All of these mouthrinses contain hydrogen peroxide.

Step 2: Rinse and Brush

After soaking:
- Rinse aligners in cold tap water
- Gently brush away any remaining residue from the surface
Additional Care Tips
- Avoid staining foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, curry, and wine while wearing your aligners.
- Discoloration is an early warning sign that bacteria are collecting and active on your appliance.
- This may also indicate the need for improved cleaning of your teeth and gums.
- Using the steps above can help restore your aligner or retainer to a clear, fresh state.

What our patients say

“Amazing staff and care, always taking the best care. Dr Marston is always so caring and encouraging, as well as super supportive to help rework and restrategize the way that he assists your needs.”

John K

“Dr. Marston is absolutely professional, and all the staff are very kind. My case was not easy I had to pause and redo it because of my TMJ but what I appreciate most about Dr. Marston is his patience and dedication throughout the process. My daughter also loves visiting the clinic because of the welcoming, kid-friendly environment.”

MCogan

“Just finished my Invisalign treatment. Awesome experience from beginning to end. I felt very comfortable with every step of the process from the first consultation to receiving my retainers. Every question no matter how dumb it sounded was answered professionally. They even worked with me when I moved overseas to continue my treatment. Thanks a ton Dr. Marston and team! I appreciate all of you.”

Mark S

“The entire staff is not only incredibly friendly but also consistently professional. They always go above and beyond to accommodate our scheduling needs, which we deeply appreciate. Dr. Marston is both knowledgeable and compassionate. He takes the time to explain everything clearly, ensuring that both the patient and their family fully understand the treatment plan and what to expect. We couldn’t ask for a better orthodontic experience—and we highly recommend Marston Orthodontics to anyone in need of care!”

“Dr. Marston is amazing. He does a great job of explaining and setting expectations. He is also very gentle with kids. I used him for all three of my daughters. Highly recommend.”

Tam B