After undergoing your orthodontics treatment with Canal View Dental Surgery, you become the proud owner of a straighter, more confident smile. However, just because you’ve had your braces taken off, or have finished another form of orthodontic treatment like Invisalign, that doesn’t mean the work is done. In order to preserve your new, beautiful smile it is necessary to move on to the retention phase of orthodontic treatment.
You & Your Retainer
Maintaining the results you achieved during the orthodontics process is dependent on your use of retainers. Your trusted Dublin dentists will create retainers that are custom made to fit your unique smile, and will provide you with personalized instructions for how to wear them.
This is your retention phase of treatment, and it will last for a minimum of 24 months. However, ideally we would like you to continue wearing your retainers indefinitely. Your final orthodontic result depends on this phase, so follow through with the hard work you've put in so far by wearing your retainers as advised by your Dublin dentist.
Types of Retainers
Hawley Retainers
The Hawley retainer is one of the most common types of retainers. It is removable and made of a combination of metal wires and sturdy acrylic. This retainer is specially made from impressions of your teeth, so it fits snugly and comfortably against the roof of your mouth while the wire and acrylic framing your teeth keep them in perfect position.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers, or bonded lingual retainers, are cemented directly to the inside surface of your lower canine teeth. This is one of the best ways to prevent your lower teeth from shifting, as the retainers are permanently attached. Just like with removable retainers, it is important to keep fixed retainers clean. Therefore, when brushing your teeth, your Dublin dentists recommend carefully cleaning the inside of your lower teeth as well as the wire. If your retainer breaks at any point during the retention phase please do not adjust it yourself. Contact our Dublin office immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.
Essix Retainer
The Essix retainer is a clear, removable retainer that fits over the entire arch of your teeth. Some benefits of the Essix retainer include:
- No Metal Wires
- Virtually Invisible
- Easy to wear
Preserve Your Smile Today!
Through orthodontics, you and your Dublin dentist work hard to allow you to achieve a beautiful, straight smile. Safeguard that hard work and preserve your new smile by wearing your retainers once you get your braces off. It is the best way to secure that your straight new smile lasts a lifetime. For questions regarding retention, braces, Invisalign, or another aspect of orthodontics, please contact the team at Canal View Dental Surgery today—proudly serving the Dublin community with all their smile needs.
