• (831) 422-7424
  • 831 S. Main Street, Salinas CA 93901
  • Mon 7:30am-6pm / Tues 7:30am-6pm/ Wed 8am-5pm / Thurs 8am-4pm
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Retainers in Salinas, CA

Keep the Smile You Worked For

A custom-fit retainer holds your teeth in their new position after braces or Invisalign, protecting your results for years to come.

Book Online Now
[Call (831) 422-7424]

5.0 Google Review

Best Orthodontist 2023-2026

Outstanding Dentist of the Year 2025

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SATISFIED PATIENTS

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CASES DONE SO FAR

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EXPERT DENTISTS

Why Choose Us

Care That Doesn't Stop When Treatment Ends

Finishing braces or Invisalign is a milestone, not a finish line. Here’s how we at Matthew Ronconi Orthodontics help protect it.

  • A Doctor Who Sees Treatment Through: Dr. Ronconi personally oversees your retention plan, the same way he oversaw your active treatment from day one.
  • Decades of Experience in Salinas: The practice has helped Monterey County families protect their smiles since 1987.
  • Locally Recognized Care: Named Best Orthodontist in the Monterey County Weekly Readers' Poll four years in a row, from 2023 to 2026.
  • A Team You Can Rely On: Every clinical assistant holds an RDA and brings 10+ years of experience to your fittings and adjustments.
  • Care in the Language You Speak: Retainer fittings and instructions are available in English and Spanish.

Testimonial

What Patients Say About Us

Suzanna V

Dr. Matthew Ronconi Orthodontics and staff are friendly, professional, and provide a wealth of knowledge for all your orthodontics options and personal needs. It is a place of business for the entire family!

Marevelous R.

Trust Dr. Ronconi and his staff on your orthodontic treatment! For an over-bite surgery that I went through, Dr. Ronconi was there in every step of my recovery. They work with your schedule, your insurance and any special needs. No matter the date or time, he will try his best to assist you. Don't waste your time and money elsewhere! My family has been part of his team for the past 8 years. We are all pleased with his work and kindness. The outcome of a beautiful smile is all we all want to see, Dr. Ronconi and former Dr. Mitchell did that for my family and I

Roberto A.

After being referred to doctor Ronconi by our family dentist, we are looking forward to our 10 year old getting his treatment done. The options and procedures were explained well. Front staff are courteous and efficient, no long waits.

Jonathan L.

would recommend - I've been a patient for ~2 years and can't recommend Dr. Ronconi and his team enough! They mix incredible expertise / experience with great customer service." "I've referred family and friends to Dr. Ronconi and everyone is incredibly happy with their results. On top of that, his staff is incredibly helpful with any insurance / billing questions!

What Is a Retainer

A retainer is a custom-made appliance worn after orthodontic treatment to keep teeth from shifting back out of place. 

Once braces come off or your last Invisalign aligner is finished, teeth are still settling into the bone and tissue around them, which means they can gradually drift if left unsupported. A retainer holds everything in place while that settling process finishes, protecting the results you spent months or years working toward.

Retainers come in a few different forms, including clear removable trays similar in appearance to Invisalign aligners, and fixed wire retainers bonded behind the teeth. Which type is right for you depends on your case, your treatment history, and your daily habits.

Benefits

Why Retention Matters as Much as Treatment

Skipping retention is one of the most common ways patients lose the results they worked hard to get. Here’s what a retainer actually does for you.
  • Protects Your Investment: Months or years of treatment can shift back without a retainer holding your results in place.
  • Custom-Fit for Comfort: Retainers are molded specifically to your teeth, so they fit securely without irritation.
  • Available in Multiple Styles: Removable and fixed options allow retention to fit different lifestyles and needs.
  • Low Maintenance: A simple daily routine of wearing and cleaning your retainer is all it takes to protect your smile long-term.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing your smile is protected lets you actually enjoy the results instead of worrying about relapse.

Who Is This For

Who Needs a Retainer?

Retainers aren’t optional extras. Here’s who needs one and why.
  • Anyone Finishing Braces or Invisalign: Every patient who completes active treatment needs a retention plan to protect the results.
  • Patients Who Have Worn a Retainer Before: If your current retainer is lost, broken, or no longer fits, a replacement keeps your smile from shifting further.
  • Parents of Teens Finishing Treatment: Teens are often the least consistent about wear time, making a clear retention plan especially important.
  • Anyone Noticing Their Teeth Shift Again: If you've completed treatment in the past and are noticing movement, a new retainer may help stabilize your smile.

Need a New or Replacement Retainer?

Whether you’re finishing treatment or need to replace a lost or broken retainer, Dr. Ronconi can get you fitted with the right option for your smile.

Book Online Now
[Call (831) 422-7424]

Voted Best Orthodontist 2023, 2024 & 2025, 2026

Process

Getting Fitted for Your Retainer

Here’s what happens once you’re ready for retention.
  • Final Treatment Check: Once your braces come off or your last aligner is complete, Dr. Ronconi confirms your teeth are in their final position.
  • Impressions or Digital Scan: A mold or digital scan of your teeth is taken to create a retainer that fits precisely.
  • Retainer Fitting: Your custom retainer is placed and checked for fit and comfort.
  • Wear Instructions: You'll receive clear guidance on how many hours a day to wear your retainer and how that schedule changes over time.
  • Follow-Up Visits: Periodic check-ins confirm your retainer is still doing its job and your smile is holding steady.
Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients wear their retainer full-time for a period after treatment, then shift to nighttime wear only. Dr. Ronconi will give you a schedule based on your case.

Teeth can begin shifting back toward their original position without consistent retainer wear, sometimes within just a few months.

With proper care, a retainer can last several years, though wear and tear or changes in fit may eventually call for a replacement.

Removable retainers should come out for meals. Fixed retainers stay in place, so normal eating habits apply with a few food precautions.

Contact our office as soon as possible. The longer you go without one, the more your teeth may shift, so a quick replacement helps protect your results.

Beyond retainers, we provide metal braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, and teeth whitening. Explore all of our orthodontic services to see what fits your smile.

Protect the Smile You Worked For

Retention is the last step, and one of the most important ones.
Book a complimentary exam with Dr. Ronconi to get fitted for a retainer or replace one that’s lost or worn out.
Book Online Now
[Call (831) 422-7424]
Visit Us

Find Us in Google Maps

The office is on S. Main Street in downtown Salinas, with parking on site. Use the map to get directions, or call ahead to confirm your appointment time.
  • Address: 831 S. Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901
  • Phone: (831) 422-7424
  • Email: info@ronconiorthodontics.com
  • Hours:
    Monday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
    Tuesday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
    Wednesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Friday–Sunday Close
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