Retainers
Retainers
At Cherry Orthodontics, we understand that a retainer is essential to your orthodontic treatment. Our retainers ensure that your teeth remain in their ideal position and that your smile looks its best. We specialize in custom-made retainers for every patient in Bethlehem, PA.
What are Retainers?
A dental retainer is a device that helps maintain the alignment of teeth after orthodontic treatment. However, after removing braces, the teeth can return to their original position if not held in place. Retainers are custom-made to fit the shape of the patient’s mouth and you wear them for a few weeks or months, depending on the individual’s needs. Plus, you can remove them or fix them in place and utilize either metal or plastic. However, you should wear them as Dr. Cherry prescribed to ensure the teeth remain in the correct position.
Why do You Need to Wear Your Retainer?
Wearing your retainer is a crucial part of maintaining your newly straightened teeth. Although you may think your teeth are straight enough, they are still in the process of settling into their new positions, and the retainer helps them stay in place.
Furthermore, retainers help keep your teeth in their new alignment and prevent them from returning to their original positions. However, if your teeth shift back, it can negatively affect your bite and cause further orthodontic issues.
Finally, wearing your retainer can help you maintain your beautiful smile. Plus, by wearing your retainer, you can avoid undergoing additional orthodontic treatment to correct any misalignments caused by your teeth shifting back.
Our Retainers
At Cherry Orthodontics, we believe that retainers should be comfortable and effective. We use the latest technologies to create retainers that are made to fit your mouth perfectly without causing any pain or discomfort. However, we also strive to make our retainers as affordable as possible so you can get the treatment you need without breaking the bank.
Hawley Retainers: The Hawley retainer is a type of dental retainer that helps maintain the results of orthodontic treatment. It consists of a metal wire shaped to fit the roof of the mouth and is connected to two acrylic blocks, one for the upper and one for the lower jaw. The wire fits the contours of the teeth and we can customize them to the individual patient by adjusting its length and shape. Furthermore, the acrylic blocks hold the wire in place and provide a comfortable fit. However, the Hawley retainer is easy to clean and is usually worn at night, but it can also be worn during the day if needed. Plus, it is an effective and affordable way to help maintain the results of orthodontic treatment and we can use it for both children and adults.
Fixed Retainers: A fixed retainer is an orthodontic device used to help keep the teeth in their desired position after braces have been removed. A retainer is a custom-made appliance made of metal wires and acrylic. It fits your teeth and jaw perfectly and is typically bonded to the back of the front teeth. Plus, a fixed retainer keeps the teeth fixed, preventing them from returning to their original position. However, to be effective, you must wear the retainer full-time for up to two years. Plus, the retainer must also be kept clean, as it is prone to plaque and tartar buildup. Furthermore, adjustments may be necessary occasionally as your teeth and jaw grow, and the retainer may need to be replaced after a few years. Despite the inconvenience, a fixed retainer is an effective and long-lasting way to maintain the results of orthodontic treatment.
Essix Retainers: A Essix Retainer is a type of dental retainer commonly used to maintain teeth alignment after teeth straightening procedures such as braces. It is a transparent, plastic device that is custom-made to fit your teeth and is typically worn at night to keep teeth in their desired position. It is made of durable, comfortable material and designed to be virtually invisible. You can remove it for eating and cleaning, and you should brush and floss regularly. The Essix Retainer is easy to care for, and you can wear it for up to two years. Wearing the Essix Retainer may require some adaptation time to get used to the feel of it in the mouth, and it is crucial to follow Dr. Cherry’s instructions for use and care.
Bonded Retainers: A bonded retainer is a type of dental appliance typically used to maintain teeth alignment after orthodontic treatment. It consists of a metal wire bonded to the back of the teeth with a dental adhesive. The wire is usually made of stainless steel. However, it can also be made of a flexible plastic material. Bonded retainers are typically used to keep the front teeth in place after the completion of orthodontic treatment. They are usually only worn for a few months to ensure the teeth remain in their correct position. The retainer must be kept clean to prevent plaque and tartar buildup and should be inspected regularly by Dr. Cherry to ensure it maintains its effectiveness. With proper care, a bonded retainer can last for many years.
Lingual Retainers: A lingual retainer is an orthodontic device attached to the back of the teeth, usually on the upper jaw. It is made from a custom-shaped thin wire to fit the patient’s mouth. This type of retainer is designed to prevent the teeth from shifting after braces are removed or to correct minor issues with the bite. It is often considered more comfortable and less visible than traditional braces or retainers. Lingual retainers help maintain the results of orthodontic treatment, and they can be adjusted and tightened as needed to keep the teeth in their desired position. We may also use them to correct minor issues with the bite, such as an overbite or underbite. When worn correctly and with the proper care, lingual retainers can provide a lifetime of comfort and help maintain a healthy smile.
