Congratulations! You’re finally done with your braces! But treatment is not over. Now you’ll have to wear retainers. Retainers are used to keep your teeth straight and your bite aligned. If you don’t wear retainers, your teeth will go back to being crooked and your bite will become misaligned, taking away all the hard work and money that has been put into treatment. But what is the best retainer? And which one will give me the best results? At Jarosz & Valente Orthodontics, we have the answers you need to give you the best info regarding retainers.
Retainer Options
There are different types of retainers to choose from. These include:
- Clear Retainers- Somewhat like Invisalign, clear retainers help keep the teeth and bite in place.
- Hawley Retainers- This is the most common retainer people think about. It is made from acrylic and metal and is tongue-shaped to fit inside the mouth. The wire covers the outside of your teeth, helping to keep them in place.
- Bonded Retainers- Are bonded at the back of the teeth and cannot be removed. Is used when the orthodontist is concerned that the teeth will try to move back into their original position after the braces are taken off. While convenient, you will have to clean the wire diligently. Use a floss threader under and around your fixed retainer to avoid a buildup of plaque and tartar.
Get Orthodontic Care Today!
Start your orthodontic journey at Jarosz & Valente Orthodontics! We offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment for everyone of all ages! If you’re interested in getting started, contact us! Our doctors and staff will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. Our Arlington Heights and Deerfield, IL offices are here to help restore your smile!