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A retainer is a custom appliance that holds your teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment, keeping them from drifting back. At Dentistry at Millennium Park, we make comfortable custom retainers, both removable and fixed, and replace lost or worn ones, so the straight smile you worked for lasts. Wearing it as directed keeps your results.
A retainer is a custom-made appliance that keeps your teeth from shifting after orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign® or other clear aligners. Teeth naturally have a tendency to drift over time, and a retainer holds them right where your treatment placed them.
There are two main kinds. A removable retainer can be taken out for eating and cleaning, and you wear it on a schedule we recommend. A fixed (bonded) retainer is a thin wire attached behind your front teeth that stays in place and works quietly around the clock. We'll help you choose the right option for your smile and lifestyle.
We also make replacement retainers. If yours is lost, broken, or worn out, a quick visit and a digital scan are all it takes to get you a new one.
A retainer is likely right for you if you:
Note: Almost everyone who completes orthodontic treatment needs a retainer, it's the key to keeping your new smile for the long term.
Wearing a retainer is what makes your results last. A good retainer:
Keeps your teeth from drifting back to their old positions
Protects the time and investment you put into treatment
Maintains your straight, comfortable bite
Is custom-fit for comfort
Comes in removable or fixed options to suit you
Our practice is on the 18th floor at 8 S Michigan Ave, steps from Millennium Park and the heart of the Loop, easy to reach for a new retainer or a quick replacement.
We welcome patients from across downtown Chicago, including the Loop, River North, South Loop, and West Loop, with convenient access by CTA, Metra at Millennium Station, and nearby parking.
Keeps teeth from shifting after treatment.
Made from a digital scan for a comfortable, accurate fit.
Removable or fixed options to match your lifestyle.
Maintains the smile you worked for.
Lost or worn retainers are simple to remake.
We show you exactly how to keep it clean.
Getting a retainer is quick and comfortable.
Comfort note: Our comfort menu (noise-canceling headphones, Netflix, blankets, and more) is here to help you relax.
The cost depends on the type of retainer and whether you need one or two. Coverage varies by plan, and some orthodontic benefits include retainers. We're in-network with most major PPOs and will review your specific benefits with you.
To keep things easy, we offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry, and members of our in-house membership plan receive 15% off treatments. We'll always give you a clear estimate up front.
A retainer only works if you wear it as directed. This is the most important thing to know: if you stop wearing a removable retainer, your teeth can gradually shift back, sometimes enough to need treatment again. We'll give you a clear wear schedule, often more at first and then nightly, and many people keep wearing theirs at night long-term to protect their smile.
A few practical notes. Removable retainers can be lost or damaged, so always keep yours in its case when it's out, never wrapped in a napkin. Fixed retainers need a little extra care when flossing, which we'll show you. And like anything you use daily, retainers wear over time and occasionally need replacing.
A comfortable retainer that fits precisely makes it much easier to actually wear it, which is the whole point. We use modern digital scanning for an accurate fit, help you choose the right type, and make sure you know exactly how to keep your smile in place.
As a proudly woman-owned, all-female practice in the heart of the Loop, led by a woman of color, we pair modern dentistry with genuine, personal care.
Founder & Lead Dentist, Dentistry at Millennium Park.
Last updated: June 2026
Meet Dr. RanganathanTeeth naturally tend to drift over time, even after they've been straightened. A retainer holds them in their new positions so your results last. Skipping it is the most common reason people see their teeth shift back.
A removable retainer comes out for eating and cleaning and relies on you wearing it on schedule, it's flexible and easy to clean. A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind your front teeth that works around the clock with no effort to remember, but needs a little extra care when flossing. A removable retainer is best for flexibility; a fixed one is best for consistency. We'll help you choose.
Usually more at first, then nightly. Many people continue wearing a retainer at night long-term, since teeth can shift at any age and nightly wear is an easy way to keep your smile.
Yes. A quick visit and a digital scan are all we need to make you a comfortable, custom replacement.
It depends on the type and how many you need, and some orthodontic benefits include retainers. We're in-network with most major PPOs, offer financing and a 15% member discount, and we'll give you a clear estimate first.
At our office on the 18th floor of 8 S Michigan Ave, steps from Millennium Park and the Loop. We welcome patients from across downtown Chicago. Call or text (224) 249-5977 or book online.
Whether you've just finished treatment or need to replace an old retainer, we'll make sure your smile stays right where it should. Call or text us at (224) 249-5977 or book online.
We are taking new patients in Chicago! We offer a wide range of dentistry services, including regular dental cleanings and check-ups, fillings and crowns.
