Dr. Nima is here to help you with your dental retainer in Johns Creek. As the final part of your orthodontic treatment, you will have to get a dental retainer, and who better to help you with this than the best orthodontist Johns Creek residents can find?
Here at Newpark Orthodontics, you can count on a team that aims to exceed your standard experience with orthodontic care as we go above and beyond to create individualized treatment plans that fit your circumstances and help you achieve your goals with ease. When it comes to retainers in Johns Creek, you can’t go wrong with Newpark Orthodontics.
What Is a Dental Retainer?
A dental retainer is an orthodontic appliance that helps you maintain the good results achieved throughout your orthodontic care. Unlike traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners, dental retainers are not tools that move your teeth around; instead, Dr. Nima will use them to keep your teeth from moving around after reaching the perfect alignment you desire.
Dental retention is essential to maintain your perfect smile once you get your braces removed at the orthodontist’s office!
Do You Need a Retainer After Braces?
Oh, absolutely. Dental retention is the only way to avoid the negative effects of orthodontic relapse. You’ll need dental retainers after braces to keep the results you can only get with a personalized orthodontic treatment plan.
Fortunately, Dr. Nima will plan for your dental retention phase long before you get your braces taken off. We’ll make sure you know exactly what to expect, how long you’ll need to use your retainers, and how to care for your teeth when using dental retainers.
The most important aspect of dental retention is the same as with traditional braces or clear aligner trays: good oral hygiene is essential. Please come to a consultation with your Johns Creek orthodontist to learn more about the ways you can keep your teeth clean while using a retainer.
Types of Retainers
Your dental retainer can be fixed or removable. Even then, there are a few variations you should know about before making a choice regarding your preferred treatment option.
Fixed Dental Retainers
Fixed dental retainers consist of a stainless steel wire that your orthodontist bonds on the lingual surface of your teeth. The main benefit of this appliance is that no one will notice you’re wearing them, and you can go about your day without worrying about how long you have to keep them on.
Please be careful, as you have to pay special attention to your oral hygiene. It can be challenging to clean your teeth and retainer thoroughly when it’s bonded to the back of your teeth, but it’s equally important to do so.
Hawley Retainer
This is a type of removable retainer you may be familiar with. It’s a well-known retainer made of an acrylic piece with metal wires that you can put on or remove depending on your specific needs. Please keep in mind you shouldn’t remove your retainers and keep them off for too long if you wish to avoid orthodontic relapse.
Make sure to rinse and brush your Hawley retainer to avoid plaque buildup and bad odor.
Clear Plastic Retainer
This is the same type of appliance as Invisalign clear aligner trays, and many patients who use Invisalign end up choosing this type of appliance for their familiarity with care specifics and added oral hygiene benefits. Besides, this is an excellent option for patients who wish to avoid unwanted looks from strangers when they smile. The BPA-free plastic used to manufacture these retainers is excellent for a discreet treatment.
Get Your Retainers in Johns Creek
Dr. Nima can help you get a new set of retainers to wrap up your orthodontic treatment. However, we want to remind all our patients currently undergoing orthodontic treatment in Johns Creek that they can trust Dr. Nima to guide them through orthodontic retention with the same level of care and personalized attention they are acquainted with.
Make sure to give us a call at 678-389-9400 and ask any questions about how dental retainers can help achieve a beautiful smile. With dental retainers in Johns Creek, we can all say: new smile, new you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do retainers do?
Retainers are a type of orthodontic appliance that prevents orthodontic relapse, meaning that they help your teeth remain in their intended position after you’ve completed orthodontic treatment.
What types of retainers are there?
There are three main types of dental retainers available to patients. The first two types are removable retainers, and even though both are removable, they each have unique designs. Hawley wire retainers are the well-known acrylic and wire retainers people get at the end of their treatment. Then, there are the clear plastic retainers, which are similar to clear aligners and are custom-made so they fit perfectly. Finally, there are the permanent retainers, which are a stainless steel wire your orthodontist can bond to the back of your teeth.
How long must retainers be worn?
You will have to wear retainers so long as you wish to maintain well-aligned teeth after your treatment. If you have removable retainers, it’s more a consideration of wearing them continually as soon as you get your braces removed, and then wear them only during the night as you sleep. As usual, your orthodontist will have case-specific instructions for you.
How should retainers be cleaned?
Thoroughly and frequently. Rinse them with abundant water, and get a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the removable aligners. Make sure to use non-abrasive toothpaste or gel to avoid damage and prevent plaque buildup. If you’re wearing permanent retainers, you should continue to brush your teeth as usual and remove food particles to avoid the development of plaque and tartar.
What if a retainer does not fit properly?
You should ask your orthodontist for a replacement set or an adjustment, as it is essential that a retainer fits properly and avoids the negative effects of orthodontic relapse.
Do retainers last forever?
Removable retainers can last anywhere between 5 to 10 years, which is a lot. Permanent retainers can last for decades, but this will all depend on how well you care for them, so pay close attention to your orthodontist’s instructions regarding proper care.