Completed orthodontic treatment does not guarantee perfectly straight teeth for the rest of your life. You will need to wear retainers to protect your investment in a beautiful smile! You must wear your Essix retainers as instructed or teeth may relapse (shift), in addition to other adverse effects. Regular retainer wear is often necessary for several years following orthodontic treatment. However, changes after that time can occur due to natural causes, including habits such as tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, and growth and maturation that continue throughout life. Later if life, most people will notice a shift in their teeth. Minor irregularities, particularly in the lower front teeth, may have to be accepted.
Most of your correction can be retained with good retainer wear. We will supervise the first year of your retention. This is included in the original treatment fee. Working together, we can get the maximum lifetime benefits from your investment of time, money, and effort.
Essix Retainer
The Essix retainer will be given to each patient upon completion of orthodontic treatment. It is a clear or transparent retainer that fits over the entire arch of teeth, upper and lower. This retainer is specially made from impressions of your teeth to fit comfortably and discretely. Take care of your retainers. Clean them daily as instructed. Place retainers in the provided protective case when you remove to eat or brush. Do NOT wrap them in a napkin, as you may accidentally throw them away! Please call our office immediately if you lose or break your retainers! Your teeth will move in a very short period of time with them.
Hawley Retainer
The Hawley retainer, one of the most common types, is a removable retainer made of a combination of metal wires and sturdy acrylic, and is designed to keep your teeth in place. This retainer is specially made from impressions of your teeth so that it fits snugly and comfortably in the roof of your mouth, while any wire or acrylic framing keeps your teeth in perfect position. The acrylic can also be personalized with a large number of colors and/or patterns.
Bonded Lingual Retainer
Bonded lingual retainers are cemented directly to the inside surface of your lower canines (eye teeth). This is one of the best ways to prevent your lower teeth from shifting as it is permanently attached! Patients with bonded lingual retainers must be careful with their bite as the bonding material may break due to incorrect biting and cause teeth to shift quickly. As with removable retainers, it is important to keep them clean. When brushing, make sure to carefully clean the inside of your lower teeth as well as the wire.