“You guys were very kind, patient, and friendly. You always took the time to explain everything thoroughly. You were very considerate and made sure that I understood the procedure of what was going on before moving forward.”
Retainers and retainer bundles
Keep the smile
you worked for.
Teeth like to drift back to where they started. Retainers are what protect your smile investment long term. We make them in-house, including for patients who finished treatment at another office.
Retainer options
What we offer.
We make retainers in-house for our own patients and for anyone who finished treatment elsewhere and needs a replacement. We also offer retainer bundles for patients who want backups on hand. Worth knowing: we don't currently place bonded (permanent wire) retainers. Worth knowing: we don't routinely place bonded "permanent" retainers.
Made in-house
Dr. Sytek's team fabricates retainers right here in the office, so turnaround is faster than sending work out to a lab.
Retainer bundles for backups
You can order a bundle so you have spares on hand. Losing or breaking your only retainer stops being a problem when the next one is already at home.
Available even if you finished elsewhere
You don't have to have been our patient. If you were treated somewhere else and need a replacement, we make retainers for you too. We will take photos and a panoramic x-ray first, just to confirm everything is healthy.
In most cases we will take photos and an x-ray first, just to confirm everything is healthy before making your custom retainer.
In our hands
Why this matters as much as treatment.
If you stopped wearing your retainer and your teeth shifted, you're not alone. We hear it every day from parents in the consult room and from adults seeking retreatment. I tell all my patients that retainer wear is the hardest part of orthodontic treatment. It takes a nighttime for a lifetime commitment, otherwise we'll be meeting again.
Dr. Lauren Sytek
The process
How we make and fit retainers,
step by step.
Whether you finished treatment here or somewhere else.
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A quick visit and scan
We take a digital scan (no goopy trays) of your teeth as they are now. If you finished elsewhere, we will take photos and a panoramic x-ray just to confirm everything is healthy before making your custom retainer.
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Retainer made in-house
Dr. Sytek plans the retainer and we produce it right here, usually in about two hours. Faster turnaround than sending out to a lab.
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Fit and wear schedule
We fit the retainer and walk you through exactly how long and how often to wear it. It's usually longer than most patients expect.
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Long-term check-ins
Retainers wear down over time. If yours breaks or stops fitting, come back in and we'll replace it.
Who this is for
Every patient who needs
Retainers.
Patients who finished orthodontic treatment and need a retainer or replacement Patients who were treated somewhere else and need a new retainer made Anyone who wants a bundle of spares on hand If your teeth have shifted significantly since your last treatment and a retainer isn’t enough, see Adult Treatment for options.
Book a Consultation
Book a ConsultationWhat patients say
Reviews from real
Alpena families.
“My experience with Sytek Ortho has been great! Everybody is always very welcoming and I never leave without a smile on my face!”
“We are thrilled with the outcome of Parker’s orthodontic care. Dr. Sytek and all of the staff at Sytek Ortho are wonderful.”
“I didn’t like to smile before, but after having braces at Sytek Ortho, I have more confidence with my smile.”
“Dr. Sytek and staff did an amazing job. I love my teeth!”
“We could not be happier with Bently and Emerson’s orthodontic results. The team was incredibly flexible and always available to answer questions. Their treatment experience was positive from start to finish, and their confidence truly shines through their smiles.”
“We’re so happy with the way Noah’s smile turned out and we’re so happy we could do this treatment right here in Alpena. Dr. Kendziorski referred Noah and he’s one of the earlier completed cases with Sytek Ortho.”
“The team at Sytek Ortho is like family to me. They made sure I loved my teeth. They are truly the best people. I miss them!”
“My experience with Sytek Ortho was awesome! Everyone there was very kind and helpful. I am very happy, and my teeth look great.”
“They were all so nice! And brought back my confidence back!”
“I truly love Dr. Sytek. She gave me so much confidence in my smile, and I was treated incredibly well throughout the entire process. The environment was always so welcoming and they always made me feel right at home.”
“I had an amazing experience with Dr. Sytek and the entire orthodontic team. The process was smooth, comfortable, and the results were incredible. I would highly recommend Dr. Sytek to anyone considering orthodontic treatment!”
FAQ
Common questions about
Retainers.
Yes. We make retainers in-house for patients who were treated elsewhere, not just our own. We will take photos and a panoramic x-ray first, just to confirm everything is healthy before making your custom retainer.
Not at this time. We make removable retainers and can talk through what will hold your results best.
Longer than most people expect, often indefinitely on a reduced schedule, because teeth keep wanting to shift for life. Dr. Sytek will give you a specific plan.
One set of retainers is included at the end of your treatment. Additional sets and replacements are billed separately, and we will give you the exact cost before making them.
Related treatments
Other treatment options to consider.
Adult Treatment
For teeth that shifted enough to need more than a retainer.
Oliv Aligners
If you need meaningful correction, not just retention.
Costs & Financing
Honest ranges and what's included.
Book your consultation in under a minute.
No pressure. Real options.
