Orthodontic Retainers in Lewisville

Castle Hills 3D Orthodontics provides orthodontic retainers in Lewisville, TX. Call 469-598-1700 to learn more and schedule your appointment.

It’s a big day when you get your braces off or finish your last set of Invisalign / Spark aligners, but that doesn’t mean your orthodontic treatment is over. The next stage of treatment is to maintain your results, which requires a retainer.

Retainers aren’t just for keeping your teeth in place, though. They can also be used to make minor adjustments to your smile if needed. We take your lifestyle, personal preferences, and orthodontic needs into consideration when determining the best type of retainer for you.

Retainers that are affixed to the backs of your teeth are known as bonded retainers or fixed retainers. They are considered permanent and may only be removed as instructed. They are recommended in certain cases and in our office we ask our patients  to wear clear removable retainers on top of them.

A bonded retainer also has some disadvantages to consider. They can make flossing difficult, and you’ll need to be diligent with your brushing habits to prevent cavity-causing plaque buildup around the wire. A removable retainer may be a better solution if the idea of spending extra time brushing and flossing does not appeal to you.

There are two types of removable retainers:

A Hawley retainer is probably what comes to mind when you hear the word “retainer.” The teeth are held in place by a wire that is attached to an acrylic or plastic base. Hawley retainers are long-lasting and durable, but they are more noticeable than other options.

Choose an Essix retainer for a more discreet removable retainer. In appearance, these retainers are similar to clear plastic aligners, but they work differently: an Essix retainer holds your teeth in place rather than gently moving them to different positions. Because clear plastic aligners are designed to be worn for a few weeks before being discarded, the material used to construct Essix retainers is thicker to account for the fact that they’re meant to last a few years.

If you have a fixed retainer, you will have to wear it for the rest of your life. We normally recommend wearing removable retainers 24/7 for at least a year to maintain your beautiful new smile. After a year, you may be able to reduce how often you use it. When you come in to get your retainer, we’ll provide you with detailed instructions.

Your periodontal ligaments will begin to pull your teeth back into their original positions if you don’t use your retainer, triggering orthodontic relapse. Many patients who do not use their retainers will require future orthodontic treatment.

It’s typical for a new retainer to feel a little tight at first, but it shouldn’t be painful. If putting your retainer in hurts, it’s a sign that you haven’t been wearing it enough and your teeth are shifting back to their old positions.

Our retainers are safe, non-toxic, and BPA-free.

A bonded retainer is permanent, so you’ll eat with it in your mouth. Essix and Hawley retainers should always be removed before eating.

Call 469-598-1700 to schedule your appointment.