Retainers & Retainer Replacement

Retainers and Retainer Replacement in Burbank, CA

Keep Your Straighter Smile in Place

Finishing braces or aligners is a big milestone, but teeth can drift back toward their old positions without support. At Empower Dental Group, Burbank – Coastland Dental, we make custom retainers after orthodontic treatment and replace retainers that are lost, cracked, or no longer fit, even if your treatment was done elsewhere.

A well-fitted retainer is the simplest way to protect the time and money you put into straightening your teeth. Learn about all of our alignment options on our orthodontics in Burbank page.

Protect Your Results for the Long Run

A lost or damaged retainer is worth addressing quickly, since even a short gap in wear may allow teeth to shift.

Call our Burbank office or book online to schedule a retainer check or replacement.

What Is a Retainer?

A retainer is a custom appliance that holds teeth in their corrected positions while the bone and ligaments around them settle. It is usually the final phase of treatment with braces or clear aligners, and many people wear one at night for years.

The American Association of Orthodontists shares additional information about retainers and why ongoing wear matters.

We offer several retainer styles and can help you choose the one that suits your habits:

Clear Removable Retainers

Thin plastic trays fit snugly over your teeth and are barely noticeable when worn.

Wire and Acrylic Retainers

A durable wire across the front teeth attaches to an acrylic base that rests against the palate.

Bonded Retainers

A thin wire is fixed behind the front teeth, so there is nothing to remember to put in each night.

Backup Sets

A spare retainer can keep you covered while traveling or if your primary set is damaged.

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* Financing is offered through independent third-party lenders. Approval, rates, fees, terms, and available repayment periods are determined by the respective provider. Contact our office or review the provider’s application for current options.

How Retainer Replacement Works

Replacing a retainer is usually straightforward. Here is what a typical visit involves.

Fit and Alignment Check

We look at your teeth and any retainer you still have to see whether shifting has occurred.

3D Digital Scan

A quick digital scan records your current tooth positions without messy impression trays.

Fabrication

Your new retainer is made from the scan to match the exact contours of your teeth.

Fitting and Wear Plan

We confirm the fit, show you how to insert and clean it, and set your wear schedule.

Signs It Is Time for a New Retainer

Retainers wear out like any other appliance. Schedule a visit if you notice any of the following.

It Was Lost

Retainers are easy to leave on a lunch tray or napkin, and going without one can let teeth move.

It Is Cracked or Warped

Heat, chewing, or drops can bend plastic or wire, which reduces how well it holds teeth.

It Feels Loose or Tight

A change in fit may mean the appliance has stretched or your teeth have begun to shift.

A Bonded Wire Came Loose

A detached fixed retainer should be repaired soon so the front teeth stay aligned.

It Looks Cloudy or Worn

Buildup, odor, or thin spots are signs the retainer may be past its useful life.

Caring for Your Retainer

Good daily habits help your retainer last longer and stay fresh. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Rinse after removing it – Rinse with cool water to wash away saliva and debris.
  • Clean it gently – Use a soft brush and mild soap, since toothpaste can scratch clear plastic.
  • Avoid heat – Hot water, dishwashers, and sunny dashboards can warp the material.
  • Use the case – Store it in its case whenever it is out of your mouth.
  • Bring it to checkups – We can check the fit during your regular exams and cleanings.

Cost, Insurance, and Financing

The fee for a retainer depends on the style you choose and whether you need one arch or both. We accept all PPO plans in network, along with HSA and FSA. Some orthodontic benefits include retainers, and we can check your plan. Financing through CareCredit, Affirm, HFD, Alphaeon, and Happen Bank is also available, subject to approval. Visit our financing and insurance page for details.

Your Next Steps in Burbank

If your teeth have already shifted, our team can talk with you about whether a new retainer or additional alignment makes sense. To schedule a retainer visit, contact our Burbank office.

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Contact our Burbank office to discuss available payment options. Use the links below to review each provider’s current application terms.

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Let’s bring out the best in your smile—with the technology, experience, and care you deserve.

At Coastland Dental in Burbank, CA, advanced tools mean better care. By investing in the latest dental technology, we diagnose with greater accuracy, treat with more precision, and help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile—often with less discomfort along the way.

Retainer Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to wear a retainer?

Most people wear a retainer full time for a period after treatment, then switch to nightly wear. Many patients continue nightly wear long term to keep teeth from shifting.

What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?

Teeth may slowly move back toward their original positions. The longer a retainer goes unworn, the more noticeable the shift can become.

Can you replace a retainer if I had braces elsewhere?

Yes. We can scan your teeth and make a new retainer even if your orthodontic treatment was completed at another office.

My old retainer feels tight. Should I keep wearing it?

Mild snugness can happen after a few missed nights. If it will not seat fully or causes pain, stop forcing it and schedule a fit check.

How often should a retainer be replaced?

It depends on the type and how well it is cared for. Clear retainers tend to wear faster than wire retainers, and we can assess yours at checkups.

Which is better, a fixed or removable retainer?

Each has pros and cons. A bonded retainer works without daily effort, while a removable one is easier to clean around. We help you choose based on your habits.

How do I clean a clear retainer?

Rinse it after removal and brush it gently with mild soap and cool water. Avoid toothpaste, hot water, and harsh cleaners that can scratch or warp it.

Can I eat with my retainer in?

Remove removable retainers before eating and before drinking anything other than water. Food and sugary drinks can get trapped under the plastic.

What if my bonded retainer wire breaks?

Call our Burbank office soon. A loose or broken wire can let front teeth shift, and repair is usually simple when caught early.

Does insurance cover retainer replacement?

We accept all PPO plans in network, along with HSA and FSA. Some plans cover replacement retainers, and we check your benefits for you.

Affordable Dental Financing Options

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At Coastland Dental, we believe high-quality care should be accessible to every patient. To make treatment more affordable, we partner with trusted financing providers. Available plans, interest rates, and repayment terms vary by provider and are subject to approval. Contact our office or review the provider’s application for current options.

  • Apply with a soft credit check—no impact on your score
  • Fast approval process, often the same day
  • Plans available to fit a variety of budgets
  • Financing options for nearly all dental services

From implants and crowns to cosmetic treatments and smile makeovers, our financing options are designed to help you move forward with your care—without delay.

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LifeTime Warranty

At Coastland Dental, we stand behind the quality of our work with warranties tailored to your specific treatment. Our fixed hybrid prosthetics include a Lifetime Warranty, provided you maintain your recommended hygiene visits and ongoing care. For crowns and other fixed restorations, we offer a 5-year warranty as long as you keep up with regular exams, cleanings, and any dentist-recommended maintenance.

To stay eligible for warranty protection, you’ll need to complete all suggested maintenance at the intervals outlined by the provider or manufacturer. Failure to follow and document routine care could lead to reduced or voided coverage. Proof of service may be required if a claim is submitted.