Maintain Your Perfect Smile With Retainers
You’ve invested time and care into achieving a straight, beautiful smile with braces or Invisalign. That feeling of confidence is priceless! But the journey to a lifetime of healthy, aligned teeth doesn’t end when your braces come off. The most critical phase begins now: the retention phase.
At DeQuattro Orthodontics, serving Wakefield, Westerly, and all of Southern Rhode Island, we believe your smile is a long-term investment. Retainers are the key to protecting that investment. Without them, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back—a process called relapse. Don’t let your hard work go to waste!
Ready to preserve your radiant smile? Schedule your retainer check-up or consultation with Dr. Frank DeQuattro, your trusted orthodontist in Westerly and Wakefield. Call our Wakefield orthodontic office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly orthodontic office at (401) 596-2264.
Why Choose Dr. Frank DeQuattro for Your Orthodontic & Retainer Needs?
When you search for a “dentist near me” or “orthodontist near me” in Wakefield or Westerly, you’ll find many options—but here’s why choosing DeQuattro Orthodontics can make a real difference:
- Local and Accessible: With offices in both Wakefield and Westerly, we serve Narragansett, South Kingstown, Charlestown, Weekapaug, and the surrounding Rhode Island areas.
- Comprehensive Care: We guide you through the entire process—from initial consultation to braces/aligners to final retention—so you’re not left wondering “what’s next?” when your active treatment ends.
- Tailored Retention Strategy: We don’t believe one size fits all. Dr. DeQuattro evaluates your treatment history, oral habits (grinding, tongue thrust, etc.), and lifestyle to recommend the best retainer for lasting results.
- Patient-Focused and Warm Team: Our team is accommodating, warm, and professional—making your visits pleasant and your smile maintenance manageable.
- Proven Results and Happy Patients: Our focus is on achieving optimal results and helping you wear your retainer properly so the investment in your smile doesn’t fade away.
See What Our Patients Are Saying About DeQuattro Orthodontics
“What an incredible practice!!! Everyone is so well trained and professional while still maintaining their individual personalities. They treat you like a VIP. I have never been left waiting which is so rare to make an appointment in a medical office and have your time respected. You will get incredible results individualized for each patient child to adult. I highly recommend them!!! If you are an adult looking to get Invisalign this is the place!” – Rose M.
“My daughter’s treatment has been nothing but superb! Her new smile is Natural and simply gorgeous!! The very friendly and helpful office staff is always available to answer any questions or concerns and very accommodating when it comes to scheduling appointments. Everyone always treated us with kindness and respect and the environment is warm, fun and uplifting. Dr. Dequatro expertise is unquestionable and he has a great team in place! I highly recommend his practice to anyone who desires an improved, healthy and beautiful smile!! :)” – Soraya N.
Ready to get started? Call our Wakefield orthodontic office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly orthodontic office at (401) 596-2264 to schedule your orthodontic consultation.
Types of Retainers: Custom-Fitted for Your Needs
At DeQuattro Orthodontics, we offer a range of high-quality retainer options to match your individual needs—removable, fixed, discreet, or durable. Dr. DeQuattro will discuss which retainer best suits you at your appointment and explain how the choice impacts your long-term smile.
We also created this useful guide of pros and cons to help you decide and talk to Dr. DeQuattro about the best retainer option for you. Read our guide here: Types of Retainers.
Essix (Clear) Retainers—Removable and Discreet
Essix retainers are a popular choice among patients who want a nearly invisible way to maintain their beautifully aligned smile. Made from thin, durable plastic and custom-fitted to snugly cover your teeth, these retainers offer comfort and convenience. Because they’re easily removable, maintaining good oral hygiene and enjoying your favorite foods is simple and hassle-free. They’re also nearly invisible when you smile—an ideal option for adults and teens who value aesthetics.
If you opt for Essix retainers, we’ll take precise impressions at our Wakefield or Westerly office to ensure your Essix retainers fit comfortably and effectively.
We’ll also provide care instructions:
- Clean gently after meals and before bed using a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap.
- Store your retainer in its protective case when not in use.
Essix retainers are best suited for patients who are consistent with wear and appreciate the flexibility of a removable option.
Hawley Retainers—The Time-Tested Traditional Option
For those seeking durability and adjustability, Hawley retainers remain a trusted, classic choice. These retainers feature an acrylic base—often customizable in color—paired with a thin metal wire that gently wraps around the front of your teeth. Because they’re removable, you can easily brush and floss as part of your normal oral hygiene routine.
The adjustable metal wire allows your orthodontist to make small tweaks to your alignment even after treatment is complete.
Proper care:
- Always store your retainer in its case when not in use.
- Clean it regularly with a toothbrush and mild soap.
- Bring it in for routine check-ups to ensure the fit remains ideal.
Hawley retainers are an excellent option for younger patients who enjoy personalization or anyone who prefers a traditional, time-tested solution in Rhode Island.
Bonded (Permanent) Retainers—Set-and-Forget Stability
If you’d rather not worry about inserting and removing your retainer daily, a bonded (or permanent) retainer might be the right fit for you. This type of retainer consists of a thin wire bonded to the back surfaces of your teeth—most often the lower front teeth, though sometimes the upper teeth as well.
Because it’s fixed in place, you’ll never have to remember to wear it each night. However, it does require excellent oral hygiene habits, including the use of floss threaders or other specialized tools to clean around the wire. Routine dental checkups are also essential to ensure long-term success.
Bonded retainers provide continuous alignment support and peace of mind, making them ideal for:
- Patients with a higher risk of teeth shifting (relapse)
- Adults seeking low-maintenance care
- Individuals who may have difficulty remembering to wear removable retainers
Comparison and Key Considerations
Choosing the right retainer is about balancing effectiveness, comfort, aesthetics, and your lifestyle. Here’s a helpful breakdown:
| Type | Aesthetics | Removability | Longevity* | Best For |
| Clear (Essix) | Very discreet | Yes | Moderate (needs replacing if worn) | Adults/teens who value invisibility |
| Hawley | Visible wire front | Yes | Durable and adjustable | Children/teens, personalization fans |
| Bonded (Permanent) | Hidden behind teeth | No | Long-term with good hygiene | Patients preferring minimal effort |
*Based on current evidence: A recent comprehensive review found that both fixed and removable retainers can be effective—but long-term stability often depends on maintenance, hygiene, and compliance.
At your consultation at our Wakefield or Westerly office, Dr. DeQuattro will walk you through which option fits you best—and why.
Taking Care of Your Retainers: Your Everyday Checklist
To protect your orthodontic investment and keep your smile looking its best, follow these helpful retainer care tips:
- Wear your retainer as directed: Whether full-time initially or just nightly, consistent wear is the best way to achieve those optimal results and avoid shifting.
- Clean your retainer properly: For removable types: rinse after meals, brush gently daily with a soft brush and mild soap (avoid abrasive toothpaste). For bonded wires: floss carefully with a threader or use a water flosser.
- Handle with care: Always store removable retainers in their protective case when not in use. Avoid heat (hot water, cars on warm days), pets (they love to chew!), and careless placement.
- Keep your dental checkups: Visit us and your general dentist regularly (twice a year) so we can monitor the retainer, check for wear or damage, and adjust if needed. If a bonded wire loosens or a removable retainer cracks, act quickly.
- Protect your smile from shifting: Teeth naturally want to move due to soft-tissue pressure, growth, and daily habits (tongue thrust, grinding). Wearing your retainer and keeping up with care helps prevent relapse.
The Importance of Retainer Wear
You’ve invested time, money, and effort into orthodontic treatment (with braces or aligners). Without a proper retention plan, your teeth are at risk of shifting back toward their original positions. This doesn’t just impact aesthetics—it can affect how your bite functions, your overall oral-health stability, and how long your aligned smile lasts.
At DeQuattro Orthodontics, we stress the importance of consistent retainer wear, review your progress, and provide guidance so your brace treatment doesn’t just look good for a short period—it stays good for life.
The Cost of Retainers in Rhode Island
We believe in transparent, upfront communication. The cost of your retainer is an investment in preserving the results of your orthodontic treatment. The price can vary depending on the type of retainer (Essix, Hawley, or bonded) and your individual case.
During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the cost. We work with many insurance providers and offer flexible payment plans to make your care affordable. Our team will verify your insurance coverage and talk you through all the financial options during your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even after straightening your teeth, the surrounding bone, periodontal fibres, soft tissues (tongue, cheeks, and lips), and even growth can slowly cause teeth to drift. Without retention, relapse is likely.
Each case is different. Typically, you’ll wear your removable retainer full-time for a defined period (often after braces/aligners), then switch to nightly wear. Many patients end up wearing theirs nightly for the long term to maintain that perfect smile. Fixed (bonded) retainers may remain in place indefinitely—provided they’re monitored and maintained.
It’s not uncommon. If you notice movement or misalignment developing despite past orthodontic treatment, it’s wise to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist (like Dr. DeQuattro) near you in Wakefield or Westerly. We’ll evaluate your current alignment, discuss whether you need a new round of treatment or a retainer-based “tune-up,” and help you get back on track.
Contact your orthodontist immediately. The longer you go without wearing an effective retainer, the greater the risk your teeth will start to shift. Don’t attempt a DIY fix—let the professional evaluate whether repair or replacement is needed.
Many dental/orthodontic insurance plans help cover retainers—especially if they’re part of your treatment package. At DeQuattro Orthodontics, we’ll help verify your insurance benefits and let you know what to expect in terms of out-of-pocket cost for retainers in the Wakefield/Westerly area.
Preserve Your Radiant Smile at DeQuattro Orthodontics!
Your aligned, confident smile is the result of hard work—and smart aftercare. At DeQuattro Orthodontics, we prioritize your long-term smile satisfaction, not just the immediate result. Whether you’re a teen finishing treatment or an adult maintaining your beautiful alignment, our team is here to help you stay on track.
Ready to schedule your retainer consultation?
- Call our Wakefield office at (401) 783-9890
- Or our Westerly office at (401) 596-2264
Prefer to reach out online? Complete our contact form, and our team will get back to you promptly.
We serve patients in Narragansett, South Kingstown, Charlestown, Weekapaug, and the surrounding Rhode Island communities. If you’re searching for “retainers in Wakefield and Westerly” or an “orthodontist near me” who cares about your alignment for life—look no further. Come visit our warm, welcoming practice, and let’s keep your smile perfect together.