Retainers in Chicago, IL
Preserve Your New Smile with Custom Retention Solutions
After completing orthodontic treatment like Invisalign or braces, wearing a retainer is essential to maintaining your new tooth alignment. At Ramy Bahu, DDS, we provide custom retainers designed for lasting comfort, durability, and optimal fit. Whether you’re beginning the retention phase or need retainer repair, our team ensures your results stay exactly where they should be.
We serve patients across Streeterville, River North, South Loop, and surrounding downtown neighborhoods with personalized follow-up care.
Why Retainers Are Important
Once orthodontic treatment ends, your teeth naturally begin to shift back to their original positions. A retainer helps prevent this relapse by holding your teeth in their new alignment while your jawbone and gums stabilize.
Retainers are typically worn:
- Full-time for the first few months after treatment
- Nightly or part-time thereafter, depending on your case
- Long-term to maintain results and prevent crowding
We create a retainer plan tailored to your lifestyle and treatment history to help protect your investment in a straight, confident smile.
Types of Retainers We Offer
At Ramy Bahu, DDS, we offer multiple retainer options based on your needs, preferences, and lifestyle:
- Clear Plastic (Essix) Retainers
Thin, transparent trays that fit over the teeth—similar in appearance to clear aligners—and ideal for discreet wear. - Hawley Retainers
Acrylic base with a metal wire that rests against the front of the teeth. These are adjustable and highly durable. - Fixed Retainers
Also known as bonded or permanent retainers, these are placed behind the front teeth and remain in place full time for continuous support.
We’ll help you select the best type of retainer based on your alignment goals, bite stability, and comfort preferences.
Retainer Repair and Replacement
Over time, retainers can become damaged, warped, or lost. Our office provides retainer repair and replacement services to ensure you never go without this important phase of your treatment. Common retainer issues we address include:
- Cracks or breaks in clear plastic retainers
- Warping from heat or improper cleaning
- Loose or detached bonded wires
- Lost retainers or trays
- Uncomfortable fit due to minor tooth shifting
If your retainer feels different or isn’t fitting like it used to, contact our office promptly. Catching these issues early can prevent the need for future orthodontic retreatment.
Caring for Your Retainer
Proper maintenance can extend the life of your retainer and protect your smile for years to come. Here’s how to care for your appliance:
- Clean your retainer daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive cleanser
- Store it in a ventilated case when not in use
- Avoid exposing it to hot water or direct heat, which can warp the material
- Keep it away from pets, who may chew or damage it
- Bring it to your dental visits for periodic evaluation
We’re happy to inspect your retainer during any routine dental cleaning and exam to ensure it's still functioning properly.
Meet Your Dentist
Dr. Ramy Bahu, D.D.S. has helped countless patients transition from active orthodontic care into long-term retention. His attention to detail and patient-centered approach ensures that every retainer is custom-fit and built to support the lasting beauty of your results. Whether you’re preserving a recent correction or replacing an older appliance, Dr. Bahu ensures a seamless and supportive experience.
Related Services
Retainers are often part of a broader plan to enhance and protect your smile. You may also be interested in:
- Invisalign – Clear aligner therapy for straightening your teeth
- Smile Makeovers – Combine orthodontics with whitening and other enhancements
- Teeth Whitening – Brighten your smile after alignment
- General Dentistry – Ongoing care to support retention and overall oral health
Our team is here to guide you through every phase of treatment and long-term smile maintenance.
FAQs About Retainers
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
How long do I need to wear my retainer?
Duration varies by case, but most patients begin with full-time wear and eventually transition to nighttime wear only. Lifelong part-time wear is often recommended to prevent shifting.
What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?
Teeth can begin to shift back toward their original positions. If enough movement occurs, you may require additional orthodontic treatment to realign your smile.
Can you fix a broken retainer?
Yes. We offer retainer repair for both removable and fixed styles. Bring it in for evaluation, and we’ll determine whether it can be repaired or needs replacement.
How often should I replace my retainer?
With proper care, most retainers last several years. If it becomes cracked, warped, or doesn’t fit properly, contact us for replacement.
Is a retainer included with Invisalign treatment?
Yes, we provide retainers after Invisalign treatment to help you maintain your final results.
Schedule a Retainer Appointment in Downtown Chicago
Whether you need a custom retainer, a replacement, or a quick repair, Ramy Bahu, DDS is here to help you maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment. Our modern, personalized approach ensures you’re always one step ahead when it comes to long-term smile care.
Call (312) 943-6444 or request your visit online today. We proudly serve patients throughout Streeterville, River North, South Loop, and the greater downtown Chicago area.
