Retainersin Delaware County & New Castle County
Your orthodontic journey doesn’t end when the braces come off—it just enters a new chapter. Our custom retainers help protect your new smile for life.
What is a retainer?
A retainer is a custom-made appliance that helps maintain the alignment of your teeth after your braces or clear aligner treatment is complete. At Stoutland Orthodontics, we offer both fixed and removable retainers based on your smile needs and lifestyle. Retainers prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions, helping you protect the time and investment you’ve put into your treatment. We’ll guide you through every step—from choosing the right style to showing you how to care for it. Because at our office, maintaining your smile should feel just as personal and empowering as creating it.
Keeping your smile right where you want it
Retainers aren’t just an afterthought—they’re the key to long-term results. By consistently wearing your retainer, you ensure that your beautiful smile stays exactly where it’s meant to be.
Essix retainers
Removable retainers are popular for their flexibility and ease of use. These are custom-molded to your smile and are typically worn full-time at first, then just overnight. We’ll show you exactly how to care for them and store them safely so they don’t get lost (or accidentally thrown out!). They’re a great option for most patients who are committed to following their wear schedule.
Hawley retainers
Hawley retainers are a more traditional removable option made from acrylic and a thin metal wire. While they are more noticeable than clear retainers, they are durable and can be adjusted over time. Hawley retainers are typically recommended in specific cases or provided upon request, depending on a patient’s individual orthodontic needs.
Simple, convenient appointments
Take digital scans or impressions
Once your braces or aligners come off, we’ll take a 3D scan or impression of your teeth to create a retainer that fits precisely and comfortably.
Determine your treatment
We’ll help you decide between a fixed or removable retainer based on your lifestyle, preferences, and orthodontic needs.
Start your retention phase
You’ll receive your retainer with personalized care instructions—and we’ll stay in touch to make sure everything’s fitting, functioning, and feeling great.
The results speak for themselves
Check out our before-and-after gallery to see how retainers help protect beautifully aligned smiles for the long haul.
Frequently asked questions
Still curious about retainers? Find answers to the most common questions below.
Removable retainers may cause a slight lisp at first, but your tongue will quickly adapt. You’ll remove them to eat, so they won’t interfere with meals. Fixed retainers are tucked behind the teeth and rarely cause speech issues—but we’ll show you how to keep them clean and monitor any changes.
Retention is a lifelong phase—but that doesn’t mean you’ll be wearing your retainer all day forever. Most patients wear their removable retainers full-time for a few months, then transition to nighttime wear. Fixed retainers stay in place around the clock. We’ll give you a personalized schedule and support you as your wear needs evolve over time.
It’s important to contact us as soon as possible so we can create a replacement and prevent any tooth movement. We understand that things happen, so we make the replacement process fast and stress-free. Pro tip: keep your retainer in its case when not in use, and avoid wrapping it in napkins—it’s an easy way to lose it during lunch!
Still Have Questions?
Give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team members.
Real patients. Real results.
Here’s what our amazing patients are saying about their experience with Stoutland Orthodontics:
“My parents brought me here as a kid. All these years later and now I am back with my own children. The staff is wonderful. My boys are beginning their journey with braces and I know they are in great hands.”
“We had a great experience with Dr. Stoutland!! Been with them for over 16 years having three kids and myself all going through braces or Invisalign. I recommend them 100%. It is bittersweet. My son just got his braces off, we will be missing them.”
“I was told my premature son would need surgery to fix his palate, bite, and teeth when he became a teen. Thanks to Dr. Stoutland, their kind staff, and extreme patience, his bite and teeth are perfect. NO surgery performed!”
“My parents brought me here as a kid. All these years later and now I am back with my own children. The staff is wonderful. My boys are beginning their journey with braces and I know they are in great hands.”
“We had a great experience with Dr. Stoutland!! Been with them for over 16 years having three kids and myself all going through braces or Invisalign. I recommend them 100%. It is bittersweet. My son just got his braces off, we will be missing them.”
“I was told my premature son would need surgery to fix his palate, bite, and teeth when he became a teen. Thanks to Dr. Stoutland, their kind staff, and extreme patience, his bite and teeth are perfect. NO surgery performed!”
“My parents brought me here as a kid. All these years later and now I am back with my own children. The staff is wonderful. My boys are beginning their journey with braces and I know they are in great hands.”
“We had a great experience with Dr. Stoutland!! Been with them for over 16 years having three kids and myself all going through braces or Invisalign. I recommend them 100%. It is bittersweet. My son just got his braces off, we will be missing them.”
“I was told my premature son would need surgery to fix his palate, bite, and teeth when he became a teen. Thanks to Dr. Stoutland, their kind staff, and extreme patience, his bite and teeth are perfect. NO surgery performed!”
Let’s create a smile
you’ll love
Schedule your free consultation today and discover the difference of care that puts you first.