Dental Retainers in Bay Area, San Jose, CA

A retainer is a custom-made orthodontic appliance used in dentistry to maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment such as braces. It is designed to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original position and preserve the desired results of the orthodontic treatment.

Retainers are typically made of clear plastic or wire and are worn for varying lengths of time, as directed by the dentist. Wearing a retainer ensures that the teeth remain aligned and the bite is stable. It also helps to reduce the risk of future orthodontic problems.

Maintaining good retainer hygiene is important to keep the appliance effective and the teeth healthy. A well-made retainer should fit comfortably, be easy to clean and be durable. Regular visits to the dentist to monitor the retainer and the teeth are essential to ensure long-lasting results. A retainer is a small investment in a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth.

Retainers do the following for teeth:

• Maintain alignment – Retainers help maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment such as braces.
• Prevent shifting – Retainers help prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position.
• Preserve results – Retainers preserve the desired results of orthodontic treatment.
• Stabilize bite – Wearing a retainer helps stabilize the bite and reduces the risk of future orthodontic problems.
• Support healthy teeth – Maintaining good retainer hygiene supports healthy teeth.
• Provide comfort – A well-made retainer should fit comfortably and be easy to clean.
• Ensure durability – A well-made retainer should be durable and withstand daily use.
• Monitor progress – Regular visits to the dentist to monitor the retainer’s effectiveness are essential to ensure long-lasting results.

There are several types of teeth retainers including:

• Fixed retainers – These are permanent retainers that are bonded to the inside surface of the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient.

• Removable retainers – These are custom-made devices that fit snugly over the teeth and can be removed for cleaning or when eating. Hawley retainers are made from acrylic and wire, and are the most common type of removable retainers.

• Clear aligner retainers – These are similar to traditional braces and use clear plastic trays to gradually shift teeth into their desired position.

• Essix retainers – These are clear plastic retainers that cover the entire arch of teeth and are similar in appearance to clear aligners.

• Lingual retainers – These are similar to fixed retainers, but are bonded to the tongue-side of the teeth, making them virtually invisible.

Retainers are an important part of orthodontic treatment, as they help to maintain the desired position of teeth after braces or clear aligners have been removed. They also help to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position, which can occur due to the natural forces of biting, chewing, and speaking.

The advantages of using a retainer include:

• Improved appearance – Retainers help to improve the appearance of teeth by maintaining the desired position of teeth, which can enhance the smile.

• Better bite – Retainers assist in improving bite alignment by keeping the teeth in their correct position.

• Prevention of relapse – Retainers are designed to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position, which can cause bite problems, jaw pain and other issues.

• Increased confidence – By maintaining a straighter, more attractive smile, patients who wear retainers often experience increased confidence and self-esteem.

• Improved oral health – By keeping teeth in their correct position, retainers can help to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems that can occur as a result of misaligned teeth.

Overall, using a retainer is a crucial step in the orthodontic treatment process, as it helps to ensure the long-term stability of teeth and the success of the treatment. It is important for patients to follow their orthodontist’s instructions for wearing and caring for their retainer, in order to achieve the best possible results.

Learn more by visiting us at Selective Dental. Call us today or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from all over Santa Clara County CA: San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and beyond!