Orthodontic Retention
Keep That Gorgeous Smile Shining!
You've worked hard for your beautiful smile...now let's keep it that way!
Your braces are off, your teeth are straight, and your smile is absolutely stunning (and metal-free)! But your orthodontic journey isn't quite over yet. To make sure your new smile stays perfect, you'll need to wear retainers. Retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions.
Types of Retainers
Removable Retainers (Traditional Style) — these have a small metal wire that wraps around your front teeth and an acrylic piece that rests on the roof of your mouth. The wire can be adjusted to fine-tune your smile if needed!
Clear Retainers (Aligner Style) — these sleek, see-through retainers look like clear aligners and fit comfortably over your entire arch. They're practically invisible and a super popular choice!
Bonded retainers — these are thin wires bonded behind your front teeth from canine to canine (bottom and sometimes top) to help keep everything in place 24/7.
Pros and Things to Keep in Mind
- Removable retainers are easy to take out for meals and brushing. Just remember to keep them in their case so they don't get lost!
- Bonded retainers are great if you don't want to worry about taking them in and out, but they only hold the teeth they're attached to. That's why it's a good idea to wear a clear retainer over them at night for the best long-term results.
- Flossing tip: If you have a bonded retainer, you'll need to spend a little extra time cleaning around it. A floss threader makes it easy to get in those tight spaces and keep your smile sparkling clean!
Your new smile deserves to shine for life! With a little care and consistency, it absolutely will!