Retainers in Springfield, OR

Retainers help protect the results of orthodontic treatment by keeping teeth in their corrected positions after braces or clear aligners. Dr. Matthew Epperson provides custom retainers in Springfield, OR, with options selected according to your orthodontic history, tooth alignment and long-term retention needs.

Our orthodontist also provides replacement retainers and limited retreatment when teeth have shifted after previous orthodontic care. Call 541-852-2552 today to schedule an evaluation and keep your smile on track.

What Are Retainers?

A retainer is a custom orthodontic appliance designed to hold your teeth in their corrected positions after active treatment is complete. Teeth can shift over time, especially after braces or clear aligners, so consistent retainer wear plays an important role in maintaining your results. Retainers may also be used after limited orthodontic retreatment to help preserve corrected tooth positions.

Types of Retainers We Offer

Dr. Epperson most often provides clear Essix retainers and may occasionally recommend a Hawley retainer depending on your needs.

Clear Essix Retainers

Clear Essix retainers are thin, transparent trays that fit closely over the teeth. Their discreet appearance makes them a popular choice after orthodontic treatment.

Benefits may include:

• Clear, low-profile appearance

• Comfortable fit

• Easy removal for eating and oral hygiene

• Simple nighttime wear once directed by our orthodontist

Hawley Retainers

Hawley retainers use an acrylic base with a wire that fits along the front of the teeth. They are durable and may be recommended in selected cases.

Our orthodontist will recommend the retainer type that best supports your alignment and long-term retention needs.

Custom Retainers Made In-House

One of the advantages of retainer care in our office is that Dr. Epperson personally makes retainers in-house. This allows him to oversee the fit directly and make sure the appliance is designed for your current tooth position.

Digital scans are completed in the office, and in some cases a previous scan may be used to fabricate a replacement retainer if your teeth have remained stable. If your teeth have shifted because retainer wear has been inconsistent, our orthodontist may recommend a new scan so the replacement retainer fits properly.

Replacement Retainers

Retainers can wear out, crack, become lost or stop fitting as well as they once did. Replacing a damaged or missing retainer promptly can help reduce the chance of additional tooth movement.

We provide replacement retainers even if you completed orthodontic treatment at another practice.

If you need a new retainer, our orthodontist will evaluate your current tooth position and determine whether an existing digital scan can be used or whether a new scan is needed.

What If My Teeth Have Shifted?

If your teeth have moved after previous orthodontic treatment, a new retainer alone may not be enough to correct the change. Dr. Epperson may recommend limited retreatment with clear aligners or short-term braces when appropriate. These cases are often focused on correcting relatively minor relapse rather than repeating full comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Once the teeth are back in the desired position, a new retainer can help maintain the result.

How the Retainer Process Works

Your retainer visit is designed to make sure the appliance fits your current tooth position and supports long-term stability.

Evaluation: Our orthodontist checks your teeth and determines which type of retainer is appropriate.

Digital scan: A Medit i700 intraoral scanner captures a detailed digital model of your teeth without traditional impression material.

Fabrication: Dr. Epperson personally makes the retainer in-house.

Fit check: The appliance is checked for comfort and retention.

Wear instructions: You receive guidance on when and how long to wear your retainer.

Monitoring: Follow-up visits may be recommended if fit or tooth position needs to be checked.

Caring for Your Retainer

Proper care can help your retainer stay clean, comfortable and effective.

For removable retainers:

• Rinse the appliance after removing it

• Clean it gently with a soft toothbrush

• Avoid hot water that may distort the material

• Store it safely in its case when it is not being worn

• Keep it away from pets, which can easily damage retainers

• Contact our office if it cracks, warps or stops fitting properly

If your retainer feels unusually tight or no longer seats fully over your teeth, schedule an evaluation rather than forcing it into place.

How Long Do I Need To Wear My Retainer?

Retainer wear recommendations vary based on your treatment and how stable your teeth are after orthodontic care. Our orthodontist will provide specific instructions for your case. Consistent wear is important because teeth can shift if retention is stopped or becomes irregular.

If you have been inconsistent with retainer wear and notice movement, scheduling an evaluation early may help limit the amount of retreatment needed.

Schedule a Retainer Evaluation

If you need a new or replacement retainer in Springfield, OR, or your teeth have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment, our orthodontist can evaluate your smile and recommend the appropriate next step. Call 541-852-2552 today to schedule an appointment for custom retainer care.