Lost Retainer? Teeth Shifting? We’ve Got You Covered!

Keeping your smile straight doesn’t stop when your braces come off. At Alexandria Orthodontics, we offer high-quality, affordable retainers tailored to your needs—right here in Alexandria, VA. Whether you’ve just finished braces or need a replacement for a lost or broken retainer, our experienced team is here to protect your results for life.

✅ Serving Northern Virginia families with expert orthodontic care for over 15 years.
✅ Free consultations. No pressure. No obligation.

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Affordable Teeth Retainers – Alexandria, Virginia

Without a properly fitted retainer, your teeth can shift—undoing all the progress you’ve made. That’s why we provide Essix (clear) and Hawley (wire) retainers designed to fit precisely and comfortably.

Essix (Clear) Retainers

These retainers for teeth are made in-house and are preferred due to their esthetics and ability to keep the teeth straight. Indications for Essix retainers are: spaces, rotations, correctly tipped teeth, grinding/parafunction, and quick retention. They can also be utilized for very small movements. Because they’re custom-fitted to your smile, Essix retainers offer a discreet and comfortable way to maintain alignment without compromising appearance.

Best For: Teens and Adults

Benefits: Nearly invisible, custom fit, easy to wear

Hawley Retainers

These traditional teeth retainers use a stainless steel bow with clearance for new adult teeth to come in. Reasons we would give a Hawley retainer include: finishing an interceptive treatment, minor tooth movements, and for settling of back teeth over time. They require lab fabrication and can take up to 2 weeks for fabrication after the impression, making them a durable, long-term solution when minor adjustments are needed.

Best For: Minor corrections, interceptive cases

Benefits: Durable, adjustable, reusable

*NOTE: Fixed teeth retainers are known as permanent retainers and are placed behind the teeth. They are not included in the comprehensive treatment. If they are recommended based on the initial position of the teeth before treatment, this will be discussed during your consultation and office visit.

Lets Find The Perfect Retainer

Need help choosing? We’ll walk you through your options during your free consultation. Clear or Wire? Lets find what’s best for you!

Flexible Retainer Replacement Plans – Affordable & Local

All of our comprehensive orthodontic treatments include one set of Essix retainers. If you ever lose or damage your retainer, we offer flexible plans that make replacements easy and affordable.

Debond Special

Maximum of 4 additional essix retainer sets.

$100 per set

Silver

50% off essix retainer for the first 2 years

$199.00

Gold

All future essix teeth retainer sets are 50% off

$299.00

Platinum

All future essix retainer sets will have $100 co-pay

$499.00

*Please note that any of the fees above are subject to change

Everyone’s teeth are different, and so is their orthodontic treatment. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have about retainers, so just give us a call or stop by!

Let’s Keep Your Smile Straight – For Good.

Whether you’re a teen finishing treatment or an adult replacing a lost retainer, our local Alexandria Orthodontics team is here to keep your smile on track—without the stress or high costs.

What Do Orthodontic Retainers Actually Do?

Wearing a retainer isn’t just the last step—it’s one of the most important parts of keeping your teeth straight. Here’s what retainers do and why they matter:

Retainers for Teeth
  • Stabilizes the Bite: After braces come off, your teeth need time to “settle” into their new position. Retainers help hold them in place while the bone and soft tissue around your teeth adapt. Whether you had braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, retainers minimize the risk of your teeth shifting back to their original position.
  • Keeps Space Open For New Teeth: Most orthodontic patients are still growing, and their mouths are changing. As new teeth—especially wisdom teeth—start to come in, a retainer keeps necessary space open and prevents overcrowding. Without it, existing teeth may shift and block out new ones, undoing all your hard work.
  • Prevent Teeth From Moving Back: If you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth will likely begin to move—sometimes in just a few months. A retainer prevents this natural “relapse.” Some people only need to wear theirs for a year, while others benefit from long-term nightly use. Your orthodontist will guide you based on your unique case.
  • Support the Gums and Jaw for Long-Term Alignment: Teeth move faster than your gums and jawbone. Retainers allow those deeper structures to catch up and adapt, helping to lock your new bite in place. This step is essential for ensuring your results last and your smile stays balanced and healthy.

Wearing your retainer as instructed is the key to keeping your smile straight. It’s important that the appliance feels comfortable and easy to wear daily. The long-term success of your orthodontic treatment depends on how consistently you follow your orthodontist’s guidance—so stick with it, and your results will last.