Orthodontic Retainers

Orthodontic retainers serve an important role as a longer-term solution for maintaining your new, beautiful smile by keeping teeth in place and not allowing them to shift back to their original locations.

We offer the three most common types of retainers:

Essix Vacuum-Formed Retainers

These removable, clear retainers are custom fit to your teeth and fit just like a mouthguard. We take an impression in our office and our lab technicians finish your retainer in our on-site lab in a very timely manner!

Essix retainers are good for patients that want a more discreet appliance. They are generally cheaper and easier to wear than traditional wire retainers but may not last as long if the patient grinds their top and bottom teeth together.

 

 

 

 

 

Bonded Lingual Retainers

This type of retainer is actually a metal wire bonded (glued) to the back of your teeth to keep them in place. They are not visible to others and do a great job maintaining your new, beautiful smile.

Bonded retainers cannot be removed by the patient.  Bonded retainers require more care to brush and floss your teeth, so special care  must be taken to keep them clean and tarter-free.  The best part is you will not lose it!

 

 

 

 

 

Traditional Wire Retainers

“Hawley” retainers are the most common type of retainer because they are durable and adjustable. A metal wire is mounted in an acrylic arch to keep it securely in the patient’s mouth.  This retainer can be active to slightly move teeth or inactive to hold teeth in their current position.  The acrylic comes in many fun colors!

 

 

 Remember, if you ever want orthodontic treatment again, then stop wearing these retainers properly!

Convenient Scheduling Options

We are happy to offer a free initial consultation to explain the benefits of orthodontic retainers and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Our office is located near Willow Lawn, minutes from I-64, I-95 and I-195. We open early to try to minimize the disruption to your daily schedule. Please contact us to schedule a free initial consultation at your convenience.