Dental Retainers Gardena CA

Orthodontic Retainers

Orthodontic Retainers Gardena, CA

Retainers keep teeth straight and hold them in position as they adjust to the movement they have undergone during orthodontic treatment.

Crucial to the success of any orthodontic treatment, it’s important to understand which retainers will best work for you and your lifestyle once your braces or Invisalign® aligners have been removed.

What Are Retainers?

Retainers are an orthodontic appliance that protects your orthodontic treatment and are considered to be one of the most important steps in maintaining your smile.

They keep your teeth in place and your smile looking good after treatment.

How Do Retainers Work?

Retainers are highly customized for the exact shape of your mouth and teeth. Very fine measurements are taken to create a retainer that leaves zero wiggle room for your teeth to slide back into their old position after orthodontic treatment has been completed.

Retainers in Gardena CA
Different Retainer Types in Gardena CA

Why Are Retainers Necessary?

The most common reason retainers are recommended by our orthodontist is to keep teeth from shifting after braces or Invisalign® clear aligners are removed. They give the bones that hold your teeth in place time to adjust and rebuild their strength.

Other reasons retainers may be required are to:

  • Close a gap between two teeth that don’t need braces
  • Treat tongue thrust, a condition that can alter speech
  • Prevent bruxism (teeth grinding)

What Are the Benefits of Retainers?

Retainers hold teeth in place, preventing them from reverting to their original position after braces Invisalign® aligners have been removed. By maintaining the position of your straightened teeth, retainers provide the following oral health benefits:

  • Improved chewing and bite, resulting in increased nutrient intake and saliva production
  • Reduced chance of tooth decay and cavities
  • Teeth that are easier to clean
  • Defense against tongue thrust

Retainers are versatile appliances that are used for more than completing orthodontic treatment. Lesser-known advantages that come with correct retainer wear include:

  • Improved breathing for people who have trouble sleeping at night
  • Improved speech / speech impediment assistance
Retainers in Gardena CA
Different Retainer Types in Gardena CA

What Type of Retainers Are Available?

There are three main types of retainers and each style has its pros and cons:

Hawley Retainers: Hawley retainers are most common. This removable retainer consists of a metal wire and an acrylic or plastic arch that fits to the roof of the mouth. Though they take some getting used to, they are highly effective and long-lasting.

Clear Retainers: Another removable type, clear retainers are made from molded plastic and are not as durable as Hawley retainers. They are typically preferred because they are clear, thus less noticeable (much like Invisalign® clear tray aligners).

Bonded Retainers: Bonded retainers are permanent. A piece of wire is fixed to the back of the teeth and is usually recommended for more severe alignment issues, patients who have a greater chance of their teeth reverting and for kids, especially if an orthodontist thinks they may not keep up with their removable retainer.

How Long Is a Retainer Needed?

Upon the removal of your braces, a retainer may need to be worn 24 hours a day, for the first few months. It should be removed only when you’re eating.

For severe cases, a retainer may need to be worn for over a year to ensure your teeth have truly stabilized and are strong enough to stay in place on their own.

Most people tend to wear their retainers at night for many years in order to maintain the smile they love. There is no such thing as wearing a retainer too much.

Retainers in Gardena CA

How Much Do Retainers Cost?

The first retainer you receive is generally included with your orthodontic treatment. If you need a new retainer or if a retainer is recommended as part of a minor orthodontic treatment, they may range from $150-$800.

Gardena Dental Care will check your insurance coverage, as certain insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost. Please ask about our payment options as well!

Maintain Your New Smile with An Orthodontic Retainer!

Need a retainer? Contact us at (424) 295-7885 today to schedule an appointment. We will create a custom retainer that protects your smile!

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