RETAINERS – QUEENS, NY
Protect the Smile You Worked For with Professional Retainer Services in Queens.
Your Braces Are Off. Now Keep Your Results.
Getting your braces off or finishing aligner treatment is a milestone — but it's not the finish line. If you've been looking for orthodontic retainers in Queens, you're in the right place. Dr. Yelizar is a board-certified Queens orthodontist who provides custom retainers for new patients completing treatment at SimpliBraces and for anyone who needs a replacement retainer — regardless of where they were treated. Schedule a consultation to find the right retainer for your smile.
Why Retainers Matter After Orthodontic Treatment
Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original positions after orthodontic treatment. This is called relapse, and it can happen even years after braces or aligners are removed.
Retainers hold your teeth in their corrected positions while the surrounding bone and tissue stabilize. Skipping your retainer — even for a few weeks — can allow noticeable shifting to occur. Wearing your retainer as directed is the simplest way to protect the investment you made in your smile.
Types of Retainers We Offer
Not every retainer is the same, and not every patient needs the same type. At SimpliBraces, we offer several retainer options based on your bite, treatment history, and personal preferences:
- Clear (Essix) retainers — thin, custom-molded, nearly invisible
- Hawley retainers — wire-and-acrylic, durable and adjustable
- Fixed (bonded) retainers — permanently bonded to the back of the front teeth
During your appointment, Dr. Yelizar will evaluate your teeth and recommend the retainer type — or combination — that offers the best long-term protection for your results.
Clear (Essix) Retainers
Clear retainers are the most popular choice for patients searching for clear retainers in Queens. Made from a thin, transparent plastic material, they fit snugly over your teeth and are nearly invisible when worn.
They're comfortable, easy to remove for eating and brushing, and simple to keep clean. Because they're custom-made from a digital scan of your teeth, the fit is precise. Clear retainers are an excellent option for both upper and lower arches.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers have been used in orthodontics for decades because they're reliable and long-lasting. They consist of a thin acrylic plate that sits against the roof of the mouth (or along the lower teeth) with a wire that runs across the front teeth to hold them in position.
Hawley retainers are highly durable, easy to adjust, and can last many years with proper care. They're a good choice for patients who need a more robust option or who have been advised to use a retainer with some flexibility for minor adjustments.
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
Fixed retainers — sometimes called permanent or bonded retainers — are thin wires bonded directly to the back surfaces of your front teeth. Because they're not removable, they provide continuous retention without relying on patient compliance.
Fixed retainers are especially common on the lower front teeth, which have a strong tendency to shift. They require some additional care during brushing and flossing, but for many patients they offer the most reliable long-term protection. In many cases, Dr. Yelizar recommends a combination of a fixed retainer on the lower arch and a clear retainer on the upper.
Retainer Replacement in Queens
Lost your retainer? Has it cracked, warped, or no longer fits properly? You're not alone — retainer replacement is one of the most common reasons patients contact our office.
If you need a retainer replacement in Queens, we can help — even if you didn't complete your original treatment at SimpliBraces. We'll take a digital scan of your current teeth and fabricate a new retainer that fits the way your teeth sit today. If there has been any shifting since your last retainer, Dr. Yelizar will review your options with you.
Don't wait too long after losing a retainer. Even a short period without wearing one can lead to noticeable movement, especially if treatment was completed recently.
How Much Do Retainers Cost in Queens?
The cost of retainers depends on the type of retainer, whether you need one or both arches, and whether this is part of completing your treatment at SimpliBraces or a standalone replacement visit.
For patients finishing treatment at our office, retainers are typically included or reviewed as part of the overall treatment plan. For replacement retainers, we'll give you a clear cost breakdown before any work begins. We accept dental insurance where applicable, and FSA and HSA accounts are always welcome.
How to Care for Your Retainer
Proper retainer care extends the life of your appliance and keeps it hygienic. A few simple habits go a long way:
- Rinse your retainer with cool water every time you remove it
- Clean it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap — not toothpaste, which can scratch clear retainers
- Store it in its case whenever it's not in your mouth
- Keep it away from heat — hot water, car dashboards, and direct sunlight can warp the plastic
- Bring it to your check-up visits so we can inspect it for wear
Most clear retainers last 1–3 years with consistent wear and good care. Fixed retainers can last many years but should be checked regularly to ensure the wire is still intact and properly bonded.
Who Should Get a Retainer?
Anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment — whether with traditional braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners — should wear a retainer. This includes:
- Teens finishing their first round of orthodontic treatment
- Adults who completed treatment at any age
- Patients whose teeth have shifted after a previous orthodontic experience
- Anyone who has lost or damaged their current retainer
We see patients from Rego Park, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Elmhurst, Corona, and across Queens who need retainers — both as part of finishing treatment and as standalone replacement appointments.
Why Choose SimpliBraces for Retainers in Queens?
When you search retainers in Queens, you want to know your retainer is being designed by someone who understands how your bite should sit — not just how to take a mold.
At SimpliBraces, retainers are prescribed and overseen by Dr. Yelizar, a board-certified orthodontist. We use digital scanning — no messy impressions — to create retainers with a precise, comfortable fit. And because we take a lifetime approach to your smile, we're here for retainer checks, replacements, and questions long after your treatment ends.
Our office is located at 63-109 Saunders St #BA2, Rego Park, NY 11374, conveniently accessible from throughout Queens.
Get Started Today!
Whether you need a retainer after completing treatment or a replacement retainer in Queens, we're ready to help. Contact our office to schedule an appointment. We'll scan your teeth, review your options, and make sure your smile stays exactly where it should be.
Hear from Patients
Simpli the best! Feeling blessed to have met Dr Yelizar. I got braces 3 times (span of 25 years), Dr Yelizar is my 4th ortho and he finally fixed my issue. He is a problem solver, perfectionist, and extremely passionate about his work. Followed Dr Yelizar on Instagram for 2 years and thought he was in Connecticut. After 2 years, I checked again hoping he relocated to New York City. To my surprise, he was always in Forest Hills. So I am very glad he is now my orthodontist. I highly recommend Dr Yelizar!
We're proud to help patients across Queens protect their smiles long after treatment ends.
Our Affordable Payment Options
We work with patients across Queens to make orthodontic care easier to budget. Ask our team about the options below during your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered!
Have questions about retainers in Queens? Here are answers to what we hear most often from patients finishing treatment or looking for a replacement retainer. If you need more information, please contact our office.
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Retainer?
Most orthodontists recommend wearing your retainer full-time for several months after treatment, then transitioning to nights only for long-term retention. Dr. Yelizar will give you a personalized wear schedule based on your specific case. The short answer: wear it as directed, for as long as directed. Teeth don't stop wanting to move.
What Happens If I Stop Wearing My Retainer?
Teeth can shift surprisingly quickly without retainer wear, especially in the first year or two after treatment. Even small amounts of drift can affect how your teeth look and how your bite fits together. If it's been a while since you've worn yours, contact us before forcing it back in — if it doesn't fit easily, your teeth may have moved and the retainer may need to be replaced.
Can I Get a Retainer If I Wasn't Treated at SimpliBraces?
Yes. We see patients from all over Queens who need replacement retainers regardless of where they had their original treatment. We'll take a digital scan of your teeth and fabricate a new retainer based on how they currently sit.
How Do I Replace a Lost or Broken Retainer?
Contact our office as soon as possible. We'll schedule an appointment, take a digital scan, and have a new retainer made for you. The sooner you act, the less likely your teeth will have shifted enough to cause a fit issue with the new appliance.
What's the Difference Between a Clear Retainer and a Wire Retainer?
Clear (Essix) retainers fit over all your teeth like a thin, transparent tray. They're nearly invisible and very comfortable. Hawley retainers use a wire across the front teeth anchored by an acrylic plate — they're more durable and adjustable, but more visible. Both are effective. The right choice depends on your situation and preferences, which we'll discuss at your appointment.
Do Retainers Hurt?
A new retainer may feel tight at first, especially if your teeth have shifted even slightly since your last one. This usually fades within a day or two. If a retainer is genuinely painful or won't seat properly, stop wearing it and contact our office — it may need adjustment or replacement.
How Do I Clean My Retainer?
Rinse it with cool water whenever you remove it, and clean it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid toothpaste — it's abrasive and can scratch clear retainers. Never soak a clear retainer in hot water or leave it in a hot car. For fixed retainers, use a floss threader or water flosser to clean underneath the wire.
How Long Do Retainers Last?
Clear retainers typically last 1–3 years depending on how often they're worn and how well they're cared for. Hawley retainers can last much longer with proper use. Fixed retainers can last many years but should be inspected regularly to make sure the bond is intact.
Are Retainers Covered by Dental Insurance?
Some dental insurance plans include coverage for retainers, particularly when they're part of completing active orthodontic treatment. Replacement retainers may or may not be covered depending on your plan. Our team will help you understand your benefits and submit claims where applicable.
Can I Eat or Drink with My Retainer In?
For removable retainers, we recommend taking them out before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Food can damage the plastic, and many beverages — especially hot ones — can warp the material. Fixed retainers stay in permanently, so there are no restrictions on eating, but you'll need to be mindful when flossing.