Forever Aligned Club is always looking for ways to give you the best quality, comfort, and durability in your orthodontic after care products. That’s why we are switching from traditional Biocryl and Zendura thermoformed retainers to DCA Direct-Print Retainers & Aligners.
You’ll receive retainers that are more comfortable, longer-lasting, and precisely tailored to your smile. It’s the same great care you expect from us with the latest technology working in your favor.
What’s Changing?
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Old Way: Retainers were made by heating and pressing plastic sheets (Biocryl or Zendura) over a model of your teeth. This process could create weak spots, uneven thickness, and more chances for cracks or breakage.
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New Way: Our DCA retainers are direct 3D-printed with advanced materials. This gives a stronger, more consistent fit that lasts longer.
The Benefits for You:
✅ Better durability – less risk of cracks or breakage
✅ Consistent comfort – smooth, uniform thickness across every retainer
✅ Faster replacement – digital printing means quicker turnaround if you ever need a new one
✅ Eco-friendly process – reduces waste compared to older methods
✅ Trusted & safe – FDA-cleared and CE-certified
Retainer Questions
As many times as you wish within your 3 year membership.
Simply e-mail us at [email protected] and one of our staff members will be happy to help.
If you have any questions, just reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!
Lab production time, plus estimated shipping time, should result in your retainer arriving within 7-10 business days of your order. If you have not received your shipment please contact us at [email protected]
Lab production time plus estimated shipping time should result in your retainer arriving within 7-10 business days of your order.
Please note: Shipping times may vary depending on your location. While we work hard to process and ship orders promptly, delivery may be delayed due to carrier transit times, distance, or regional factors outside of our control. Orders placed outside of our business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM) will be processed the next business day.
Yes, this is totally normal. Since it has been close to 10 days since your scan appointment your teeth may have ever so slightly shifted, but after wearing your retainer for a few days this tight feeling should go away.
As with any appliance worn in the mouth, it can get pretty gross and may eventually even crack. We recommend changing out retainers once every 3 months.
Only your orthodontist can accurately answer this question. Generally speaking, however, retainers should be worn as much as possible for the first 4 to 6 months after treatment and thereafter at least 8 hours per day.
Brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture cleaner as instructed by your orthodontist. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or the dishwasher – it will melt!
Scanner Questions
After you register and place your first retainer order, one of our Scan Providers will contact you to schedule your 3D scan appointment.
Our 3D Scan Providers are doctors, dental assistants, and dental hygienists. All of them have been fully certified and trained in intra-oral 3D scanning. Our Forever Aligned Club Scan Providers can also help answer any questions you may have about your service, the scanning process, and 3D scanning technology.
Your scan appointment should take about 15 to 20 minutes.
No. The intra-oral 3D scanner captures thousands of pictures per second of your teeth and gums to create a digital file of your smile – absolutely no pain involved!
We have lots of scanning centers! After you’ve registered and ordered your first retainers, the scanning center closest to where you live will contact you to set up your appointment.
Your new dental work has probably shifted your teeth and this is why your retainer no longer fits. To request a rescan please call or email our customer service staff and we will be happy to organize a new scan for you. [email protected]
Learn how and why retainers work
Instructions for your impression kit
We will send impression trays for you to use in the privacy of your home. Be sure to send us an impression of your upper and lower teeth, apply the return shipping label onto the packaging and send back to us. We will create models and submit your scan file on your behalf. Be sure to go online and purchase the replacement retainers you need if you haven’t already done so.
What is a Traditional Orthodontic Retainer?
A traditional “wire” retainer is a classic, durable orthodontic appliance designed to maintain your teeth’s alignment after braces or orthodontic treatment. It consists of two key components:
1. Acrylic Baseplate: This custom-molded part fits snugly against the roof of your mouth (for upper retainers) or along the tongue-side of your lower teeth (for lower retainers). It comes in various colors and designs, allowing for personalization.
2. Metal Wire Framework: A thin, high-grade stainless steel wire runs along the front of your teeth, gently holding them in place. Small adjustment loops allow doctors to fine-tune the retainer for optimal fit and function.
Benefits of a Traditional Retainer
* Adjustability: The metal wire can be adjusted to ensure teeth remain in the correct position.
* Durability: Made of strong materials, it is long-lasting and resistant to damage.
* Ease of Use: Easy to remove for eating, brushing, and cleaning.
How It Works
The traditional retainer prevents teeth from shifting back to their original positions by applying consistent pressure, ensuring the stability of your orthodontic results. It DOES NOT control up and down position of teeth as well as a clear retainer because it does not cover the biting edges of teeth. It is typically worn full-time initially and later transitioned to nighttime wear as recommended by your doctor.
If cared for properly, a traditional retainer can last for years, helping you maintain a straight, beautiful smile – just don’t “accidentally” bend the wire or you’ll experience unwanted tooth movement!!!
What is a Clear Orthodontic Retainer?
A clear (plastic) retainer is a sleek, nearly invisible appliance designed to keep your teeth in perfect alignment after orthodontic treatment. Made from a smooth, transparent plastic material, this retainer is custom-molded to fit snugly over your teeth for maximum comfort and effectiveness. It is SUPERIOR to a traditional retainer because it covers the entire tooth, including the biting edges.
Features of a Clear Retainer
1. Clear Design: Its transparent appearance makes it discreet and ideal for those who want a subtle retainer option.
2. Custom Fit: The retainer is crafted from an exact mold of your teeth, ensuring a precise, comfortable fit.
3. Full Coverage: Covers all teeth in an arch (upper or lower), protecting your smile and preventing unwanted movement.
Benefits of an Clear Retainer
* Discreet: Its clear design makes it almost unnoticeable, blending seamlessly with your smile.
* Comfortable: Made from lightweight, flexible material, it feels natural when worn.
* Easy to Maintain: Simple to clean and easy to remove for eating, brushing, and flossing.
* Versatile: Can also act as a protective guard against grinding (bruxism) or other habits.
* Disposable: 3D printing has made clear retainers the most affordable option of all retainers for patients. These should be replaced at least yearly due to the flexibility of plastics. They tend to warp or fatigue over time, which could eventually allow unwanted movement to occur.
How It Works
The clear retainer maintains the alignment of your teeth by holding them in place after braces or aligners. It provides gentle, consistent pressure to prevent teeth from shifting. Most patients start by wearing it full-time and later transition to nighttime wear as directed by their doctor.
With proper care, your clear retainers can keep your smile straight and beautiful for years to come, and at an affordable price!
What is a Spring Retainer?
An orthodontic spring retainer is a specialized appliance designed to both maintain and make minor adjustments to the alignment of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. Unlike traditional retainers, a spring retainer uses built-in springs, or flexible 3D printed plastic to gently move or correct teeth that may have shifted slightly.
Features of a Spring Retainer
1. Acrylic Baseplate: Custom-made to fit comfortably along the roof of your mouth (upper retainer) or behind your lower teeth (lower retainer).
2. Metal or Plastic Springs: Strategically placed springs exert gentle, controlled pressure to guide teeth into proper alignment.
3. Framework: Thin wires or memory shaped plastic help stabilize teeth for optimal results.
Benefits of a Spring Retainer
* Minor Tooth Movement: Ideal for correcting small shifts or relapse after braces.
* Custom Fit: Made specifically for your teeth, ensuring comfort and precise adjustments.
* Versatile: Functions as both a retainer and a minor correction tool.
* Durability: Built with high-quality materials for long-lasting use.
How It Works
The spring retainer applies gentle, targeted pressure to move specific teeth back into alignment, while simultaneously preventing other teeth from shifting. It’s commonly used for patients who experience slight movement after braces or aligners but don’t need a full orthodontic treatment.
With proper wear and care, a spring retainer can quickly refine your smile and maintain long-term alignment, helping you achieve the perfect results you desire!
