Retainers
in Minnetonka, Wayzata & Excelsior
Protecting Your New Smile for the Long Run
Your orthodontic treatment doesn’t truly end when your braces come off or your Invisalign® aligners are finished. Retainers play a critical role in protecting the time and care you’ve invested in your smile, and at Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics, we make the retention phase simple, comfortable, and stress-free.
With three convenient locations in Minnetonka, Excelsior, and Wayzata, our friendly orthodontic team is here to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile for years to come.
Why Are Retainers So Important?
After orthodontic treatment, your teeth naturally want to shift back toward their original positions. A retainer helps hold your teeth in place while your bite and surrounding tissues stabilize.
Wearing your retainer as directed can help you:
- Maintain straight, beautiful teeth
- Protect the results of braces or Invisalign
- Reduce the need for future orthodontic retreatment
- Enjoy long-term confidence in your smile
Many adults come to us because they stopped wearing their retainers years ago. The good news? With the right guidance and consistency, retention can be easy and effective.
Types of Retainers We Offer
At Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics, we offer multiple retainer options so we can recommend what works best for your smile, lifestyle, and comfort level.
Clear Removable Retainers
Clear retainers are discreet, lightweight, and custom-made to fit comfortably over your teeth. They’re a popular choice for both teens and adults who want a low-profile option.
Traditional Hawley Retainers
These retainers use a thin wire and acrylic base and have been trusted for decades. They’re durable and adjustable, making them a reliable option for many patients.
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
A bonded retainer is attached to the back of your teeth and works behind the scenes to keep them aligned. Since it stays in place, there’s no need to remember to put in or take out.
How Long Will I Need to Wear My Retainer?
Every smile is different, but retainers are a long-term commitment. Most patients wear their retainers full-time at first, then transition to nighttime wear as recommended by their orthodontist.
Our team will give you clear, personalized instructions so you always know what’s best for your smile.
Caring for Your Retainer
Proper care helps your retainer last longer and keeps your smile healthy.
Helpful tips include:
- Clean your retainer daily with a gentle brush and mild soap
- Avoid hot water, which can warp clear retainers
- Store your retainer in its case when not in use
- Keep it away from pets (retainers make a good chew toy)
- Bring your retainer to checkups so we can ensure it still fits properly
If your retainer feels uncomfortable, cracked, or no longer fits, don’t wait. Early replacement can help prevent unwanted tooth movement.
Keep Your Smile Right Where It Belongs
At Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics, we’re here for you long after active treatment ends. From retainers to routine check-ins, our goal is to help you enjoy a confident, healthy smile for life in a calm, comfortable, and welcoming environment.
Ready to protect your smile? Schedule an appointment with us today!