Orthodontic treatment is a big investment—whether you’ve gone through braces or Invisalign Go, the final phase is just as important: retention. Teeth naturally want to drift back to where they started. That’s why at Switch Dental in Lower Hutt, we create custom-fitted retainers to help you lock in your smile for the long run. With our clear 3D-printed retainers and personalised advice, we make it easy to keep the results you worked hard for.
Your teeth don’t exist in a vacuum—they’re surrounded by muscle, bone, gum fibres, and daily habits that can nudge them around.
Even if your braces or aligners have done their job perfectly, your mouth still has a memory of where those teeth used to be.
It’s not just cosmetic. Continued jaw growth, clenching, tongue pressure, and ageing can all slowly shift your teeth back. Some people experience relapse within months if retainers aren’t worn. Even decades later, minor movement can affect bite, comfort, or confidence.
We mostly use clear 3D-printed retainers—they’re slim, discreet, and custom-made to hug your smile. You’ll usually wear them full-time for the first few months, then switch to night-time wear indefinitely. It’s a simple habit that makes a big difference long term.
We also offer fixed retainers: a slim wire bonded behind your front teeth (usually the lower ones). These are great if you don’t want to think about popping something in every night—but they do need careful cleaning and occasional monitoring.
Your dentist will help you choose what’s best based on your original alignment and lifestyle.
A retainer isn’t just a formality—it’s the difference between keeping the smile you worked for, or gradually watching it shift away.
We often hear patients say they didn’t realise how quickly relapse could happen. That’s why we’ll guide you through wear schedules, check your retainers regularly, and help you replace or repair them if needed. It’s all part of protecting your result—without needing to start all over again.
How long do I need to wear my retainers?
Usually full-time at first, then night-time long-term. Your dentist will tailor this for you.
What if I lose or break my retainer?
Contact us right away—time matters. We can re-scan and replace it before your teeth shift.
How do I clean my retainer?
Use a soft toothbrush and cool water. Avoid hot water (it can warp it). For fixed retainers, we’ll show you how to clean around the wire properly.
Our People
At Switch Dental, both Dr Alex Lee and Dr Matt Bahho have extensive experience with post-orthodontic care.
• Alex provides Invisalign Go and works closely with patients post-treatment.
• Matt is certified in both Invisalign Go and Invisalign Fundamentals, with a strong interest in orthodontic stability.
