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Retainers in Santa Rosa

  • Keep your smile straight, healthy, and beautiful with Sonoma County's digital orthodontic specialists

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Retainers: the key to preserving your hard-earned smile

You’ve worked hard to develop a healthy and appealing smile—now it’s essential to retain it! A retainer is a custom-made oral appliance used to maintain the alignment of your teeth after your orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign is complete.

Teeth tend to shift as you age. Your retainer ensures that your teeth remain in correct alignment for optimal oral health, function, and appearance. A retainer can last for years if you take good care of it.

Types of retainers:

Hawley retainers

Hawley retainers

This is the classic removable retainer, consisting of metal clasps embedded in an acrylic body that fits against the roof of the mouth or behind the lower teeth. The clasps fit around certain teeth to anchor the retainer in place, while a wire runs across the front of the teeth to maintain their alignment. With proper care, a hawley retainer can last up to 10 years.

Clear retainers

Clear retainers are also removable but look similar to clear Invisalign aligners. They are made of clear plastic and fit snugly over the teeth. A clear retainer is usually more discreet than a Hawley retainer, being transparent and without any clasps or wires, although it may not be as durable.

Fixed retainers

Fixed retainers

Fixed retainers are also called bonded or permanent retainers. They are attached with a dental bonding agent to the backside of the lower front teeth to prevent the teeth from shifting out of place. Fixed retainers can only be removed by the orthodontist, so they do not require effort from the patient to wear them properly.

Caring for your retainer: Guidance from Santa Rosa's orthodontic experts

Always wear it

Dr. Lynskey will provide clear instructions on how long you will need a retainer and how many hours each day to wear it. Following these guidelines is vital to preserving your hard-earned smile.

Brush it daily

Every time you brush your teeth, brush your retainer. It’s important to keep your retainer free from plaque and food particles that can invite tooth decay and gum disease. You can also soak it in denture cleaner, but daily brushing is essential.

Case it immediately

If it’s not in your mouth, it’s in its case. Retainers are easily lost, especially in lunchrooms and restaurants. Your retainer case also protects it from damage or from becoming your pet’s chew toy.

Getting a replacement retainer in Santa Rosa

If you’ve lost or broken your retainer, Lynskey Orthodontics provides rapid, high-quality replacements throughout Santa Rosa and Sonoma County.

Because we use advanced onsite 3D printing technology, we can create a new, custom-fitted retainer directly from your digital scans, often with zero wait time.

Simply call our Montgomery Drive office or book a consultation online, and we’ll have your 3D-printed retainer ready to keep your smile perfectly aligned.

If you need a replacement now, use the following link.

I need a new retainer!
The fact they use a 3-D printer to make my retainer blew me away. Dr. Lynskey is very patient and friendly and her staff was kind, helpful, and had a sense of humor. They use technology well to make the whole process easier for the patient. I would happily refer this practice.

— Martha A.

Santa Rosa, CA

Why choose Lynskey Orthodontics in Santa Rosa?

Dr. Lynskey wants to keep your smile straight, healthy, and beautiful. She’ll choose a retainer that matches your orthodontic needs and your lifestyle. We print your retainer onsite in our 3D printing lab, meaning zero wait time for a new retainer and quick turnarounds if it’s lost or damaged.

Dr. Lynskey has been a certified orthodontist since 1999 and is one of California’s most experienced digital orthodontic specialists. Supporting her are a team of dental professionals who bring over 60 years of combined expertise.

Conveniently located at 95 Montgomery Dr, we are just a few blocks from Montgomery Village and Santa Rosa High School.

Why choose Lynskey Orthodontics in Santa Rosa?
  • If you have any questions about orthodontics or retainers, we're always happy to talk!
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Frequently asked questions

Why is wearing a retainer important after orthodontic treatment?

The retainer protects your investment in orthodontic care. It maintains the new position of your teeth after braces or Invisalign. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their previous positions, especially in the first few months after treatment. Retainers stabilize your teeth and ensure your or your child’s smile stays aligned long-term.
The duration varies depending on individual treatment plans, but typically, full-time retainer wear is recommended for three to six months after orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign has finished. Many patients then transition to wearing retainers only at night. Some adults and children may need to wear retainers indefinitely at night to maintain alignment, as your teeth can shift throughout life. Dr. Lynskey will provide a personalized schedule based on your or your child’s unique needs.
Proper retainer care is essential to keep it clean and functional. Removable retainers should be cleaned daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a retainer cleaner—avoid toothpaste as it can be abrasive. Always store your retainer in its case when not in use to prevent damage or loss. Fixed retainers require diligent oral hygiene, including flossing with special tools to clean around the wire. Dr. Lynskey will provide clear guidelines for your specific case, and regular dental check-ups will help ensure your retainer and teeth stay healthy.

Some initial discomfort is normal as your mouth adjusts to the retainer, but if you have persistent pain or sores, contact us. If your retainer breaks, cracks, or no longer fits properly, stop wearing it and contact us promptly, and we’ll 3D print you a new one. Wearing a damaged or ill-fitting retainer can harm your teeth alignment. Call us at the number below or click here to contact us now.

If you’ve lost or broken your retainer, we can 3D-print you a new one directly from your digital scans that we keep on file at Lynskey Orthodontics. Simply call our Montgomery Drive office at the number below or book a consultation online, and we’ll have your new retainer ready the same day.

No referral is needed – you can schedule a complimentary consultation directly with our Santa Rosa office.

Conveniently located at

  • Just minutes from Rohnert Park, CA and Windsor, CA