After you complete your braces or Invisalign treatment, you should feel proud of yourself for reaching such an amazing milestone! Now, the crucial “retention” phase can begin, which will ensure your teeth maintain their new alignment. In this phase, retainers, either fixed or removable, play a key role in preserving the results of your orthodontic treatment. Retainers are custom-fit appliances, typically made of transparent plastic and wires, designed to keep your smile straight and perfect after your orthodontic treatment.
Five Town Orthodontics has been helping the New York community achieve stellar orthodontic results for over 25 years. Our retainer options are as flexible as the solutions we created to accommodate your needs, including flexible hours, Sunday appointments, and free parking for our clients.
We believe finances should never get in the way of treatment, and we want to ensure we offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment to all members of our community. If you recently had your braces removed or finished your Invisalign treatment, we want to help you find the right retainer to safeguard your beautiful smile for the years ahead. Learn more about the types of retainers we offer and what you can expect during the retention phase of treatment.
What Is a Retainer and What Does It Do for Teeth?
A teeth retainer is a custom-made oral device crafted to be worn over the teeth, and it helps to maintain the newly aligned position of your teeth after braces or aligners. It takes time for your teeth to adjust to their new positioning, and without a retainer, they will likely begin to shift. The gums, bones, and muscles require time to acclimate, making everyday habits like chewing influence tooth position.
Nothing prevents your teeth from returning to their previous alignment once you remove your braces or are finished with your aligners. The retainer acts as a guardian, preserving the corrected position and ensuring your teeth don’t shift. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) emphasizes that changes in tooth position are lifelong, and to sustain the outcomes of orthodontic treatment, retainers must be consistently worn. Initially we recommend wearing your retainers for at least 22 hours per day. After some time, you can switch to wearing them nightly.
Retainers also play a crucial role as you age, preventing natural changes in jaw growth and enamel erosion from altering the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment. Wear your retainer as instructed by Dr. Paley and Dr. Sacks so you can preserve your perfect, straight smile.
Types of Retainers Available At Five Towns Orthodontics
There are two main types of retainers:
Fixed or permanent retainers are attached to teeth using a bonding agent, ensuring you can’t remove them yourself. Typically used on the front, lower, or upper teeth, they prevent separation or shifting over time.
Removable retainers offer more flexibility, allowing you to take them in and out of your mouth. Traditional (Hawley) retainers feature wire attached to plastic, while clear retainers (Essix) are wire-free and crafted from plastic.
Depending on your unique case, you could use a combination of fixed and removable retainers. Regardless of whether you use permanent or removable retainers, they both effectively preserve your teeth alignment but must be worn and cared for as Dr. Paley or Dr. Sacks advises. Let’s discuss some of the fixed and removable retainers we offer at Five Towns Orthodontics!
Hawley Retainer
Hawley retainers, also known as wire, metal, or wrap-around retainers, can be used for upper and lower teeth. These are fully removable retainers so that you can take them out during meals and for oral hygiene. They are made with an acrylic plastic plate that touches the gums and palate with wires that sit over and across the teeth.
Hawley retainers are easy to repair or adjust. Patients also love that they can customize the color or pattern on their retainer. However, one downside is that Hawley retainers are pretty visible, especially on upper teeth, but their durability makes them one of our most popular choices.
Essix Retainer
Essix retainers are another removable option, but they are much more discreet than Hawley retainers. They are meticulously crafted from thin, transparent plastic, and they cover the entire arch of teeth above the gum line. Essix retainers are often favored for their inconspicuous appearance compared to wire retainers.
Essix retainers are an excellent choice for many orthodontic treatments, especially if you grind your teeth (bruxism). However, they may temporarily influence speech, and unlike some retainers, Essix retainers cannot be repaired if broken and must be replaced. This option is very cost-effective but can be more prone to breakage and scratching than other types of retainers.
Vivera Retainer
The manufacturers of Invisalign make the Vivera retainer. It is a top-tier, clear, removable retainer designed for post-orthodontic care. It is considerably more durable than Essix retainers and exceptionally strong, reducing the likelihood of breakage. Vivera retainers are virtually replicas of Invisalign trays and 30% stronger than alternative clear retainers.
An orthodontist will laser scan your mouth to custom-fit your Vivera device, eliminating the need for traditional teeth impressions. Even if you went through braces treatment, you could still choose to wear a Vivera retainer.
Permanent Retainer
A permanent bonded retainer, also known as a lingual or fixed retainer, is typically attached to the front six teeth, especially on the lower jaw. A sturdy wire is affixed behind the teeth to preserve your braces treatment results. Although slightly more expensive than removable retainers, permanent retainers are virtually invisible.
This fixed device eliminates the risk of misplacement but can make it more challenging to thoroughly clean and floss your teeth. They typically last between 3-10 years and are an excellent option for post-braces treatment.
Keep Your Teeth Straight With Retainers from Five Towns Orthodontics!
If you are ready to begin the retention phase of treatment, contact us below to book a visit to our office. We are conveniently located on the south shore of Long Island, across the street from Hewlett train station. We welcome all patients from our community and make flexible accommodations to ensure you have a happy and productive visit.
Whether you need interest-free financing or need to book a Sunday appointment, we’ll treat you with the highest level of care and professionalism. Begin the final stage of your orthodontic journey, and contact us below!