Orthodontic retainers in Munster & St. John, Indiana
Retainers are essential to preserving the progress made during your braces or Invisalign® treatment. Over time, teeth naturally shift and undergo positional changes. By wearing retainers as directed following treatment, you can effectively maintain the results and prevent them from reverting to their original positions.
Drs. Mike and Emily, and the experienced team at Orthodontic Specialists, have successfully enhanced over 15,000 smiles. That kind of expertise empowers us to not only provide you with exceptional orthodontic treatment but also guide you in maintaining a stunning smile for years to come.
Why is wearing a retainer after braces or Invisalign necessary?
Imagine this– you’ve successfully completed your treatment and achieved that stunning, perfectly aligned smile! It’s an incredible accomplishment, and that means your treatment is complete, right? Not really!! There is one more vital step to guarantee lasting results: wearing a retainer.
Wearing an orthodontic retainer, whether bonded or removable, is essential for maintaining your beautiful new smile even after the main treatment is finished. The retainer is an important tool in keeping your teeth aligned as your gums, teeth, and supporting bone continue to heal and readjust. By securely holding your teeth in place, the retainer guarantees the long-term stability of your perfectly straight smile.
Removable retainers in Munster & St. John
These orthodontic devices, such as the popular Hawley retainer featuring a wire and plastic configuration, or the wire-free Trutain/Essix retainer with its clear appearance, are specifically tailored to fit your teeth. The advantage of these retainers is their ability to be easily removed for eating and brushing your teeth. However, it’s important to remember that despite their flexibility, a certain level of commitment is necessary to maintain the integrity of your beautifully aligned smile.
Hawley retainers
When you think of “Hawley retainers”, you can envision the classic wire or metal retainers. These retainers are made with a durable combination of metal wire and acrylic plastic, allowing them to securely fit on both your upper and lower teeth. While they may be more noticeable compared to other options, their strength and durability make them an excellent choice. Another perk is that they are removable, meaning you can effortlessly enjoy meals and indulge in sweet beverages. As a bonus, some Hawley retainers can even be customized with your favorite color or pattern!
Clear retainers
Essix and Vivera retainers are two excellent options for clear, plastic removable retainers that seamlessly enhance your smile.
- Essix retainers provide a cost-effective alternative and are comparably similar to clear aligners.
- Vivera retainers, manufactured by Invisalign, utilize a stronger, long-lasting plastic that is custom-fitted through a painless laser scanning procedure.
Whether you opt for Essix or Vivera, both retainers are ideal for preserving your flawless smile after treatment.
Bonded retainers in Munster & St. John
Have you ever heard about bonded retainers, incorrectly known as “permanent retainers”? A bonded retainer is a fixed retainer that remains in place. Featuring a metal wire, it’s attached to your teeth using a bonding agent, similar to glue, and is not meant to be removed on your own. Bonded retainers can be challenging to keep clean due to the inability to easily floss between the teeth.
Keep the smile of your dreams with a retainer
Maintaining the smile you’ve always wanted is a lifelong dedication, and at Orthodontic Specialists we’re here to help you throughout the entire process. Whether you have questions about retainers after being a patient, are just starting your orthodontic treatment journey, or need a new or repaired retainer, our team is prepared to offer personalized solutions.
We would love to discuss your retainer treatment and are happy to offer a complimentary consultation at either of our offices in Munster or St. John, IN. Together, we’ll guarantee the long-lasting preservation of your beautiful and vibrant smile.
