Retainers in West Vancouver
Retainers Near You
Retainers are dental appliances that aid in straightening the teeth, particularly after braces. Wearing a retainer can help keep the teeth aligned and prevent them from shifting back to their original position after braces come off, making them an important tool in orthodontics.
Types of Retainers
Retainers may be permanent or removable. Clear medical grade plastic removable retainers are the most common type of retainer used, but your dentist’s recommendation will depend on the ultimate treatment goals and the position of your teeth.
Bonded Retainers
Bonded retainers are permanent retainers used to help support newly straightened teeth. Bonded retainers are made of wire that is bonded to the outer side of your teeth and must be removed by a dentist or orthodontist. They’re often recommended for patients who may not follow the directions for a removable retainer on a regular basis, such as children.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers are removable retainers that use both wire and medical grade plastic. They consist of a medical grade plastic component that is reinforced at the outer edge of the teeth with wire to keep teeth aligned. Although this type of retainer may be slightly more noticeable than clear medical grade plastic retainers, it can last far longer and can be adjusted by your dentist if necessary.
Other Clear Acrylic Retainers
Clear medical grade plastic retainers are virtually invisible and can be easily removed. These types of retainers are custom-fitted around a mould of your teeth and need to be worn regularly to keep the teeth aligned. Clear medical grade plastic aligners need to be replaced more often than bonded retainers or Hawley retainers (usually about once a year). This makes them a good option if you will only need a retainer for a few months or a few years after having braces removed.
Wearing Your Retainer
If you have a removable retainer(s), you’ll need to wear it regularly to ensure the treatment works as intended. Most brands recommend wearing the retainer for most or all of the day, including while you sleep.
However, you will need to remove it when you are eating. It can also be beneficial to remove retainers while drinking anything other than water, as sugary or acidic substances can become trapped under the retainer and sit on your teeth.
The long-term duration of treatment can vary widely. In some cases, orthodontists may recommend that you wear your retainer for the rest of your life to avoid the teeth moving due to chewing and wear. In other cases, you’ll only need to wear it for a few months to a few years.
If you live in or around West Vancouver, call to schedule an appointment, or book online today. Our staff is here to take your call and help you find the next available appointment that better suits your schedule. If you have any question regarding the treatment or our practice, you can also ask our staff when you call us or contact us online. We are thrilled to welcome you into our growing dental family!
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