Orthodontic Retainers Specialist

What are orthodontic retainers?

Orthodontic retainers refer to custom-made appliances Dr. Rashbaum uses to keep your teeth in place after he’s removed your dental braces.

Immediately after removing your braces, it’s possible for your teeth to want to shift back to their original position naturally. Orthodontic retainers prevent this from happening and allow your teeth to settle into the jawbone and soft tissue in their new location.

What are the different types of orthodontic retainers?

There are two main types of orthodontic retainers: fixed and removable, though there are multiple types of removable retainers.

Hawley retainers

Hawley retainers, otherwise called wire retainers, are the most common type of removable orthodontic retainers.

They’re made out of a plastic base that adheres to the root of your mouth or the inside of your lower teeth. The plastic base is held in place by thin metal wires that run across the outside of the teeth.

Essix retainers

Essix retainers are custom-made plastic retainers that look and feel the same as the aligners you’d get during Invisalign treatment. Dr. Rashbaum creates a mold of your teeth so that the retainers fit perfectly to their shape.

Bonded retainers

Bonded retainers are permanent retainers that are cemented to the back of your teeth to maintain their position.

What are the benefits of orthodontic retainers?

Beyond maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment, retainers have a wide range of benefits:

Removable retainers

Hawley retainers aren’t just removable. They’re also adjustable. Dr. Rashbaum can make slight adjustments to the wire to make sure they’re comfortable and effective. Hawley retainers can also last years if you follow proper oral hygiene protocols.

Essix retainers come in handy because they’re plastic-based and invisible. Since they don’t have any aesthetic disadvantages, you’ll be incentivized to wear them more. They’re also much thinner and less cumbersome than Hawley retainers.

Fixed retainers

Fixed retainers are also invisible in their own right, as they rest behind the teeth. They can’t be misplaced or lost, and don’t get damaged easily.

How do you take care of orthodontic retainers?

Taking care of your orthodontic retainer should become part of your daily routine.

Fixed retainers require less maintenance, though you should maintain proper dental hygiene and schedule regular check-ups with Dr. Rashbaum to make sure everything is in order.

Removable orthodontic retainers require a more hands-on approach. Dr. Rashbaum gives you specific maintenance instructions to make sure your retainers stay clean and don’t accumulate bacteria and plaque.

Don’t let your investment in orthodontic treatment go to waste. Get in touch with Fashion District Dental today by phone or online to learn more about orthodontic retainers.