Retainers at Kirk Orthodontics
A True Kirk Ortho Smile!
Your new smile is worth protecting!
That’s why every patient at Kirk Orthodontics receives a custom retainer—designed to keep your results looking great.
Our Modern Retainer Options
Essix Clear Retainer
Discrete & effective
Essix retainers are made from a thin, transparent plastic that fits snugly over your teeth, making them nearly invisible. These retainers are easy to wear, comfortable, and ideal for maintaining your smile without the look of traditional wires. Worn nightly, they provide an effective way to keep your teeth in place long-term after teen or adult treatment.
Theroux Retainer
For growing smiles
Theroux retainers are specially designed for children who have completed early (phase I) orthodontic treatment. They help maintain expansion and alignment while allowing baby teeth to fall out and adult teeth to erupt properly. They’re comfortable to wear at night and help set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Hawley Retainer
Customizable & adjustable
Hawley retainers are a classic removable option, featuring a metal wire across the front teeth and an acrylic base that rests against the palate. Known for their durability, these retainers can be adjusted over time if needed. They come in a variety of colours and patterns, making them a fun, personalized choice for maintaining a growing and changing smile after early orthodontic treatment.
Will my teeth move after orthodontic treatment?
The short answer: not if you wear your retainers as instructed.
Teeth have a natural tendency to shift over time, and without retainers, they may gradually move out of alignment. While orthodontic treatment places your teeth in a healthier, more aesthetic position, it doesn’t permanently lock them in place—some degree of movement is always possible.
We can’t predict whose teeth will shift and whose won’t, which is why we recommend lifetime nightly retainer wear for everyone. Consistently wearing your retainer is the easiest way to maintain your beautiful, confident smile for the long run.
And no—wisdom teeth aren’t to blame for shifting teeth. While tooth movement often happens around the same time wisdom teeth erupt, research shows they are not the cause. The best way to keep your smile straight? Wear your retainer every night!
The Kirk Ortho Smile Assurance Plan
Your 5-Year Smile Protection Plan
Keeping your smile looking great doesn’t stop when your orthodontic treatment ends—retainers play a key role in maintaining your results! That’s why we offer Smile Assurance, an optional program for our patients, designed to make retainer replacements simple and stress-free.
With Smile Assurance, you can enjoy the confidence of knowing that if you ever need a new retainer, you’re covered. Whether it’s due to everyday wear, an accidental loss, or just the need for a fresh fit, this program ensures you have easy access to the retainers you need to keep your smile in place.
Why Consider Smile Assurance?
Long-Term Retainer Coverage – No more worrying about unexpected retainer costs.
Easy Replacements – Hassle-free access to new retainers when you need them.
Consistent Retention – Protect the investment you’ve made in your smile.
Our team is happy to discuss if Smile Assurance is the right fit for you! Ask us at your next visit or reach out to learn more.
Let’s talk about retainers.
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Yes! Retainers keep your teeth in place after treatment. Without them, your teeth may shift back over time.
After phase I (early) treatments, we usually recommend nighttime wear only.
After full braces or Invisalign treatments, we usually recommend full time wear for several months, followed by long-term nighttime wear. -
For best results, we recommend wearing your retainer full-time for the first few months, then transitioning to nighttime wear for life to maintain your smile. Our early treatment patients generally wear their retainers nighttime only.
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Contact us right away so we can make a replacement. Wearing your retainer as instructed is the best way to protect your investment in your new smile!
Need a new retainer? Give us a call.