Retaining your beautiful smile
Regardless of your type of orthodontic treatment, a retainer is the most important part of your treatment plan. Retainers are necessary to reduce changes in tooth position. In order to maintain the smile you’ve worked so hard to achieve, you must continue to wear it after your treatment with braces or Invisalign is complete.
Retainers after Invisalign® and Braces
At your final orthodontic appointment, we will provide you with a custom-made retainer that is either removable or permanent. If it is removable, we will also give you instructions on how many days a week and how many hours per day you need to wear it. This length of time generally decreases as your teeth settle into their new positions.
Do you have to wear retainers forever?
It is recommended that you continue to wear your retainers for life! They stabilize your teeth so they do not shift around. If you fail to wear them, your teeth may move enough that you need additional orthodontic treatment.
Types of retainers
There are three common types:
Traditional removable retainers, also called Hawley retainers, utilize a metal wire that encloses the front teeth and an acrylic arch that sits in the roof of the mouth. The metal wires can be adjusted to finish treatment and continue minor movement of the front teeth as needed.
Essix retainers look similar to Invisalign aligners and are also removable. They offer a discreet alternative to wire traditional retainers. They fit over the entire arch of your teeth and are quickly becoming the most popular option.
Fixed retainers are permanent. They are made of wires bonded behind the bottom and/or top teeth and are often kept in place for life.
Our top priority is to determine the best treatment for every patient. Our team has years of experience creating personalized treatment plans that match every patient’s unique needs. We are so excited to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile!