Retainers

After your orthodontic appliance is removed and your beautiful new smile is unveiled, it’s time for the most important step of orthodontic treatment: the retention phase. During retention, a custom retainer will help you keep the smile results you’ve worked so hard for.

Retainers

What is a retainer?

Retainers are custom-made orthodontic devices designed to hold teeth in their new position after completing orthodontic treatment. They play a crucial role in maintaining the results achieved during treatment and preventing the teeth from shifting back to their original position.

Retainers can be removable or fixed, and the type of retainer recommended will depend on the patient’s needs and the orthodontist’s recommendation. Wearing retainers as instructed by the orthodontist is essential to ensure that the teeth stay in their new position for years to come.

Types of retainers

Hawley retainer

made of a plastic body that covers the palate and wires that wrap around the teeth. The plastic body is custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth, while the wires are adjustable to ensure a comfortable fit.

Clear Retainer

made from a clear plastic that covers the teeth and is custom-made to fit the shape of the patient’s mouth. They are clear and nearly invisible, making them more aesthetically pleasing than other types of retainers.

Fixed wire retainer

designed to be permanent, this wire is custom-made to fit the shape of the patient’s teeth and is bonded to the back of the teeth. Though these are very effective at keeping the shape, they are more difficult to clean.

What retainer will work best for you?

Not sure which retainers to try? Here are some pros and cons of removable vs fixed retainers.

Pros of removable retainers

Cons of removable retainers

Pros of fixed retainers

Cons of fixed retainers

Start treatment today!

Before you begin your retention program, you need to complete treatment with braces or clear aligners. Get started with a free consultation at any of our four locations.

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