Retainers

Maintain Your New Smile

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03 9

A Lifetime Of Comfort Smiling!

Why Teeth Move and Why Retainers Are Essential?

Whether you choose Invisalign/Clear Aligners or braces, nothing compares to seeing your perfectly aligned smile after completing your orthodontic treatment. It is the result of months of hard work. But even when your aligners or braces are removed, the quest is to keep that smile healthy and aligned. Retainers are a crucial component of this procedure to guarantee that your teeth stay in their newly positioned places for many years.

It surprises a lot of people to hear that teeth are dynamic. When people age, their teeth also naturally move, like their skin wrinkles and hair goes gray. Although this movement is a natural aspect of life, those who have had orthodontic treatment may notice it more than others. Relapse is the term for the natural propensity of teeth to revert to their original locations without retainers. The periodontal ligament, a group of fibers that surrounds each tooth and holds a recollection of your teeth’s previous position, is to blame for this.

While little tooth movements are regular and sometimes go unnoticed, more significant movements can jeopardize the outcome of your orthodontic treatment and cause discomfort, misalignment, and even chronic pain in the neck and jaw. Using a retainer following Invisalign or braces is essential to preserve the investment you have made in your smile. Retainers ensure long-term success and the maintenance of your smile by helping your teeth adjust to their new locations and stabilizing your bite.

1

Hawley Retainers

Most people associate them with the classic retainer design. They are made of a base made of plastic or acrylic that rests on the roof of your mouth or the interior of your lower teeth and a metal wire that secures the front teeth. Hawley retainers are robust, easily cleaned, and customizable. They’re a terrific option if you’re searching for a retainer that may last for years and has the proper maintenance. However, you could lisp a bit when you first start wearing them since they are more evident than other retainers.

2

Essix Retainers

These transparent plastic retainers resemble Invisalign aligners in appearance. They fit tightly over your teeth and practically disappear from view. Essix retainers are well-liked because they are discrete and easy to use. However, they can wear out or warp more quickly than alternatives, so they can only last for a while.

3

Bonded Retainers

These are often called bonded retainers and are made of a thin wire cemented to the back of your teeth. They are a great choice if your teeth stay in place without remembering to use a detachable device. They are entirely undetectable and cannot be misplaced or forgotten since they are fastened in place. Bonded retainers have two primary drawbacks: They might be initially uncomfortable and can make brushing and flossing more difficult. Bonded retainers may also break or bend with time, necessitating replacement or repair.

How to Wear and Take Care of Your Retainer?

Our orthodontists may give detailed instructions on when and how often to wear your retainer. Most patients are instructed to wear their retainers constantly for three to six months after orthodontic treatment, except for eating and brushing. During this crucial time, your teeth are still getting used to their new placements. After this initial month, you may usually transition to using your retainer exclusively at night.

Proper maintenance is also necessary to maintain the durability and efficacy of your retainer. Removable retainers, such as Essix and Hawley retainers, should be cleaned regularly to avoid smells and plaque accumulation. Use a soft toothbrush, mild soap, or non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your retainer.

To help you keep your smile, Plano Top Dental Orthodontics provides retainer replacement treatments. Our team is here to help you through the process, whether you need a new retainer or are curious to try some other kinds. We are dedicated to assisting you in keeping your smile intact for life.

In summary

The last phase of your orthodontic journey is equally as significant as the actual procedure. By diligently wearing and caring for your retainer, you may maintain the benefits of your orthodontic work and have a beautifully aligned smile for many years. Our skilled orthodontists at Plano Top Dental are ready to give you the most excellent retainer choices and continuing care so your smile stays flawless.

Meet Our Orthodontists

Dr. Shadi Alkhoury

Board Certified Orthodontist

is an esteemed Board-certified Orthodontist, boasting over two decades of expertise in the field of Orthodontics. His journey commenced with honors when he graduated from the School of Dentistry in 1997, and he furthered his training in Orthodontics, earning the prestigious Top of Class Award in 2002. With a commitment to excellence, he ran his own Orthodontic practice while also serving as a part-time faculty member. Driven by his passion for learning and delivering the most efficient and comfortable treatment, Dr. Alkhoury, along with his wife and three children, relocated to the United States. Here, he embarked on a second specialized training program in Orthodontics, culminating in a Master of Science Degree and an Orthodontics Certificate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His dedication to advancing his knowledge is evident through his publication of two articles. Dr. Alkhoury's commitment to continuing education ensures that his patients receive the latest and most effective orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces, clear aligners, and cutting-edge orthodontic technology. With over 20 years of experience as an Orthodontist, having treated numerous patients and undergone training in both European and American Orthodontic schools, Dr. Alkhoury remains as passionate as ever about his work. His daily motivation is to assist individuals in achieving smiles they are proud of, ultimately boosting their confidence. Recognizing the paramount importance of family, Dr. Alkhoury strives not only to excel as an Orthodontist but also as a devoted husband and father to his three young children.

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Completed Treatment

Completed Treatment

Completed Treatment

Completed Treatment

Completed Treatment

Completed Treatment

Patients’ Experiences At
Plano Top Dental

Retainers

Maintain Your New Smile

Short Biography

A Lifetime Of Comfort Smiling! Why Teeth Move and Why Retainers Are Essential? Whether you choose Invisalign/Clear Aligners or braces, nothing compares to seeing your perfectly aligned smile after completing your orthodontic treatment. It is the result of months of hard work. But even when your aligners or braces are removed, the quest is to keep that smile healthy and aligned. Retainers are a crucial component of this procedure to guarantee that your teeth stay in their newly positioned places for many years. It surprises a lot of people to hear that teeth are dynamic. When people age, their teeth also naturally move, like their skin wrinkles and hair goes gray. Although this movement is a natural aspect of life, those who have had orthodontic treatment may notice it more than others. Relapse is the term for the natural propensity of teeth to revert to their original locations without retainers. The periodontal ligament, a group of fibers that surrounds each tooth and holds a recollection of your teeth's previous position, is to blame for this. While little tooth movements are regular and sometimes go unnoticed, more significant movements can jeopardize the outcome of your orthodontic treatment and cause discomfort, misalignment, and even chronic pain in the neck and jaw. Using a retainer following Invisalign or braces is essential to preserve the investment you have made in your smile. Retainers ensure long-term success and the maintenance of your smile by helping your teeth adjust to their new locations and stabilizing your bite.

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Patients’ Experiences At
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Home - Blogs - Retainers

Retainers

Retainers

03 9

A Lifetime Of Comfort Smiling!

Why Teeth Move and Why Retainers Are Essential?

Whether you choose Invisalign/Clear Aligners or braces, nothing compares to seeing your perfectly aligned smile after completing your orthodontic treatment. It is the result of months of hard work. But even when your aligners or braces are removed, the quest is to keep that smile healthy and aligned. Retainers are a crucial component of this procedure to guarantee that your teeth stay in their newly positioned places for many years.

It surprises a lot of people to hear that teeth are dynamic. When people age, their teeth also naturally move, like their skin wrinkles and hair goes gray. Although this movement is a natural aspect of life, those who have had orthodontic treatment may notice it more than others. Relapse is the term for the natural propensity of teeth to revert to their original locations without retainers. The periodontal ligament, a group of fibers that surrounds each tooth and holds a recollection of your teeth’s previous position, is to blame for this.

While little tooth movements are regular and sometimes go unnoticed, more significant movements can jeopardize the outcome of your orthodontic treatment and cause discomfort, misalignment, and even chronic pain in the neck and jaw. Using a retainer following Invisalign or braces is essential to preserve the investment you have made in your smile. Retainers ensure long-term success and the maintenance of your smile by helping your teeth adjust to their new locations and stabilizing your bite.

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