FAQ's
Once we receive your impression(s), it usually takes 21-30 business days to manufacture and then we will return it via USPS ground (3-5 days).
To purchase a typical retainer at a dentist, you previously would have had to have an impression taken at your dentist’s office, who would then send it out to a dental laboratory for production. This requires valuable office time and lab costs, which is reflected in the price. The Retainer Factory uses our own in-house laboratory as well as a self impression method which enables us to offer dramatically lower prices.
Once you have completed your impressions, set them on our included photo page and take a picture. Email the picture to Smile@AffordableRetainers.com before mailing. We’ll let you know if you’re good to go or need to retake an impression.
We recommend ordering extra impression putty upfront with your initial kit, just in case you need to remake an impression. That way you’ll have it if you need it and don’t have to order a new kit. If you don’t end up using the extra putty, just keep it and mold something at home.
Please send your impression back within 30 days of taking it. This will provide the best results from your impression. We cannot honor your impressions beyond 30 days from mailing the impression kit and will not issue any refunds for orders placed longer than 30 days.
The quality of your impression dictate the quality of your retainers. Since you are taking these impressions yourself (vs an orthodontist), we are unable to provide any guarantee on your retainers, sports guard, night guard or whitening trays.
A retainer holds your teeth in position and prevents shifting. If you’ve had braces, wearing a retainer will help your teeth remain straight, as teeth tend to shift back to their original position. A retainer will not straighten your teeth or replace any orthodontic work.
An Essix retainer is a clear retainer that covers the surface of your teeth but appears invisible. A Hawley retainer is the more old-school retainer made with acrylic that covers the roof or bottom of your mouth and a metal wire that sits across your front teeth.
Retainers can last for years depending on factors like how well you maintain and care for your retainer and if you grind your teeth.
We recommend using RetainerBrite tablets found on Amazon.com
No, your retainer is not designed to withstand the strength of the whitening gel and will degrade if you use it with the gel. You can add on a whitening kit when you order your retainer, night guard, or sports guard and we’ll send you a custom whitening tray.
Night guards are designed to protect your natural teeth from bruxism (grinding and/or clenching your teeth) cialis bez receptu. If you experience this, or have frequent symptoms like a sore jaw, dull headache, or tooth pain, a night guard can help alleviate and protect your mouth.
The lifespan of a night guard varies depending on the severity of your teeth grinding and clenching. On average, night guards can last from 2-5+ years or as little as 6 months.
A custom sports guard will protect your teeth and mouth during physical activities and prevent dental injuries (like fractured, cracked, or knocked out teeth). The custom fit offers both protection and comfort, and allows you to breathe, speak, and drink easily.
Our whitening gel has a shelf life of 3 months refrigerated. We recommend storing the gel at or below room temperature, out of direct sunlight, or in the refrigerator to extend its life. Gel that gets too hot will become unusable.
This is somewhat of a personal preference and varies person to person. Please be aware that using whitening gel too often removes tooth enamel and can lead you to develop tooth sensitivity.
Multiple times.
Of course!