Finishing treatment is a big milestone. But your results aren’t permanent on their own. Retainers hold your teeth in place while the bone and tissue around them adjust. Without consistent wear, teeth can drift back toward their old positions.
At Wigal & Kluemper Orthodontics, Dr. Timothy Wigal and Dr. Alex Kluemper build every retainer around your anatomy. We use digital scanning or traditional impressions for an accurate, comfortable fit. Whether you’re finishing treatment in Heath or coming in for a replacement, we help protect your results for the long term.
A retainer does more than just “hold teeth in place.” It plays a few distinct roles after braces or Invisalign® come off.
Every retainer we provide is built for your bite. We use digital impressions or precise molds, so the fit matches your mouth exactly. This keeps teeth secure while bone and tissue firm up around them.
No two patients need the same retainer. Some need the adjustability of a Hawley retainer. Others prefer the discreet feel of a clear retainer, or the no-maintenance convenience of a permanent retainer. We match the appliance to your plan and lifestyle.
Right after braces or aligners, the bone and gum tissue around your teeth are still adjusting. Retainers hold everything in place during this window. This reduces the risk of relapse and future correction.
Families across Heath and Licking County trust Wigal & Kluemper Orthodontics for retainer care. We don’t just hand over an appliance. Every patient gets a plan built around their anatomy, growth stage, and goals, backed by specialist-level expertise and modern technology.
Dr. Timothy Wigal and Dr. Alex Kluemper are both board-certified orthodontists. They bring decades of combined experience to every case, from retainer fittings to full treatment plans.
We use advanced digital scanning to capture a precise model of your teeth and bite. This means retainers and appliances fit accurately the first time, with no messy impressions required.
Cost should never stand between you and a stable, healthy bite and long-term results. We offer flexible 0% in-house financing with no down payment required. Our team also helps you navigate your PPO insurance benefits.
Wigal & Kluemper Orthodontics runs on a coordinated, two-doctor approach. Dr. Timothy Wigal and Dr. Alex Kluemper bring decades of clinical leadership and specialist-level training. Every patient in Heath gets a treatment and retention plan built around their own facial structure and long-term health.
Dr. Timothy Wigal is a board-certified orthodontist. He provides advanced care guided by the Six Elements of Orofacial Harmony, focusing on facial balance and airway needs. His decades of leadership have built a trusted legacy of care across Central Ohio.
Dr. Alex Kluemper is a board-certified orthodontist specializing in craniofacial growth, interceptive and surgical orthodontics, and advanced tooth movement biology. He brings a modern, research-driven approach to patient care at Wigal & Kluemper Orthodontics.
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When something goes wrong with your braces or aligners, it’s natural to have questions. Here are answers to the most common concerns patients bring to us during orthodontic emergencies.
Teeth can shift throughout life, even years after treatment. Most orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer nightly indefinitely to keep your teeth in place. Wear schedules usually drop from full-time to nighttime-only over time.
A new retainer can feel tight at first. This is normal and usually fades within a few days as you adjust. If pain continues or the fit feels off, check in with your orthodontist.
Take out removable retainers before chewing gum. Gum can stick to the appliance and be hard to clean off. With a fixed retainer, avoid gum altogether, since it can pull at the wire or get stuck around it.
Many denture cleaning tablets are safe for removable retainers. Still, check with your orthodontist first, since some materials react differently to certain solutions. A soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste is the safest daily option.
Water is fine with a removable retainer in place. Skip sugary, acidic, or colored drinks while wearing one, since they can get trapped against the appliance and cause staining or buildup. Take the retainer out before drinking anything besides water.
