ORTHODONTIC RETAINERS IN whittier, CA

An important part of providing high-quality care to our patients is helping them maintain their beautiful, straight smiles once they are out of braces. One of the main ways we do that is with an orthodontic retainer.

WHAT ARE RETAINERS?

Once your teeth have shifted to the correct position, they can quickly start to shift back to their original position. That would be a waste of your time and money! You made the commitment to achieve straighter teeth. Now, it is time to keep them that way.

Retainers are custom-made Whittier orthodontic appliances that are worn (typically on the palate) after you have completed orthodontic treatment. We recommend all patients wear a retainer for an extended period after treatment regardless of the type of treatment they have gone through (traditional braces or Invisalign®).

Hawley Retainer in Whittier

This is the most common type of retainer for orthodontic patients. It is made of hard acrylic that affixes onto your palate and has an attached wire that acts as a brace to keep the teeth in their proper position. The wire is like an archwire worn with braces but does not cover every tooth. Instead, the wire on a retainer only covers the six front teeth. The fun thing about retainers is that we have a variety of color and design options!

Clear Retainer

If you or your child is concerned about wearing a retainer 24/7 for a year because of the metal bar, we can make one that is esthetically discreet. Instead of using colored acrylic, we can use clear acrylic and a transparent wire.

Vivera^® Retainer

These retainers look and feel like your Invisalign® aligners. The reason for this: they are made from the same materials used to make Invisalign® aligners. The clear aligners fit over your teeth and are incredibly durable. They are an esthetically pleasing option!

Permanent Retainers

Hawley and Vivera® retainers are removable. In some cases, though, a removable option is contraindicated. In this scenario, we will place a fixed retainer by bonding a wire to the teeth. Permanent retainers can be worn for several years.

How Do I Wear a Retainer?

To start, you will need to wear the retainer for 24 hours a day for several months after your treatment. Then, you can graduate to wearing them overnight only. It is essential that you wear them overnight consistently for at least a year, though many patients need to wear their retainer overnight indefinitely.

How Do I Care for My Retainer?

Your retainer should be cleaned at least once a day. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to remove food particles or plaque. Soaking it in an antibacterial mouthwash can help remove harmful bacteria.

How Much Do Whittier Retainers Cost

The cost of your retainer will depend on the type of retainer you choose, as well as your course of treatment. Insurance companies often view retainers as a necessary part of treatment, thereby ensuring at least a portion of the retainer will be paid for by insurance (if your insurance company covers orthodontic care to begin with). Of course, coverage depends on your unique insurance plan, so be sure to ask your provider if they cover ortho and how much they are willing to pay.

What Happens If I Break or Lose My Retainer?

Contact us right away. Remember, a retainer is vital to maintaining the straight smile you invested time and money to achieve. It is imperative that a new Whittier retainer is fabricated as quickly as possible.

Why Choose Orthodontist of Whittier for All Your Ortho Needs?

Our team wants to help you achieve a beautiful, straighter smile. We want to help your teeth and jaw function optimally so that there is less strain on your body (which can result in headaches, toothaches, and even broken teeth). Our dentists are highly accredited, board-certified. The team is constantly gaining knowledge about orthodontic best practices, so we can better serve your needs. And we will continue to do so!