Retainers in Las Vegas, NV
Our orthodontists and team want to ensure that your newly-improved teeth remain perfectly aligned for the long term. Retainers are another important step in the process of orthodontic treatment. Contrary to popular opinion, the process of retaining your smile is a lifelong endeavor. At Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics, we look forward to guiding you through a lifetime of smiles with perfectly aligned and healthy teeth. If you are in need of a new retainer or have any questions regarding the proper wear and care of your retainer, please call our practice at 702-243-3300 and make your appointment with Dr. Hamilton and Dr. Manuele in Las Vegas, Nevada.
A retainer is a custom-made oral appliance often used to maintain the alignment of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. If you have finished your orthodontic treatment, such as braces, our orthodontist may recommend a retainer to keep your smile properly aligned. As you age, your teeth tend to shift; the retainer ensures that your teeth remain in correct alignment for optimal oral health, functionality, and appearance. There are three main types of retainers available:
- Hawley retainers consist of wires and clasps embedded in a plastic body that covers the roof of the mouth (for the upper arch) or lies along the tongue side of the teeth (for the lower arch). The clasps fit around certain teeth to anchor the retainer in place, while the wire arches across the front of the teeth to maintain their alignment.
- Clear retainers are made of clear plastic and fit snugly over the teeth. A clear retainer is usually more discreet than a Hawley retainer, although it may not be as durable.
- Fixed retainers, also called bonded or permanent retainers, are permanently attached to the backside of the front teeth. This prevents the teeth from shifting out of place, and it can only be removed by your orthodontist.
Our orthodontist will help you determine whether you need a retainer after your orthodontic treatment. For more information, we welcome you to call us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to wear my retainer?
After you complete your course of orthodontic care with Invisalign, traditional braces, or other treatment, your teeth are still vulnerable to orthodontic relapse. Especially in the period of time directly after orthodontic therapy, your teeth can move out of the perfect alignment you’ve worked hard to achieve.
Retainers help prevent orthodontic relapse, preserving your aligned smile and helping secure your teeth in place. Don’t let the time and money you’ve spent aligning your smile go to waste, wear your retainer and visit your dentist for checkups at regular intervals!
What can I do about discomfort when wearing my retainer?
When you first get your retainer, you may find it uncomfortable to wear or difficult to speak with. In most cases, discomfort will subside with regular use and your mouth will adapt to speaking clearly while protecting the alignment of your teeth.
If you believe that your retainer isn’t fitting correctly or is painful to wear for long periods of time, contact Dr. Hamilton for an appointment. He’ll adjust your retainer for a more comfortable fit to help you maintain consistent habits.
How can I keep my retainer sanitary?
Without proper hygiene habits, plaque can build up on retainers just like it does on teeth. Use a toothbrush to brush your retainer clean, preferably with a non-whitening toothpaste. Mouthwash or denture cleansers can be used to soak and sanitize your retainer. When you’re on the go, rinsing your retainer with water can prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle.
By taking care of your retainer with regular cleanings, you’ll protect it for lasting benefits and prevent risks from accumulated bacteria during use.
How long will I have to wear my retainer?
Don’t discontinue use of your retainer without consulting Dr. Hamilton. For some patients, retainer use is only required for a period of months or years. However, many patients will receive benefits and prevent orthodontic relapse by maintaining continuous use of their retainer, especially during the night.
As you age, your teeth will continue to shift and can move out of alignment without maintenance. A retainer can preserve your aligned smile for many years — you’ll thank yourself for continuing responsible care by keeping your retainer a part of your nightly oral health routine.