Why Retainers Matter

Teeth naturally want to shift back to their original positions after orthodontic treatment. Retainers prevent this relapse by holding your teeth in place while your bone and surrounding tissues stabilize.

Skipping wear — or using a damaged retainer — can quickly undo months or even years of progress.

We recommend:

• Wearing your retainer exactly as prescribed
• Storing it properly when not in use
• Scheduling repairs immediately if damage occurs
  

Common Retainer Issues We Fix

• Cracks or breaks in Hawley or Essix retainers
  
• Warping due to heat exposure
  
• Missing or loose wires
  
• Poor fit from shifting teeth
  
• Lost retainers that need replacing

We also offer guidance on long-term care during your regular orthodontic visits or after treatment through systems like 6-Month Smiles and Invisalign.

If you’ve noticed discomfort, tightness, or that your retainer no longer fits, it’s important to act quickly. Our team can assess the problem and provide a solution, whether it’s an adjustment, repair, or full replacement.

Types of Retainers We Support

At Cranford Orthodontics, we provide and service all major retainer types:

• Hawley Retainers – Acrylic base with wire
  
• Essix Retainers – Clear plastic trays similar to aligners
  
• Fixed (Permanent) Retainers – Bonded behind the teeth
• Invisalign Vivera Retainers
  

Whether you were treated at our office or elsewhere, we’re happy to help maintain or replace your existing retainer. If you’ve completed treatment with braces or clear aligners, our team ensures you leave with a retainer that fits perfectly.

And it's all done digitally with an iTero digital scan (no more of those goopy impressions!).

Night Guards & Occlusal Protection

Protect Your Teeth from Grinding and Clenching

In addition to retainers, many patients benefit from custom night guards (occlusal guards) — especially if they grind or clench their teeth at night (a condition known as bruxism).

Grinding can cause:

• Tooth wear and enamel damage
• Jaw pain or tightness
• Headaches or facial soreness
• Increased risk of orthodontic relapse

A professionally made night guard helps protect both your teeth and your orthodontic investment.

Custom Night Guards vs. Store-Bought Options

Custom occlusal guards provided by Cranford Orthodontics offer:

• Precise fit using digital scans
• Greater comfort for nightly wear
• Better protection for teeth and restorations
• Long-term durability

If you’ve completed orthodontic treatment, a night guard can be an important part of maintaining your results.

Retainers vs. Night Guards: What’s the Difference?

While both appliances are worn in the mouth, they serve different purposes:

• Retainers maintain tooth alignment after orthodontic treatment
• Night guards protect teeth from grinding and clenching forces

In some cases, our orthodontists may recommend one or both depending on your needs.