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FAQ

Retainer Questions

How many times can I get a replacement retainer?

As many times as you wish within your 5 year membership.

What happens if my retainer doesn’t fit?

Simply e-mail us at [email protected] and one of our staff members will be happy to help.

I have a question, now what?

If you have any questions, just reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!

My retainer didn’t arrive in the mail?

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]

How long will it take to get my replacement retainer?

Lab production time plus estimated shipping time should result in your retainer arriving within 7-10 business days of your order.

My replacement retainer feels tight. Is this normal?

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.

How long will my retainer last?

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.

How long should I wear my retainer each day?

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.

How should I clean my retainer?

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

How do I get my scan?

After you register and place your first retainer order, one of our Scan Providers will contact you to schedule your 3D scan appointment.

What qualifications does my scanner have?

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.

How long does the scanning appointment take?

Your scan appointment should take about 15 to 20 minutes.

Does an intra-oral 3D scan hurt?

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!

Where is the scanner center located?

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.

I am already a Forever Retainer member and I have already had my scan, but recently I had dental work and now my retainer no longer fits?

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

What are retainers?
A retainer is a piece of plastic that is custom-made for each individual. A retainer fits over your teeth and keeps your teeth in place. Retainers are very common. In fact, almost all people who have finished orthodontic treatment are given a retainer to wear by their orthodontist in order to keep their teeth from shifting. There are also other uses for retainers like closing small gaps in teeth, helping speech problems, and solving certain other medical issues. Forever Retainers are created from clear, flexible plastic which is thermoformed over a 3D printed model of your teeth.
What do retainers do?
Retainers hold, or retain, your teeth in their final position after active orthodontic treatment is completed. Typically, for the first 4 to 6 months a retainer should be worn as much as possible, while beyond that it is fine to wear retainers when you sleep only, however, your orthodontist is the only one who can specifically instruct how to wear your retainers.
Why are retainers important?
Retainers are just as important as the braces that straightened your teeth. After successful completion of orthodontic treatment, it’s the retainer’s job to keep teeth from shifting back to wear they started from. Failing to wear your retainer can lead to teeth moving, or shifting, and in some cases can result in another round of orthodontic treatment!

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.

DIY impression kit | DIY options

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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!