FOREVERSMILE: The Key to Maintaining a Perfect Smile After Braces
Why Retainers Are a Must After Braces or Invisalign
Getting braces or Invisalign is a huge step toward achieving a straight, confident smile. But did you know that after the braces come off, your child's teeth can shift back if they don’t wear a retainer?
At Stone Oak Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we help children and adults maintain their smiles with the FOREVERSMILE Retainer Program—a long-term solution to prevent teeth from shifting after orthodontic treatment.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
✔ Why teeth shift after braces
✔ How FOREVERSMILE retainers work
✔ How to care for retainers properly
Why Do Teeth Move After Braces?
Even after months or years of orthodontic treatment, teeth have a natural tendency to move back into their original positions due to:
🔹 Ligament Memory – The ligaments holding your child’s teeth have a memory and try to move teeth back.
🔹 Jaw Growth – As your child grows, their jaw shifts, which can affect tooth alignment.
🔹 Everyday Habits – Eating, chewing, and even talking put pressure on teeth, causing minor movements.
🔹 Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) – Many kids grind their teeth, especially at night, which can slowly cause misalignment.
If your child doesn’t wear a retainer regularly, their teeth could shift within weeks, requiring additional orthodontic treatment.
How the FOREVERSMILE Retainer Program Works
At Stone Oak Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer a range of custom retainers based on your child’s needs.
🔹 Essix Retainers (Clear Retainers) – Discreet, plastic retainers that fit snugly over the teeth like Invisalign aligners.
🔹 Hawley Retainers – A durable acrylic-and-wire retainer that allows minor adjustments over time.
🔹 Bonded (Permanent) Retainers – A thin, fixed wire attached behind the teeth for long-term retention.
Why Choose the FOREVERSMILE Retainer Program?
✅ Custom-fit retainers for maximum comfort
✅ Made with durable, high-quality materials
✅ Virtually invisible options available
✅ Helps avoid costly orthodontic retreatments
✅ Flexible payment plans to make retainers affordable
🔗 Learn More About FOREVERSMILE Retainers
How Long Should My Child Wear Their Retainer?
To keep their smile looking perfect, your child should follow this schedule:
✔ First 6 Months: Full-time wear (except during meals).
✔ After 6 Months: Nighttime wear only.
✔ Long-Term: Nightly wear indefinitely to prevent gradual shifting.
Skipping nights or wearing a retainer inconsistently can cause teeth to shift back, making it harder to wear the retainer again.
Signs Your Child Needs a New Retainer
Over time, retainers wear out or become less effective. Here’s when it’s time for a replacement:
⚠ Retainer feels too tight or loose
⚠ Cracks or warping in the material
⚠ Persistent bad odor despite regular cleaning
⚠ Teeth look slightly misaligned
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment right away to prevent unwanted tooth movement.
📞 Call Us: (210) 750-6362
📍 Visit Us: 20507 Stone Oak Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78258
How to Take Care of Your FOREVERSMILE Retainer
Follow these simple care tips to extend the life of your child’s retainer:
✔ Rinse with water – After every use to remove bacteria.
✔ Brush gently – Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap (avoid toothpaste).
✔ Avoid hot water – Heat can warp the retainer’s shape.
✔ Store in a case – Never wrap it in a napkin (it could get thrown away!).
✔ Replace when needed – A worn-out retainer won’t keep teeth aligned.
Need a FOREVERSMILE Retainer? Book an Appointment Today!
At Stone Oak Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we provide custom FOREVERSMILE retainers to help children, teens, and adults maintain their straight smiles for life.
📞 Call Now: (210) 750-6362
📍 Visit Us: 20507 Stone Oak Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78258
📧 Email: info@stoneoakcdo.com
🕘 Hours: Monday–Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM | Saturday: By Appointment
🔹 Pediatric Dentistry | 🔹 Braces & Invisalign | 🔹 Emergency Dental Care
FAQs About Retainers & FOREVERSMILE
1. What happens if my child forgets to wear their retainer?
Teeth may start shifting back, making the retainer uncomfortable. If they go too long without wearing it, they might need a new retainer or additional orthodontic treatment.
2. How long do FOREVERSMILE retainers last?
With proper care, they can last several years, but should be replaced if they become worn, cracked, or stop fitting properly.
3. Can my child eat while wearing their retainer?
No, retainers should be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent damage.
4. What should I do if my child loses their retainer?
Contact us immediately to get a replacement retainer before teeth start shifting.
5. Do you offer payment plans for retainers?
Yes! We offer flexible payment options to make orthodontic care affordable for all families.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Child’s Smile Straight for Life
Braces or Invisalign are just the first step—retainers ensure long-term results. With a FOREVERSMILE retainer, your child can enjoy a confident, beautifully aligned smile for years to come.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, comfortable retainer for your child in San Antonio, visit Stone Oak Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics today.
📞 Call Now: (210) 750-6362
🔹 Braces & Invisalign | 🔹 Retainers | 🔹 Emergency Orthodontic Care
🔗 Learn More About FOREVERSMILE Retainers
