Let’s Get This Straight | The Hills Orthodontics
Orthodontist Anaheim Hills
Maintaining Your Smile with Retainers: Insights from The Hills Orthodontics
At The Hills Orthodontics, we understand that achieving a beautiful, straight smile with braces is just the beginning. Maintaining those results requires dedication, and that’s where retainers come in. Retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions, ensuring the longevity of your orthodontic treatment.
Here’s what you need to know about the different types of retainers and how to care for them at home:
Types of Retainers
There are several types of retainers that we might recommend, each with its own benefits:
- Clear Retainers: These removable, clear plastic trays fit snugly over your teeth, making them nearly invisible and easy to wear.
- Traditional Retainers: These removable appliances are made of acrylic and wire. They sit on the front side of your teeth and are custom-made for a perfect fit.
- Bonded Retainers: These are thin, fixed wires temporarily bonded to the back (lingual side) of your front teeth. They are discreet and require minimal maintenance.
Additional Benefits of Retainers
Retainers do more than just keep your teeth straight:
- Improved Oral Hygiene: Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which helps reduce plaque buildup and the risk of tooth decay.
- Enhanced Breathing: Certain types of retainers can help improve breathing and reduce snoring by maintaining proper jaw alignment.
- Speech Improvement: Retainers can assist in adjusting the placement of the tongue, aiding in the correction of speech impediments during vocabulary development.
Caring for Your Retainer
Proper care of your retainer is crucial for maintaining its effectiveness:
- Daily Cleaning: Just like your teeth, retainers should be brushed daily with toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush the entire retainer, paying extra attention to the wires to avoid bending them out of place.
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular follow-up appointments with The Hills Orthodontics to ensure your retainer fits well and is functioning correctly.
Your retainer is an essential part of your orthodontic journey. By taking good care of it, you help secure the results you’ve worked so hard to achieve. The retention phase begins as soon as your braces are removed, and it’s vital to follow through with this phase to maintain your straight smile. Retainers can also address additional issues like speech impediments or breathing problems.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about retainers and determine which type is right for you or your child, contact The Hills Orthodontics today. Dr. Brian Luong and our team are here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. Call us to schedule an appointment.
Anaheim Hills Orthodontics
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 714-998-4700
Url: https://anaheimhillsortho.com
5753 E. Santa Ana Canyon Rd. #K
Anaheim, CA 92867