You’ve worked hard for your new smile — now it’s time to protect it. At Beach Cities Orthodontics, we provide high-quality, custom-fit retainers in Los Angeles, CA to help patients maintain their results after braces or Invisalign. Whether you’re finishing up orthodontic treatment or looking to replace a lost or damaged retainer, we’re here to help you keep your smile straight, healthy, and stable for life.
Located in Torrance, our office serves patients from across the South Bay and Greater Los Angeles area. Our experienced orthodontists, Dr. Kristin Evans Brothers and Dr. Peter Sinclair, specialize in long-term retention strategies tailored to your unique smile and lifestyle.
Retainers aren’t just an afterthought — they’re a crucial part of every orthodontic journey. We’re here to make sure your results last.
Why Retainers Matter After Orthodontic Treatment
After your braces come off or your last Invisalign tray is complete, your teeth aren’t “locked in” just yet. The ligaments and tissues that hold them in place need time to stabilize — and without a retainer, there’s a high chance your teeth will shift back toward their original positions.
Retainers help:
- Preserve the alignment achieved during orthodontic treatment
- Prevent relapse or crowding
- Maintain proper bite function and aesthetics
- Protect your investment in your smile
Even minor shifting can lead to aesthetic changes, bite issues, or the need for future treatment. That’s why consistent retainer wear is so important — especially in the first 12–24 months after active treatment.
Types of Retainers We Offer
At Beach Cities Orthodontics, we offer several retainer options to fit your preferences, lifestyle, and treatment history. Our team will help you choose the best type based on your individual needs.
Clear Retainers (Essix Retainers)
These transparent, removable retainers look similar to Invisalign aligners and are custom-molded to your teeth. They’re a popular choice for patients who want something low-profile and comfortable.
Benefits of clear retainers include:
- Virtually invisible when worn
- Easy to remove for eating, brushing, and flossing
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Ideal for maintaining aesthetic results
These retainers typically last 1–3 years with proper care and may need periodic replacement.
Hawley Retainers
The classic option, Hawley retainers consist of a thin metal wire and a durable acrylic base that fits snugly against the roof of your mouth (upper) or behind the lower teeth.
Benefits of Hawley retainers include:
- Long-lasting and durable
- Adjustable over time
- Allow the bite to “settle” naturally
- Easy to clean and maintain
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
These permanent retainers are bonded to the back of your front teeth — typically the lower front six — and stay in place 24/7.
Benefits of bonded retainers include:
- No need to remember daily wear
- Invisible from the front
- Excellent for patients at high risk of relapse
- Works continuously to maintain alignment
Bonded retainers require special care when flossing and may need occasional repairs if the adhesive loosens.
How Long Do I Need to Wear a Retainer?
Retention is a lifelong process — and while your wear schedule may decrease over time, maintaining a healthy, straight smile requires consistent retainer use.
Here’s a general guideline:
- Immediately post-treatment — Full-time wear (20–22 hours/day) for the first 3–6 months
- After initial period — Transition to nighttime-only wear
- Long-term — Nightly wear indefinitely to prevent relapse
Each patient’s retention plan is customized, and we’ll guide you through every phase to ensure your results hold strong. Think of your retainer as insurance for your new smile — it’s the key to keeping your teeth exactly where they should be.
Retainer Replacements and Repairs in Los Angeles
Lost or damaged your retainer? It happens — and we’ve got you covered. At Beach Cities Orthodontics, we offer:
- Fast turnaround on replacement retainers
- Digital scans — no messy impressions needed
- Emergency appointments for broken or ill-fitting retainers
- Options for upgrades or switching to a different retainer style
If your old retainer is cracked, loose, or no longer fits, it’s important to schedule a visit right away. Delaying even a few days could lead to unwanted shifting — and potential re-treatment.
We recommend bringing your retainer to every orthodontic checkup so we can inspect it and make sure it’s still doing its job.
Retainers for Non-Patients
Not a current or past patient of ours? No problem. We’re happy to help adults and teens from across Los Angeles, Torrance, and the South Bay who need new retainers or want to prevent shifting after past orthodontic treatment — even if it’s been years.
Our team can:
- Evaluate your current alignment and retainer needs
- Create new retainers using state-of-the-art digital scanning
- Recommend next steps if some minor relapse has occurred
- Provide honest guidance without pressuring you into treatment
Your smile is worth protecting — no matter where your orthodontic journey began.
Why Choose Beach Cities Orthodontics for Retainers?
At Beach Cities Orthodontics, retention is not an afterthought — it’s a critical part of our commitment to long-term patient care. When you choose us for your retainer needs, you benefit from:
- Board-certified orthodontists — Dr. Brothers and Dr. Sinclair have decades of experience in post-treatment stability
- State-of-the-art technology — We use digital scans to create precise, comfortable retainers
- Fast turnaround — Need a replacement quickly? We can help
- Flexible options — Choose the retainer that fits your lifestyle and goals
- Supportive care — Whether you’re a past patient or new to our practice, you’ll feel welcome
We proudly serve patients from Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, and throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.
Take the Next Step
Your orthodontic journey doesn’t end when treatment is over — it just enters a new phase. Whether you need a first retainer, a replacement, or expert guidance on maintaining your results, Beach Cities Orthodontics is here to help.
Schedule your free consultation today and keep your smile looking its best for years to come.