Retainers

Retainers services offered in San Clemente, CA

Retainers in CA are long-term oral devices that help you avoid the need for future orthodontic treatments. At Brandon Orthodontics, Alex Brandon, DDS, designs custom removable retainers that you wear every night to keep your teeth in place after you’ve used braces or Invisalign®. To schedule an appointment for orthodontics or retainer care, call the office in San Clemente, California, or request one online today.

 

Retainers in CA Q & A

What are retainers?

Retainers in CA are orthodontic devices made to maintain your results after you finish treatment with braces or clear aligners. Three different types of retainers have the ability to keep your teeth in their new position once you finish comprehensive or phased orthodontic treatment at Brandon Orthodontics: Bonded retainers Bonded retainers remain in place all the time. Your orthodontist cements a wire to the backs of your teeth to hold them straight. Hawley retainers Hawley retainers are one of two removable types. They have a wire framework, which you can take out and put back in according to your orthodontist’s instructions. Clear plastic retainers Clear plastic retainers look similar to clear aligners. They fit perfectly over your teeth according to a mold, and they’re removable.

When should I wear my retainer?

Brandon Orthodontics tells you when you need to wear your removable retainers. For some period, you may need to wear them all the time and take them out only for cleaning and eating. After a while, you can wear your removable retainers only at night. Wearing your retainers as you sleep every night helps your teeth remain aligned permanently. Permanent bonded retainers will stay in place forever, so you don’t need to worry about misplacing them or forgetting to wear them.

How should I care for my retainer?

Caring for a bonded retainer is as simple as continuing your regular oral hygiene routine. The only extra step is to use floss threaders to get strands of floss under the retainer to get between the gaps. Cleaning and caring for removable retainers requires some extra attention and precautions. You must:
– Use cool water to clean it
– Scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush
– Keep it in a safe place while you’re not wearing it
– Avoid using abrasive toothpastes on your retainer
– Avoid using hot or boiling water on your retainer
You need to wear your retainer every night for long-term correction. If you stop following your orthodontist’s instructions regarding wearing your retainer, you could risk needing braces again in the future.

If you lose or break your retainer, you should contact Brandon Orthodontics for a replacement device. A retainer lets you keep your teeth in an ideal position for the rest of your life. Schedule your consultation for orthodontic treatment or retainer care by phone or request one online today.