A retainer holds your teeth in their new positions after braces or clear aligners, protecting your results for the long term. Valley Orthodontics provides new retainers, replacement retainers, and lost-or-broken retainer replacements at our Decatur and Hartselle offices - including for patients who were treated elsewhere. Need one fast? Call (256) 355-5255.
Finishing orthodontic treatment is a big milestone - but keeping that beautiful result is what a retainer is all about. Teeth naturally want to drift back toward where they started, and a retainer is what stops them. Whether you just completed treatment, lost the retainer you’ve had for years, or your teeth have started shifting, we can help. We make new and replacement retainers for patients across North Alabama, using a quick, comfortable iTero® digital scan instead of messy impressions.
Why Retainers Matter
The bone and tissue around your teeth need time to stabilize after treatment - and even then, teeth can shift slowly for the rest of your life. Wearing a retainer as directed is the single most important thing you can do to protect the investment you made in your smile. Skipping it is the most common reason adults end up back in treatment years later. Think of a retainer as the insurance policy on your new smile.
Types of Retainers
There’s no one-size-fits-all retainer. Dr. Sample will recommend the right type for your smile:
Clear (Essix) Retainers
Clear, custom-molded trays that fit snugly over your teeth - nearly invisible and comfortable. A popular choice, especially for patients who finished with Invisalign.
Hawley (Wire) Retainers
The classic removable retainer: a durable acrylic base with a thin wire across the front teeth. Extremely long-lasting and adjustable, and you can personalize the color.
Permanent (Bonded) Retainers
A thin wire bonded behind the front teeth where no one can see it. There’s nothing to remember to put in, which makes it a great option for teeth that are prone to shifting - though it does call for careful flossing.
Lost or Broken Your Retainer? We Can Help - Fast
A lost or broken retainer is one of the most common things we hear about - and the clock matters, because teeth can start shifting within days of going without one. You don’t need to have been our patient to get a replacement. Come in, we’ll take a quick digital scan, and we’ll make you a new retainer before your smile has a chance to move. If your teeth have already shifted, we’ll talk honestly about whether a new retainer is enough or a short touch-up with clear aligners makes more sense.
Retainers If You Never Had Braces
Some adults notice their teeth slowly crowding or spacing with age, even without prior orthodontic treatment. In some mild cases, a retainer can help hold things steady. Come in for a free evaluation and we’ll tell you whether a retainer fits your situation or whether treatment would serve you better.
Caring for Your Retainer
Rinse it every time you take it out, brush it gently (never with hot water, which warps the plastic), and store it in its case - not a napkin, where it gets thrown away. Bring it to your checkups so we can make sure it still fits well. Treated with a little care, a good retainer lasts for years.
Cost & Scheduling
We’ll quote your retainer cost up front, and our financing and insurance options - including HSA/FSA - help keep it affordable. A broken retainer causing discomfort can often be handled quickly; just call the nearest office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a replacement retainer cost?
It depends on the type (clear, Hawley, or permanent), so we’ll give you an exact price when you come in. We keep replacements affordable and accept HSA/FSA funds - just ask, and we’ll get you a quote before making anything.
I lost my retainer - how quickly can I get a new one?
Come in as soon as you can. We take a quick digital scan and make your replacement promptly, because teeth can begin drifting within days. The sooner we see you, the more likely your new retainer will still fit your current smile.
How long do I have to wear my retainer?
Most patients wear it full-time at first, then transition to nights only - often indefinitely, a few nights a week, to hold results for life. Dr. Sample will give you a specific schedule for your smile.
Should I choose a permanent or a removable retainer?
Permanent (bonded) retainers require nothing to remember but need diligent flossing; removable ones are easier to clean but only work if you wear them. We’ll recommend the best fit - sometimes it’s one of each.
Can you make a retainer for me if I had braces somewhere else?
Yes. You don’t have to have been treated at Valley Orthodontics - we’re glad to scan your teeth and make a new or replacement retainer for anyone in the Decatur and Hartselle area.
Schedule Your Retainer Appointment
Whether you need your first retainer or a fast replacement, we’re here to protect your smile.
Decatur Office – 2014 Danville Park Dr SW, Decatur, AL 35603 · (256) 355-5255 Hartselle Office – 220 Karl Prince Dr SW, Hartselle, AL 35640 · (256) 773-8613
Proudly serving Decatur, Hartselle, and the surrounding Morgan County communities.