Custom Retainers in Mayfield Heights, Twinsburg, & Cleveland
Retainers keep your smile straight and stable long after treatment ends. At Success Orthodontics, our board‑certified specialist, Dr. Felix Gen, designs retainer plans that protect your results and your bite for the long term. Whether you’ve finished braces or clear aligners, we’ll match you with the right retainer that fits your life.
With offices in Twinsburg, Mayfield Heights, and Cleveland, we are proud to provide quality customer retainers and guidance to families across Northeast Ohio.
Ready to lock in your new smile?
What Is a Retainer?
A retainer is a custom appliance that holds teeth in their new positions while your gums and bone settle and strengthen. It’s the essential “final step” after braces or aligners because consistently wearing your retainers prevents your teeth from shifting (called relapse).
Retainers are typically worn full‑time at first, then at night long‑term. Dr. Gen and our team will guide you on when to wear yours, how to clean it, and when to check in for small adjustments.
Benefits of Wearing a Retainer
Protects Your Smile Results & Investment
Wearing your retainer safeguards the beautiful results you worked so hard to achieve. As your teeth naturally settle after treatment, your retainer keeps everything securely in place. With consistent use, you protect both your smile and the time, energy, and financial investment you made in achieving it.
Keeps Your Bite Stable
A stable bite is essential for comfortable chewing and long-term function. Your retainer helps maintain the relationship between your teeth and jaws as they adjust post-treatment. By keeping everything properly aligned, it supports smoother daily function and reduces the likelihood of unwanted shifting that can affect comfort and balance.
Low-Maintenance
Our retainers are designed to fit effortlessly into your routine. Lightweight, durable, and easy to clean, they require only simple care to stay in great shape. With clear guidance from our team and straightforward wear instructions, maintaining your retainer — and your results — feels natural, stress-free, and easy to manage every day.
Who Needs a Retainer?
If you’ve completed braces or clear aligners, you need a retainer to hold your new alignment while tissues stabilize. Retainers also help after limited tooth movement or refinement. If it’s been years since treatment and your teeth have shifted slightly, a new retainer may prevent further movement. Not sure what you need? A quick evaluation will clarify your best next step.
Types of Retainers We Offer
Every smile and lifestyle is different, so we offer multiple retainer options and help you choose what fits best.
Essix (Clear) Retainers
These thin, nearly invisible trays fit snugly over your teeth. They’re popular for their discreet look and easy wear — just remove to eat, drink anything besides water, and brush. Clear retainers are great for nighttime maintenance and for patients who want a simple, cosmetic option.
Hawley Retainers
The classic, durable design uses a slim acrylic base and a small wire to hold teeth in place. Hawley retainers are adjustable and long‑lasting, making them a smart choice for patients who want a sturdy appliance that allows minor fine‑tuning over time.
When Are Retainers Not an Option?
If your teeth have already shifted and you’re hoping to move them — not just hold them — we may recommend a short course of Invisalign® clear aligners to correct relapse before transitioning back to retainers. This approach is precise, discreet, and designed to get you back to a stable, maintainable smile.
The Process of Getting Your Retainer
Keeping your smile aligned long-term should feel simple and stress-free. That’s why we’ve created a smooth, supportive process for every patient receiving a custom retainer. From your first visit to long-term follow-ups, our team guides you through each step so you always feel informed, confident, and comfortable.
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If you haven’t already had orthodontic treatment with us, we’ll start with a friendly assessment from our orthodontic team. We’ll review your treatment progress, discuss your goals, and confirm which type of retainer best fits your needs. This is a great time to ask questions and feel fully informed about the next step in your smile journey.
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We use modern digital scanning technology to capture accurate, comfortable impressions—no messy molds required. These scans allow us to design a retainer that fits securely and supports your smile’s long-term stability.
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Your retainer is crafted using high-quality materials to ensure a comfortable fit and reliable durability. Whether you choose Essix or Hawley, each appliance is made specifically for your unique smile.
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When your retainer is ready, you’ll return for a quick appointment where we ensure it feels great and functions properly. Our team walks you through wear guidelines, cleaning tips, and care recommendations so you know exactly how to keep your retainer in excellent condition.
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We check in with you to make sure everything fits as expected and answer any questions as you adjust to retainer wear. If your retainer becomes lost, worn, or damaged over time, we make the replacement process simple so you can maintain your results without stress.
How Much Do Retainers Cost?
The cost of your retainer will depend on the retainer type (clear Essix vs. Hawley), whether we’re making one or a set, and if alignment touch‑ups are needed first. We’ll review all costs with you upfront, along with flexible payment options, so there are no surprises. If you’ve lost or broken a retainer, we can discuss replacement and backup sets during your visit.
Ready To Keep Your Smile Looking Its Best?
Protecting your new smile is simple with the right plan and the right team. From custom Essix and Hawley retainers to clear guidance on wear and care, we make retention straightforward, comfortable, and effective.
Contact us with any questions you may have, or you can go ahead and schedule your free evaluation. We’re here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers
Plan on full‑time wear at first, then nighttime long‑term. Teeth can shift throughout life, so consistent night wear keeps your results stable for years.
Retainers are designed to hold teeth, not actively move them. If your smile has relapsed, we may suggest a short aligner touch‑up first, then transition to retainers to maintain the improvement.
Rinse with cool water after removal and brush gently with a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water (it can warp plastic) and harsh cleaners. We’ll recommend safe cleaning methods during your visit.
Contact us right away. We’ll schedule a quick visit to evaluate fit and order a replacement so your teeth don’t drift. Many patients choose a backup set for peace of mind.
Both work well. Essix trays are clear and low‑profile, whereas Hawley retainers are durable and adjustable. We’ll help you choose based on your lifestyle, durability preferences, and orthodontic history.