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Orthodontic Retainers Prestwich Orthodontics in Minot, ND
Smiles by Prestwich Orthodontics

Orthodontic Retainers to Maintain A Straight Smile

Completing your orthodontic treatment is a significant milestone, but maintaining your results requires consistent retainer wear. At Prestwich Orthodontics, we provide high-quality removable Vivera™ retainers to help keep your smile straight and beautiful for years to come. In some cases, a permanent (fixed) retainer may also be recommended, depending on your individual orthodontic needs.

Why Wearing a Retainer Is Important

After braces or Invisalign treatment, your teeth need time to stabilize in their new positions. Without a retainer, they may gradually shift back, undoing your hard work. Wearing your retainer as instructed by Dr. Tyler Prestwich is essential for long-term success.

Removable Retainers

At Prestwich Orthodontics, we offer Vivera™ retainers, a premium, durable option made using iTero™ digital scans. Once your active orthodontic treatment is complete, you will receive a set of removable Vivera retainers to stabilize your teeth.  Why we like Vivera retainers:

  • Made by Invisalign® and, just like Invisalign clear aligners, these retainers are accurately trimmed to your gum line for a comfortable fit.  
  • Made of material with exceptional strength and longevity compared to other leading clear retainer materials.2
  • Vivera retainers have the strength and durability to withstand teeth grinding.3

During the first few months, it’s important to wear your retainers consistently as your teeth and surrounding bone structure continue to adjust. 

How to Wear Your Retainer

  • First Three Months: Wear your retainer at least 12 hours a day to allow your teeth to stabilize.
  • After Three Months: Switch to nighttime-only wear to keep your teeth in alignment.
  • Long-Term: Since teeth can shift over time, we recommend wearing your retainer indefinitely to preserve your smile.

How to Care for Your Retainer

  • Keep it clean – Brush gently with mild soap and a soft toothbrush. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface.
  • Avoid heat exposure – Retainers should be kept away from heaters, hot water, dishwashers, car dashboards, or any environment where temperatures exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Store properly – Always keep your retainer in its protective case when not in use.
  • Keep away from pets – Dogs and other pets may chew on retainers if left within reach.
  • Replace as needed – Retainers naturally wear out over time and will need periodic replacement.

Lost or Damaged Retainers

Because retainers are worn for years, they may need to be replaced periodically. Your original treatment plan includes one set of retainers after your braces or Invisalign treatment is complete. If retainers are lost or damaged due to neglect, there will be a charge for a replacement. If your retainer becomes loose or breaks, contact our office immediately to prevent unwanted tooth movement.

Dental Examinations and Cleanings

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. Continue proper brushing and flossing habits at home, and visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and examinations.

Wondrous Facts

Bluey, an Australian cattle dog, was the world’s oldest dog at 29.5 years old.

Animals can be allergic to human dander, aka our dead skin cells.

It is impossible for most people to lick their own elbow. (Try it!)

Like fingerprints, everyone’s tongue print is different.

Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.

“Stewardesses” is the longest word that is typed with only the left hand.

Snails have more teeth than humans, with over 25,000 tiny teeth.

Giraffes only have bottom teeth, which they use to comb leaves off branches.

Ancient Egyptians used a mixture of ground charcoal, salt, and pepper as toothpaste.

The first toothbrush was invented in China in the 15th century and was made from bamboo twigs.

In 1994, a West Virginia prison inmate braided dental floss into a rope, scaled the wall, and escaped!

In the 1800s, blacksmiths and barbers also served as dentists.

Sports-related injuries account for approximately 5 million missing teeth per year.

The most valuable tooth belonged to Sir Isaac Newton. In 1816, one of his teeth was sold in London for $3,633.00, or in today’s terms, $35,700.00. The tooth was set in a ring.

Dolphins use their teeth to grab only, not to chew, as dolphins’ jaws have no muscles.

In 200 A.D., the Romans used a mixture of bones, eggshells, oyster shells, and honey to clean their teeth.

Orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists: only about 5% of dentists become orthodontists. This specialization requires additional training after dental school.

There are about 1.8 million heads of cattle in North Dakota, more than twice the number of people.

The famous breakfast staple cream of wheat was first made in Grand Norks, North Dakota, by Wheat Millers in 1893.

North Dakota is the no. 1 producer of honey in the nation. Check out the North Dakota bee map.

The world’s largest hamburger was eaten in Rutland, North Dakota. It weighed 3,591 pounds and more than 8,000 people were invited to the meal.

The eastern portion of North Dakota is a flat valley. With its mineral-rich soil, it is among the world’s most fertile areas.  That’s why it is filled with productive farms that feed the U.S.  It is interesting to note that the valley was once the floor of an ancient lake. 

North Dakota is home to more wildlife refuges (63) than any other state. Wildlife viewing and birding opportunities are abundant.