The day your braces come off or your final aligner tray retires is a milestone worth celebrating, but it is not the finish line. Teeth have memory, and without something to hold them in place, they slowly drift back toward where they started.
That is exactly why retainers matter so much, and why finishing strong is just as important as the months of careful treatment that came before. At Simon Says Smile Orthodontics in Chamblee, Dr. Hazie Simon designs personalized retention plans for every patient ages 7 to 25, so the confident, beautifully aligned smile you worked for stays that way for years to come. We see retention not as an afterthought, but as the lasting payoff of your entire orthodontic journey.
The teeth you finish treatment with are not permanently locked into place the moment your appliances come off. The bone and soft tissue that hold them need time to firm up around their new positions, and natural forces from chewing, swallowing, and even speaking keep gently nudging teeth throughout your life. Wearing a retainer as prescribed is the most reliable way to counteract that movement and protect your results.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, retainers minimize the natural tendency of teeth to revert to their original positions and support the bone as it adapts. We walk every patient and family through what to expect so the transition from active treatment to retention feels clear and manageable. If you are still weighing your options before treatment even begins, our braces and clear aligners pages can help you understand where retention fits into the bigger picture.
Not every smile needs the same kind of retainer, which is why Dr. Simon tailors the recommendation to each patient’s case, lifestyle, and how their teeth responded to treatment. Some patients do best with a removable option they can take out for meals and cleaning, while others benefit from a fixed retainer that stays quietly in place behind the teeth.
The right choice depends on factors like the complexity of the original case and how diligently a patient can stick to a wear routine. The most common options we discuss include:
Clear retainers: Lightweight, nearly invisible trays that fit snugly over the teeth and resemble aligners.
Hawley retainers: Durable acrylic-and-wire appliances that are removable and adjustable over time.
Fixed retainers: Thin wires bonded behind the teeth for continuous, low-maintenance support.
During your visit, we take the time to explain the trade-offs of each so you can feel confident about the plan we build together.
A retainer can only do its job when it is worn consistently and kept in good condition. Most patients start with more frequent wear right after treatment and then transition to a nighttime-only routine that many continue indefinitely to keep their smile stable. Building the habit early makes it second nature, much like brushing before bed.
Daily cleaning, safe storage away from heat, and keeping your follow-up appointments all help your retainer last and fit properly. If a retainer ever feels tight, loose, or damaged, we would rather see you sooner than later so small issues do not turn into bigger ones. Families managing several treatments at once may also find our financing options helpful for planning ahead.
Dr. Simon is a U.S. Navy veteran and the author of the children’s book Simon Says Smile, and that same spirit of service and encouragement runs through our Chamblee practice every day. We are not a high-volume office rushing patients in and out. We follow each patient personally from their first evaluation through retention, building the kind of trusted relationship that makes long-term care feel comfortable rather than clinical. Our team also includes Spanish-speaking staff to make sure every family in our diverse community feels welcome and understood.
To learn more about Dr. Simon and the philosophy behind our practice, we invite you to visit our About Us page and get to know the team that will be caring for your smile. When you are ready to protect the results you worked so hard for, contact our office to schedule a visit and let us build a retention plan made just for you.
At Simon Says Smile, Where every smile is a win!
Reach out to us today to book your appointment. Our team looks forward to welcoming you and guiding you every step of the way toward a smile you’ll feel confident sharing.
Mon-Thu: 7:30AM – 5:00PM
Fri: 8:00AM – 1:00PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
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