Preserve Alignment
A retainer keeps your teeth straight and stable after orthodontic treatment, protecting the results you worked hard for.
Accepting New Patients
Retainers in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
After investing time in orthodontic treatment like Invisalign or braces, the last thing you want is for your teeth to shift back out of alignment. Retainers play a crucial role in keeping your smile straight and beautiful for life! At Elite Dentistry, we offer various types of retainers in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to ensure your smile stays picture-perfect for years to come.
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Understanding Your Treatment
What Are Retainers?
Retainers are custom-made appliances, usually made of plastic and wire or clear plastic, that are worn after orthodontic treatment (braces or Invisalign) to hold your teeth in their new position. They prevent your teeth from shifting back toward their original position, ensuring that your smile stays straight and beautiful.
The Benefits
The Benefits of Retainers
Improve Oral Health
Healthy tooth alignment reduces the risk of dental problems like cavities and gum disease.
Custom Fit
Each retainer is precisely crafted to fit your mouth perfectly, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Long-Term Stability
Consistent retainer wear significantly increases the long-term success of orthodontic treatment, and some retainers even double as night guards.
The Process
Our Step-by-Step Process
From your first exam to the final result, here's exactly what to expect — calm, clear, and never rushed.
Request an Appointment- 01
Consultation
Dr. Lari evaluates your teeth, discusses your retainer needs, and helps you choose the best option for you.
- 02
Impressions
Accurate molds of your teeth are taken to ensure a perfect fit for your retainer.
- 03
Fabrication
Your custom retainer is created with high-quality materials for durability and comfort.
- 04
Fitting
We make sure your retainer fits comfortably and provide clear care instructions.
- 05
Follow-Up
Regular checkups let us monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Is It Right for You?
Signs You May Need Retainers
Finished Orthodontics
You recently completed braces or Invisalign treatment and need to hold your new alignment in place.
Shifting Teeth
Your teeth tend to shift over time, gradually undoing your straight smile.
Past Relapse
You have a history of orthodontic relapse and want to keep it from happening again.
Teeth Grinding
You grind your teeth at night — some retainers double as night guards to protect your smile.
Your Options
What Are Your Retainer Options?
There are several retainer options to choose from, and Dr. Lari helps you select the best one based on your lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Some patients use a combination of retainers for optimal results and flexibility.
Bonded Retainers
Permanently attached to the back of your teeth, bonded retainers work silently in the background around the clock.
Hawley Retainers
A classic wire-and-acrylic design that is adjustable, durable, and built to last.
Clear Plastic Retainers
Resembling Invisalign aligners, these are nearly invisible — a popular choice for patients who want a discreet option.
You're in good company… Glowing Reviews
Glowing Reviews
From Our Patients
5-star rated dental care from patients like you…
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Elite dentistry is the best dentist I’ve ever been to! The entire staff is so friendly and helpful. They’ve gone above and beyond for me several times, helping to make the perfect custom mouth guard and retainer. They will go the extra mile to make sure your experience is a great one. Even the terrible experience of having to get two cavities filled, wasn’t as bad as I expected, they made me super comfortable the entire time. I highly recommend Elite Dentistry!” — Cortney
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Truly the most wonderful experience with a dental office and staff I’ve ever experienced. I came into Elite having recently experienced poor experiences elsewhere in town, and couldn’t believe how kind, capable and professional the team is here. I am 6 months into my Invisalign process and couldn’t be happier. Highly recommend Elite for general dentistry to anyone!” — Alex
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Have been coming here for years. They accommodate all my needs and are very thorough with what they need to work on regarding my dental wellbeing. They also have very advanced dental technology which I love.” — Nicholas
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I just moved to OC and needed to find a new dental office. I had my first visit today with Elite Dentistry and was very impressed. Everyone who worked there was so kind and attentive and the equipment they use is very advanced. They recommend treatment without making you feel pressured.” — Jessica
- 5 out of 5 stars. “This is the dentist I've been waiting for! An absolute artist and master of the craft. When someone is passionate about what they do, it shows! Dr. Rastegar-Lari is simy the best in the area. We did some major work yesterday, and today I feel and look great! Thanks Doc!0” — K
- 5 out of 5 stars. “The stuff was very professional and informative.” — Anna
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Dr. Lari is so kind and gentle and a comforting personality that I have not seen in the dentistry business as long as I have had teeth. He is special and we are lucky to have him in our small community. He makes you feel like you are family and you will appreciate that. No hidden charges or overpricing at all at this office. He went way over and above in quality and cosmetic items I needed for what I paid for. He is my hero.” — Steve
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I had such a great experience at Elite Dentistry in RSM. The ladies at the front desk are so sweet and welcoming and just make everything feel easy from the moment you walk in. The assistants were gentle and attentive and really made sure I was comfortable the whole time.Dr. Lari was amazing. So professional, calm, and thorough. I felt completely at ease and genuinely taken care of. You can tell this office really cares!Highly recommend!” — Yasmeen
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Elite Dentistry is hands down one of the best dental clinics I’ve ever been to. Dr Mehran is truly the best in the industry extremely knowledgeable, professional, and someone you can genuinely trust. The entire team is welcoming and attentive, and you can tell ethics and patient care are a top priority here.They use state of the art technology and the latest equipment, which makes a huge difference in both comfort and results. Everything is explained clearly, there’s no pressure, and you always feel like they’re doing what’s best for you not just what’s convenient.Highly recommend Elite Dentistry to anyone looking for top-tier dental care with honesty, precision, and professionalism” — Masoud
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Elite Dentistry is the best. I grew up with an unnatural fear of dentists but these guys squashed that for me. They are very kind and thorough. They explain every step to make sure I was comfortable with their recommendations. The pricing is fair. I feel good about sending my family here for their dental needs.” — Kevin
- 5 out of 5 stars. “The staff is amazing at Elite Dentistry, very friendly, reassuring and especially gentle. The doctor is very friendly, gentle as well and never upsells.” — Jessica
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I had a great experience with Dr. Lari. The staff was incredibly friendly, professional, and made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. They took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I was at ease throughout the visit. I don’t usually get to see the dentist very often, but when I did, it was clear that he knew exactly what he was doing and was very confident and skilled. I truly appreciate the level of care and attention I received and would highly recommend dr.Lari to anyone looking for excellent dental care!” — Leticia
The Elite Dentistry Difference
Why You'll Love Retainers at Elite Dentistry
At Elite Dentistry, we combine technical expertise with personalized care. Dr. Lari has extensive experience creating custom retainers and ensures each appliance fits perfectly.
Here are just a few reasons our patients love us:
- Extensive Experience
- Perfect-Fit Appliances
- Comprehensive Care Guidance
- Flexible Financing
Frequently Asked Questions
You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers
Don't see the answer you're looking for? Call us at (949) 888-8989.
How long should I wear my retainer?
For the first year after orthodontic treatment, most patients should wear their retainers full-time except when eating, drinking, or cleaning. After that, many can transition to nights only. The exact timeline depends on your case, and Dr. Lari will adjust recommendations as needed — some patients benefit from wearing retainers indefinitely at night for long-term stability.
Can I eat and drink with my retainer in?
Removable retainers should be taken out when eating and drinking to avoid damage.
What should I do if I break my retainer?
Contact our office immediately for a replacement to ensure your teeth remain in place. Dr. Lari can create a custom-fit replacement retainer in no time.
How do I clean my retainer?
Clean it daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a denture cleaner — avoid toothpaste, which can be abrasive. Occasionally soak it in a denture cleaning solution or water and baking soda for a deeper clean, and rinse thoroughly with cool water before and after each use.
How much do retainers cost?
Costs vary by type: bonded retainers typically cost less upfront but may need repair if damaged, Hawley retainers are moderately priced and very durable, and clear plastic retainers fall in the mid-range and may need periodic replacement. Many insurance plans cover a portion of the cost, and Elite Dentistry offers flexible financing options.
Schedule Your Retainers Consultation
Protect your beautiful smile with a custom retainer from Dr. Lari. Fill out the form below, and our team will reach out within one business hour.
25+ Years of Care
About Our Dentistry
Trusted Local Care in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
- Licensure
- CA License #65190 · Verify
- Insurance
- We work with most insurance providers.
- No Insurance?
- No problem — ask about our new patient specials and payment plans.
- Financing
- A wide range of dental financing options for every budget.
- Counties Served
- Orange County
- Cities Served
- Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Las Flores, Trabuco Canyon
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