Finishing your orthodontic treatment is a major milestone — but keeping your new smile straight requires ongoing care. At Scott Orthodontics in Silver Spring, MD, we help patients protect their investment in a straighter, healthier smile with high-quality, custom-fit retainers.
Whether you’ve just completed Invisalign, braces, or early orthodontic treatment, a retainer ensures your teeth stay in their new positions for the long run. With multiple options available and expert guidance from Dr. Stuart A. Scott, you can count on us to help you maintain your beautiful smile for years to come.
Silver Spring Retainers
A retainer is a custom-made orthodontic appliance designed to hold your teeth in place after active treatment. While braces or clear aligners shift your teeth into alignment, a retainer makes sure they stay there.
After treatment, your teeth are still vulnerable to movement — especially within the first year. Without a retainer, they can shift back toward their original position, a process known as orthodontic relapse. That’s why wearing a retainer is such an important part of completing your smile journey.
At Scott Orthodontics, we offer several types of retainers, all made with precision and comfort in mind, to support long-term success after Invisalign or braces.
What Are the Benefits Of Wearing a Retainer?
Protecting Your Results
Orthodontic treatment requires time, money, and commitment. Wearing your retainer as directed preserves the progress you’ve made and ensures your teeth stay beautifully aligned for years to come. It’s the final step in solidifying your results.
Preventing Future Treatment
Without proper retention, shifting teeth can undo your results — potentially requiring additional treatment later on. Retainers help you avoid the cost, hassle, and time commitment of needing braces or aligners a second time.
Improved Dental Health
Straight teeth are easier to clean, which lowers your risk for cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. A retainer keeps your smile aligned, helping you maintain good oral hygiene and long-term health.
Exploring Your Options
At Scott Orthodontics, we offer several types of retainers based on your unique smile and lifestyle. During your consultation, we’ll help you decide which option is best for you or your child.
Essix Retainers
Essix retainers are clear, plastic trays that resemble Invisalign aligners. They’re custom-molded to your teeth and fit snugly, making them discreet and easy to wear.
Pros:
- Virtually invisible
- Removable for eating and cleaning
- Comfortable and lightweight
Best for: Patients who want a subtle, removable option for night-time wear.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers are made with acrylic and a metal wire that runs across the front of your teeth. They are adjustable, durable, and allow for slight modifications if needed after treatment.
Pros:
- Long-lasting and repairable
- Adjustable for minor post-treatment corrections
- Easy to clean
Best for: Patients who prefer a more traditional and durable option.
Vivera Retainers
Vivera retainers are premium, digitally designed retainers made by Invisalign. They offer a tighter fit and are made from a material that’s 30% stronger than other clear plastic retainers.
Pros:
- Made by Invisalign using 3D scanning technology
- Strong, durable, and more resistant to cracking
- Comes in sets for future replacements
Best for: Invisalign patients or those looking for the most precise and durable clear retainer.
Permanent Retainers
Also known as fixed retainers, these are thin metal wires bonded to the back of your teeth, usually on the lower front teeth. They are not removable and are designed for long-term wear.
Pros:
- Always in place — no need to remember to wear it
- Great for maintaining alignment of lower teeth
- Invisible when smiling
Best for: Patients at high risk of relapse or those who prefer not to manage a removable appliance.
How Often Should I Wear My Retainer?
Retainer wear isn’t one-size-fits-all. Dr. Scott will customize a retention plan based on your specific needs. However, most patients will follow a timeline that looks something like this:
One to Four Months
Right after your braces or aligners come off, your teeth are still settling. During this period, full-time retainer wear is often recommended — about 20–22 hours per day. You’ll remove your retainer only for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Five to Nine Months
After the initial stabilization period, many patients can switch to nighttime-only wear. You’ll continue to wear your retainer every night while sleeping to maintain your results and prevent shifting.
10 Months and Beyond
Long-term, most orthodontists recommend wearing your retainer at night indefinitely. While your teeth may seem stable, natural aging and pressure from chewing can still cause shifting over time. A nighttime retainer routine keeps your smile straight for life.
Why Choose Scott Orthodontics
At Scott Orthodontics, we’re committed to giving you not only a straighter smile — but a smile that lasts.
Here’s why Silver Spring families trust us with their retainers and ongoing orthodontic care:
- Over 25 years of experience in orthodontics
- Led by Dr. Stuart A. Scott, a Platinum Plus+ Invisalign Provider
- Two convenient locations in Silver Spring and Mitchellville
- Privately owned, not part of a DSO
- Named a Top Doctor by Washingtonian Magazine
- Customized retention plans for every patient
- Retainer replacements, adjustments, and long-term support
- Transparent pricing and flexible payment options
Whether you’re finishing treatment with us or transferring care from another provider, we’re here to help you maintain a confident, healthy smile — for life.