Orthodontic Retainers Anaheim, CA

Your Anaheim, CA, orthodontist can treat a wide range of dental issues with orthodontic treatments. Once your treatment is complete, it’s easy for your teeth to start shifting back into their original positions. That’s why your orthodontist recommends wearing a retainer. Retainers in Anaheim, CA, help maintain the work done by braces and clear aligners and protect the investment you’ve made in orthodontic treatment.

What Are Orthodontic Retainers in Anaheim, CA?

Retainers are custom-made orthodontic appliances that keep teeth in their new positions.

What Type of Orthodontic Retainers Are Offered?

The most common type of retainer is called a Hawley retainer. This retainer is made of a base of acrylic or plastic and a bendable wire. The wire fits across the front of your teeth. The acrylic fits along the roof of your mouth and/or the ridge of your lower jaw. Hawley retainers are removable.

Other options are the Essix retainer and permanently bonded retainers.

Essix retainer: This retainer is made of clear plastic and resembles the Invisalign® clear aligners. These retainers are removable.
Bonded retainers: These retainers stay in your mouth because they’re bonded to the back of your teeth (often the six front lower teeth).

How Long Will You Need to Wear a Retainer After Orthodontic Treatment in Anaheim, CA?

Most orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer 24/7 for the first year after orthodontic treatment. After the first year, patients can switch to wearing them only at night. Typically, orthodontists recommend wearing retainers for several years after treatment. Depending on the patient’s case, they may even recommend wearing the retainer forever.

How Do Retainers Impact Daily Life?

The Essix retainer is virtually invisible. Unfortunately, wearing an upper and lower retainer doesn’t allow your upper and lower teeth to fit together naturally. Therefore, you may experience some lisping when you speak.

Similarly, Hawley and bonded retainers take some getting used to. It won’t take long, though, before you talk like usual. All it takes is a bit of practice. Try speaking more slowly and deliberately at first.

How Do You Care for Orthodontic Retainers?

To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your retainers, it’s essential to care for and maintain them properly. Clean your retainers daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid using toothpaste, as the abrasive components in the paste will damage the plastic or acrylic. Also, avoid exposing the retainers to hot water, which can cause them to warp. Additionally, keep the retainer out of direct sunlight or a hot car.

Store your retainer in a clean, dry container when you’re not wearing it to prevent bacteria from growing on the appliance.

Can Orthodontic Retainers Fix Misaligned Teeth?

No, retainers aren’t meant to fix malocclusion. Their purpose is to maintain proper occlusion once it’s achieved with braces or clear aligners.

Some patients who haven’t worn their retainer might notice slight shifting. When they start wearing their retainer again, the appliance basically course corrects. However, it doesn’t take long before a dentition shift requires orthodontic retreatment.

What Happens If You Lose or Damage Your Retainer?

Call your Anaheim, CA, orthodontist as soon as possible. Teeth can shift quickly, and we don’t want you to be without a retainer for longer than necessary. We’ll fabricate a new retainer for you as quickly as possible.

How Much Do Retainers in Anaheim, CA, Cost?

Orthodontic retainers cost between $150 and $500, depending on the type of corrective treatment you have and the retainer you need. The cost of your retainer is included in our orthodontic treatment cost estimate.

If you need a replacement, you’ll have to pay an additional fee out of pocket, as insurance typically doesn’t cover replacement costs.

Protect Your Investment with Orthodontic Retainers

Orthodontic retainers from your Anaheim, CA, orthodontist play a critical role in maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment. It is essential in protecting your orthodontic investment and can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Orthodontic Retainers Are an Integral Part Of Orthodontic Care

Learn more about how orthodontic retainers can help you maintain your smile by calling Orthodontics of Anaheim at (714) 627-4476.

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