Retainers
Orthodontics located in Carmichael, CA
After you’ve completed your time wearing braces or clear aligners, it’s crucial to switch to a retainer. We recommend wearing a retainer to keep the position of your teeth. At Gaiduchik Orthodontics in Carmichael, California, Dr. Andrey will work with you to complete orthodontic treatment and reduce the risk of relapse. To make an appointment, call the office or book online today.
A retainer is a custom orthodontic appliance that you transition to after finishing treatment with braces. Typically, Dr. Andrey recommends wearing a retainer full time four to six months after braces removal to allow the new position of your teeth to become permanent. Depending on the alignment issues treated, you might have to wear it longer, otherwise he recommends wearing them at night time to prevent relapse.
Following Dr. Andrey's instructions and wearing your retainer as prescribed can prevent a relapse and achieve optimal oral health.
Dr. Gaiduchik offers several types of retainers, including:
Clear Retainer
Clear retainers are made out of durable plastic material that surrounds your teeth entirely. These are the most common and the most comfortable type of retainers currently available. As long as these retainers properly, they will hold the position of your teeth for a long time.
A Hawley retainer is a custom orthodontic appliance that looks similar to a partial denture. The retainer snaps into place around your permanent teeth and keeps them from moving out of position. It’s important to wear your retainer most of the day, removing it only to eat or brush and floss.
If you have a more serious alignment issue at risk of relapse, Dr. Andrey prescribes a fixed retainer. A fixed retainer is a piece of braided wire that Dr. Andrey bonds to the back of your teeth. It is recommended that you still wear a removable retainer over the fixed retainer to maintain the position
At Gaiduchik Orthodontics, getting a retainer takes two visits.
After you’re finished wearing braces, Dr. Andrey removes them during an in-office visit. Then, he takes digital impressions of your mouth with an intraoral scanner. Dr. Andrey then designs the models digitally so that they can be printed. From these printed models, retainers can be fabricated.
When the lab finishes your fixed or removable retainer, you return to Gaiduchik Orthodontics. If you get a removable retainer, Dr. Andrey has you try it on and makes adjustments to ensure a perfect fit.
If you get a fixed retainer, Dr. Andrey will bond the fixed retainer in a similar fashion as the braces.
Yes. Retainers are just like your teeth -- they collect food particles, saliva, and bacteria. If you have a fixed retainer, brush your teeth twice daily, floss regularly, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash.
If you have a removable retainer, make sure to rinse it several times a day and clean it with a soft-bristle toothbrush before going to bed.
To see if you can benefit from an orthodontic retainer, make an appointment at Gaiduchik Orthodontics by calling the office or booking online today.