Protecting Your Perfect Smile
After months or even years of orthodontic treatment, your beautiful, carefully aligned smile is something to celebrate. But here’s a crucial secret most patients don’t realize: retainers are the unsung heroes that preserve all the hard work of braces or clear aligners.
Why Retainers Matter
Imagine spending months perfecting your smile, only to watch it slowly drift back to its original position. That’s exactly what can happen without proper retention. Your teeth have memory, and without guidance, they’ll naturally want to return to their previous alignment. Retainers are like a gentle, persistent guardian that keeps your teeth exactly where they should be.
Consultation
If you need help with a retainer, contact us for a free assessment.
Quality Treatment
Hometown Dental Co is an experienced provider of multiple types of retainers.
Types of Retainers
Removable Retainers
- Hawley Retainers: The classic option featuring a plastic base and metal wire. Durable and adjustable, these traditional retainers allow for minor teeth movements if needed.
- Clear Plastic Retainers: Nearly invisible and incredibly comfortable, these custom-molded retainers are perfect for patients who want a more aesthetic option.
Permanent Retainers
A thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth, permanent retainers provide continuous alignment with zero daily maintenance.
Ideal for patients who might forget to wear removable retainers consistently.
Personalized Consultation
Every smile is unique, and so are your retention needs. Our team provides personalized retainer solutions tailored to your specific orthodontic history and lifestyle. We’ll help you understand:
- The best type of retainer for your specific case
- Proper wear and maintenance
- Long-term smile preservation strategies
The First Year: A Critical Period
The first 12 months after orthodontic treatment are crucial. During this time, your bones and soft tissues are still adapting to their new position. We typically recommend:
- Wearing retainers full-time for the first 3-6 months
- Transitioning to nighttime wear
- Regular check-ups to ensure perfect alignment
Caring for Your Retainers
Proper maintenance extends the life of your retainers and ensures optimal oral hygiene:
- Clean daily with lukewarm water and mild soap
- Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic
- Store in a protective case when not in use
- Keep away from pets and small children
- Replace every 1-2 years or as recommended by your orthodontist
Investment in Your Smile
Think of retainers as an insurance policy for your orthodontic investment. The cost of a retainer is minimal compared to the expense of re-doing orthodontic treatment. Most patients find that a little daily discipline preserves their perfect smile for years to come.
Get directions
1113 Indianapolis Road
Greencastle, IN 46135
Meet THE DENTISTS
DR. DENNIS KNUTH
PARTNER
Dr. Knuth is proud to care for patients right here in the community he calls home. He and his team at Hometown Dental combine continuing education with the latest technology to make sure every patient and family receives top-quality care in a comfortable, welcoming setting.
Passionate about dentistry based on a simple philosophy, Dr. Knuth treats every patient as he would a close friend or family member—always striving to deliver the level of care each person deserves.
A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Dr. Knuth feels fortunate to have learned from some of the best mentors in the field. Before becoming a dentist, he earned a degree in electrical engineering and spent six years working in the electronics industry in Cincinnati. That background gave him a strong appreciation for technology and precision, which now plays a big role in how he approaches dental care.
Dr. Knuth lives in Greencastle with Emily (Jones) and their three children. When Dr. Knuth isn’t with patients, you might find him riding his bicycle or on his Peloton trainer. Dr. Knuth also loves traveling and exploring new places with his family and friends. Some of Dr. Knuth’s favorite things are Bruce Springsteen, peanut M&Ms, cherry pie and yoga.
DR. TESS FUNKE
PARTNER
Dr. Funke loves getting to know her patients and chatting with them when they come in for visits. Its important to her to provide care for all patients, no matter where they are in their oral health journey.
While she enjoys many aspects of dentistry, Dr. Funke is excited to educate patients about dental implants and the ways they benefit oral health as Hometown Dental grows to offer implants here in our office.
Dr. Funke attended the University of Louisville for dental school and then completed a one year advanced training program in Arkansas. She's been transforming smiles with the Hometown Dental team since 2019.
When Dr. Funke isn’t with patients, you will find her spending time with her husband, Adam and their young son, Victor. Whether they are out strolling their neighborhood with aussiedoodle, Nelson or trying a new restaurant, it's wonderful to experience the world through a child’s eyes. Dr. Funke enjoys Orange Theory Fitness, cuddling up with a good book and will never turn down a good chocolate chip cookie.
Ready to Protect Your Smile?
Schedule a retainer consultation today. Your future self will thank you for the beautiful, stable smile you’re preserving right now.
Disclaimer: Individual results may vary. Consistent wear and proper care are essential for maintaining orthodontic results.
We look forward to welcoming you to our dental practice.
Meet THE DENTISTS
DR. DENNIS KNUTH
PARTNER
I am proud to serve patients in our community. Through continuing education and state-of-the-art equipment, we are able to offer you and your family the high level of care you’re looking for. My team at Hometown Dental and I will give you a warm welcome and our ongoing commitment to your dental health.
I am very passionate about dentistry. I strive to do for you what I would do for any of my friends or family; always giving you the care you deserve.
I feel fortunate to have graduated from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry, where I received an outstanding dental education from some of the best mentors in the nation. Prior to dental school, I earned a degree in electrical engineering and worked for 6 years in the electronics industry in Cincinnati.
DR. TESS FUNKE
PARTNER
Dr. Funke is excited to have joined the Greencastle Hometown Dental team. She moved back to her home state, Indiana, from Arkansas after completing a one-year advanced training program.
Dr. Funke attended the University of Louisville for dental school, where she was involved in student leadership and served on a mission trip in Jamaica to provide dental care. Dr. Funke is a proud Boilermaker alumnus!
When Dr. Funke isn’t with patients, you might find her with her partner in crime, Adam, or other members of her large family. (Her mom has seven siblings, and her dad has five!) She loves curling up with a good book (shout out to any other Harry Potter fans), staying healthy through fitness, and exploring new cities.
