Retainers at Showtime Orthodontics

After completing your orthodontic treatment, retainers play a crucial role in preserving your result. Showtime Orthodontics offers top-quality, custom retainers designed to hold your teeth in position and prevent them from shifting as the years go by. Our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Jeff Shao, and team ensure that each retainer is comfortable and functions well, giving you long-term stability after braces or aligner treatment. Schedule your appointment today at (832) 663-9191 to learn about our Retainer practice.

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Why Retainers Matter

Retainers are more than an orthodontic afterthought—they're part and parcel of the treatment process. Even once your braces or aligners have finished what they were designed to do, your teeth naturally want to revert to their pre-treatment position. Retainers help maintain your teeth's new positions by holding them in place while the surrounding bone and tissues adjust.

Irregular or occasional retainer use will lead to noticeable shifting within a relatively short time. Adherence to directions for wearing your retainer is required to maintain the investment of your orthodontic work.

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Types of Retainers Available

At Showtime Orthodontics, we offer various retainer options to suit different needs and individual preferences. Dr. Shao will recommend the most appropriate option for your treatment, oral structure, and lifestyle.

• Clear Retainers (Essix)

Clear retainers are fragile, transparent, and custom-molded to your teeth. They are made from delicate plastics, are easy to wear, and are nearly invisible. Clear retainers work best for those who need a sneaky solution and are most often custom-fitted after Invisalign or clear aligner treatment.

• Fixed (Bonded) Retainers

Bonded retainers are wires bonded to the back of teeth, typically from the lower front teeth. They are perfect for patients who want permanent retention without wearing a daily removable retainer. Fixed retainers require vigilance with hygiene and check-ups, but are highly effective in maintaining teeth's position.

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Personalized Retainer Plans

No two mouths or retainer requirements are alike. Your retainer process at Showtime Orthodontics is customized to your case. Dr. Shao will assess your orthodontic history, mouth anatomy, and outcome to design a retention strategy that provides the optimal long-term outcome.

Your treatment plan will also include a map for wearing your retainer every day, caring for it, and determining if it is damaged or misfitted. Follow-ups allow us to review the retainer's functioning and fix any issues.

Retainer Fitting and Delivery Process

After active orthodontic treatment, we begin with a digital impression or scan of your teeth. We can achieve an exact fit that is harmonious with your teeth's new position using advanced imaging technology.

Once your custom retainer is fabricated, Dr. Shao will check it for fit and comfort and provide clear instructions for use. You'll receive a case to store your retainer, and our team will explain how to clean and maintain it properly.

If you opt for a bonded retainer, Dr. Shao will bond the wire behind your teeth in a simple in-office appointment. The procedure is fast, painless, and does not involve anesthesia.

Care and Maintenance of Retainers

Good care prolongs the life of your retainer and maintains your oral health. Below are the main guidelines we give all our patients:

• Wear your retainer full-time unless you are told otherwise.
• Remove it while you're eating and never leave it in its case.
• Wash it daily with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush.
• Don't use hot water, which will warp plastic retainers.
• Don't leave it in front of your pets—especially your dogs, who will chew on them.
• Don't wrap it around napkins or place it in your pocket.
• Bring your retainer to all your appointments so we can check the fit.
• Call us if it hurts, is broken, or doesn't fit anymore.

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Retainers for All Ages

Whether you're a teen who just completed orthodontic treatment or an adult finishing a corrective procedure later in life, retainers are critical to aligning your teeth. Dr. Shao sees patients of all ages and accommodates ways to personalize retention techniques to their needs. Children will likely have to be retightened as their mouths develop, but adults prefer long-term solutions that fit into professional and personal calendars.

Replacement Retainers

Life happens. Retainers tend to get misplaced, cracked, or worn out. That is why we offer convenient and expedient replacement services. If you need a new retainer, call our office, and we will have you back in line in no time with a replacement. We retain your digital impressions for easy fabrication and are here to guide you through every step.

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Checking On Your Retention Progress

Wearing your retainer is only the beginning. Scheduling regular visits allows us to check that it's functioning as intended. At Showtime Orthodontics, we schedule follow-up visits to check for your retainer's proper fit and longevity and watch for any unwanted tooth movement.

When adjustments are necessary, we'll address them immediately. Preventive care enables us to keep your results on track for the long term.

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Why Choose Showtime Orthodontics for Retainers?

Dr. Jeff Shao is a board-certified orthodontist with over 14 years of experience. He combines technical skills with a commitment to personalized care. At Showtime Orthodontics, you're not just getting a retainer—you're getting a full retention program backed by experience, advanced technology, and outstanding support.

Our practice has been voted Best Orthodontics in The Woodlands (2016–2023, 2025), and we are honored to serve The Woodlands, Spring, Magnolia, Conroe, and North Houston communities.

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Schedule Your Retainer Appointment

Ready to protect your orthodontic investment? If you're finishing treatment or need a replacement, Showtime Orthodontics is here to help. Call us to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Shao and get expert guidance on your retainer options.