Retainers
Now that your smile has been straightened and restored, what's next? At Oasis Family Dentistry and Orthodontics, your care doesn't end after your braces come off. Our team emphasizes the retention of your smile results through proper care and maintenance!
Retain Your New Smile
Once you've completed the dental braces phase of your orthodontic treatment, Dr. Vohra will recommend a retainer to help you keep your straightened smile for years to come. To maintain your smile and ensure your results are set, you’ll have to wear your custom-crafted retainer. Retainers hold your new smile in place while limiting potential shifts in your alignment. They also help all the structures of your mouth adjust to the new positioning of your teeth.
At our Gilbert orthodontic office, retainers are always custom-made to perfectly fit your unique smile. Removable retainers are fitted trays that can be worn at night and easily removed to fit your lifestyle needs. Remember to wear yours on a regular basis and clean it thoroughly!
Dr. Vohra may also recommend fixed retainers. Fixed retainers consist of wires firmly attached behind the top and/or bottom teeth, and are usually set in place permanently. Fixed retainers require a bit of extra attention when flossing and maintaining your oral health routine, but you can trust our friendly team to set you up for success!
If you have any questions about care, cleaning, or maintenance with your new orthodontic retainer, just give our office a call and we'll be happy to assist you.
What Type of Retainer Does Oasis Use?
Dr. Vohra primarily fits patients with clear removable retainers — custom-fabricated trays that fit snugly over the teeth. They're virtually invisible when worn, comfortable, easy to remove for eating and cleaning, and simple to replace if lost or worn out.
Clear retainers are taken from a precise digital scan of your teeth at the completion of treatment, ensuring a perfect fit. Most patients transition from full-time wear to nighttime-only wear after an initial period — Dr. Vohra will give you a specific wear schedule based on your case.
The Oasis Retainer Insurance Program
You worked hard for your smile — we want to make it easy to protect it for life. Oasis offers a Retainer Insurance Program that gives you 10 years of retainer coverage for a one-time enrollment fee.
Enrollment: $795 for 10 years
When you enroll, we create 3D models of your teeth that you keep. Any time you need a new retainer — for any reason — you bring in your models and pay a small co-pay. That's it.
What's covered
A new retainer is available any time you need one, including:
- Broken or cracked retainer
- Lost retainer
- Dog ate the retainer (yes, it happens)
- Retainer no longer fits due to new dental work
- Worn out or discolored retainer
- Want a backup set
- Teeth have shifted
- Life happens
Important to know
- Program covers clear retainers only
- Valid for 10 years from date of orthodontic completion or enrollment date, whichever is later
- If teeth have shifted and a new scan is needed, the new retainer will maintain teeth in their current position — it will not move them back to their original alignment. If you want to correct shifting, a conversation with Dr. Vohra about treatment options is the right first step.
The program is available to all Oasis orthodontic patients at the completion of treatment, and to any patient who enrolls while their current retainer still fits their teeth properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Oasis Retainer Insurance Program?
It's a 10-year retainer coverage program available for a one-time enrollment fee of $795. When you enroll, we make 3D models of your teeth that you keep. Any time you need a new retainer — whether it's lost, broken, worn out, or just needs replacing — you bring in your models and pay a small co-pay starting at $20 per retainer. It's designed to make lifelong retainer wear as simple and affordable as possible. Ask about enrollment at the completion of your orthodontic treatment or at any maintenance appointment.
Can I enroll in the Retainer Insurance Program if I didn't have orthodontic treatment at Oasis?
Yes, as long as your current retainer still fits your teeth properly at the time of enrollment. Call or text us at (480) 926-4498 to find out if you're eligible.
Full-time wear is typically recommended for the first several months after treatment. After that, most patients move to nightly wear. The safest approach is to wear your retainer every night indefinitely — teeth can shift at any age, and nightly wear is a simple habit that protects your results for life.
What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?
Teeth will gradually drift back toward their original positions. The longer you go without wearing it, the more movement can occur. If your retainer no longer fits comfortably, don't force it — contact us. Depending on how much shifting has occurred, you may need a new retainer or some corrective treatment.
My retainer doesn't fit anymore — what should I do?
Call or text us at (480) 926-4498. Do not try to force a tight retainer — this can damage both the retainer and your teeth. Dr. Vohra will evaluate your current alignment and determine whether a new retainer is appropriate or whether some tooth movement has occurred that should be addressed first.
Can I get a retainer at Oasis if I had braces somewhere else?
Yes. We see patients for retainer fittings and replacements regardless of where they had their orthodontic treatment. Call or text us and we'll get you scheduled for a scan and new retainer.
How often should I replace my retainer?
Clear retainers typically last 1–3 years with good care, though this varies depending on how consistently they're worn and how well they're maintained. Signs it's time for a replacement include visible cracks, a poor or loose fit, persistent discoloration, or a bad smell that cleaning doesn't resolve.
Can I eat or drink with my retainer in?
Remove your retainer to eat anything and to drink anything other than plain water. Food can damage the retainer and trap bacteria against your teeth. Hot drinks warp the plastic. Always rinse your teeth and your retainer before reinserting.
How do I clean my retainer?
Rinse it with cool water every time you remove it. Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a dedicated retainer cleaner once daily. Avoid toothpaste — it's abrasive and will scratch the surface over time, making the retainer more prone to bacterial buildup.
Lost Retainers
Lost your removable retainer? We're here for you! Just give our Gilbert orthodontic office a call and we'll help you get a replacement as quickly as possible.
Straighter Smiles for Life
At Oasis Family Dentistry and Orthodontics, we're committed to providing an exceptional orthodontic experience to every patient, and that includes maintaining your beautiful smile after your treatment!
If you have questions about orthodontic retention, call our office today to speak with a member of our friendly team.
