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Retainers

Keeping Your Smile Straight For A Lifetime

Once you have completed your orthodontic treatment, your teeth will not stay straight for the rest of your life. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift and migrate as we age, and they are especially susceptible to movement right after orthodontic treatment. That is why it is critical to wear retainers for life to maintain the beautiful, healthy smile you achieved during treatment.

Benefits Of Wearing Retainers

At Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we will provide a schedule for wearing your retainers after your braces have been removed. If you consistently wear them as prescribed, you can maintain the beautiful, healthy smile you achieved through orthodontic treatment. Here are a few additional benefits:

Stabilizes Bite

Ensures the newly aligned bite remains stable and functional, reducing the risk of future dental issues

Reduces the likelihood of needing additional orthodontic treatments in the future

Retains Aesthetic Results

Preserves the cosmetic benefits of a straightened smile, contributing to overall facial aesthetics

Prevents the need for potentially costly corrective procedures if teeth shift back to their pre-treatment positions

Types Of Retainers

At Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand how important it is to maintain the beautiful results achieved after orthodontic treatment. That’s why we offer two types of high-quality removable retainers, each custom-made to fit your unique smile and dental structure. They are carefully designed to hold your teeth in their new positions and help prevent any unwanted shifting that can occur over time. Wearing your appliance as directed plays a key role in protecting the investment you’ve made in your smile.

For most patients, we recommend wearing your new appliance full-time for the first two weeks following treatment, gradually transitioning to nighttime wear only as advised by your orthodontist. Our goal is to make this final phase of treatment as easy and effective as possible, so you can enjoy long-lasting results. Below, you’ll find the two types of removable retainers we offer at our office:

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Essix Retainer

A type of orthodontic appliance made from clear, durable, plastic, Essix retainers are designed to fit snugly over the teeth. By consistently wearing Essix retainers as directed by Dr. Mary Ritter, you can effectively prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions and maintain your beautiful, healthy smile for a lifetime. Many of our patients prefer these retainers over the traditional wire ones for the following reasons:

  • They are virtually invisible!

  • They are custom-made using a mold of the patient’s teeth, ensuring a precise fit that helps maintain the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment.

  • They are easy to remove and clean, enhancing oral hygiene and comfort.
  • Their low-profile, transparent design also makes them comfortable to wear, with minimal impact on speech.

Hawley Retainer

Hawley retainers are a traditional type of orthodontic appliance made using a combination of a metal wire that wraps around the front teeth and an acrylic base that rests against the roof of the mouth or along the inside of the lower teeth. By wearing one as prescribed, patients can maintain the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment, ensuring long-term stability and a healthy, straight smile. These retainers offer the following benefits:

  • They allow for adjustments, making them customizable for minor movements if teeth begin to shift.
  • If you take good care of them, they can last for years!
  • The metal wire is less noticeable than braces but still visible, and the acrylic base can be personalized with different colors or designs.
  • They are easy to clean and can be removed for eating and brushing, promoting better oral hygiene.

Fixed Retainer

A fixed retainer is bonded behind the lower front teeth. It remains in place permanently, unless it becomes detached. Advantages of this option include:

  • It works 24 hours a day to prevent the lower teeth from moving back into their original positions.

  • By maintaining the position of the lower teeth, the upper teeth will be less likely to shift and move as well.

  • This option is aesthetically pleasing as they are not visible when speaking or smiling. On the other hand, the permanent hardware is more challenging to clean, and this may require more diligence during oral hygiene routines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers

Finishing orthodontic treatment is a huge milestone, but keeping your smile in its new position does require ongoing care. Below are answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask about wearing and caring for their orthodontic appliance after braces or clear aligners.

Your smile will continue to change throughout your life, which is why Dr. Mary Ritter recommends lifelong wear. Most patients wear their appliance full-time for the first couple of weeks after treatment before transitioning to nighttime wear. We’ll provide personalized instructions based on your smile and monitor your progress at follow-up visits.

A tight or uncomfortable fit can be an early sign that your teeth have started to shift. Don’t try to force your appliance into place. Contact our team as soon as possible so we can evaluate your smile and recommend the best solution before minor movement becomes a bigger concern.

A daily cleaning routine helps keep your appliance fresh and free of bacteria. Gently brush it with a soft toothbrush and rinse it with cool or lukewarm water after wearing it. Avoid hot water, which can warp certain materials, and toothpaste, which can scratch it. Always store it in its protective case when it’s not in your mouth.

The best option depends on your smile, your orthodontic treatment and your lifestyle. Dr. Mary Ritter will recommend the appliance that best supports your long-term results, whether that’s a clear Essix appliance, a traditional Hawley design or a bonded wire behind your lower front teeth.

Yes. If your appliance is lost, cracked or broken, contact Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics as soon as possible. Replacing it quickly can help prevent unwanted tooth movement and protect the time you’ve invested in creating your healthy, confident smile.

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Healthy Smiles Start at Commerce Park

Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Care

We are proud to offer comprehensive pediatric dental and orthodontic care for all ages. Our inclusive approach and experienced team provide low-stress visits and a friendly environment. Get started at one of our three convenient locations!

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Healthy Smiles Start at Commerce Park

Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Care For The Whole Family

We are proud to offer comprehensive pediatric dental and orthodontic care for the whole family. Our inclusive approach and experienced team provide low-stress visits and a friendly environment. Get started at one of our three convenient locations!

Bridgeport

4702 Main St., Bridgeport, CT 06606
(203) 371-8282

Shelton

27 Huntington St., Shelton, CT 06484
(203) 371-8282

Westport

1580 Post Rd. E, Westport, CT 06880
(203) 371-8282

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