Maintain Your Perfect Smile With Retainers
Orthodontic treatment is a transformative journey that helps individuals attain beautifully aligned, confident smiles. However, the process doesn’t end when the active treatment phase with braces or clear aligners is complete. Retainers are crucial for maintaining orthodontic results and preventing teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
At DeQuattro Orthodontics in Westerly and Wakefield, RI, our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Frank DeQuattro, understands the significance of retainers in preserving your radiant smile. We offer a range of high-quality retainer options, including Essix retainers, Hawley retainers, and bonded retainers, for your individual needs. Our team provides personalized guidance to help you make an informed decision and keep your picture-perfect smile for a lifetime.
Contact our Wakefield orthodontic office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly office at (401) 596-2264 to schedule your appointment.
Types of Retainers: Custom-Fitted for Your Needs
At DeQuattro Orthodontics, we offer different types of retainers depending on your specific needs. During your appointment, Dr. DeQuattro will discuss which retainer best suits you and explain the benefits of wearing it during your orthodontic treatment or once your braces have been removed.
These are the three types of retainers we offer at our Wakefield and Westerly dental offices:
Essix Retainers
Essix retainers are a popular choice among patients seeking a discreet and comfortable solution. These clear, removable retainers are made from durable yet thin plastic material, custom-fitted to snugly cover your teeth and maintain alignment. Essix retainers are nearly invisible, making them an excellent option for those who prefer a less noticeable orthodontic appliance.
At DeQuattro Orthodontics, our team takes precise impressions of your teeth to fabricate Essix retainers tailored to your unique needs. These retainers can be easily removed and inserted, allowing for hassle-free oral hygiene routines and comfortable eating experiences. Regular care and maintenance, including gentle cleaning with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap, ensure the longevity of your Essix retainer. Their clear appearance makes them an ideal choice for individuals who wish to retain their smile discreetly.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers are the traditional and trusted models known for their durability and long-lasting results. They consist of an acrylic base and a wire component that wraps around the teeth, exerting gentle pressure to keep them in their corrected positions. These retainers can be personalized with various colors and designs, adding a touch of individuality to your smile maintenance.
Our team ensures a meticulous fitting process for Hawley retainers, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness. Regular check-ups with Dr. DeQuattro allow us to make necessary adjustments so the retainer continues to serve its purpose. Proper care, including regular cleaning and storing in a retainer case, helps maintain the quality and longevity of your Hawley retainer. Their durable construction and custom-fit design make them a trusted choice for maintaining your orthodontic results.
Bonded Retainers
For those seeking a more permanent solution, DeQuattro Orthodontics offers bonded retainers. These retainers consist of a thin wire bonded to the back surfaces of your teeth, usually the lower front teeth. They’re non-removable and provide continuous support, preventing relapse or unwanted tooth movement. Bonded retainers are an excellent choice for patients who prefer not to worry about taking them in and out.
Regular dental check-ups at DeQuattro Orthodontics allow us to monitor and provide maintenance to bonded retainers to improve their longevity. The permanent support provided by bonded retainers offers peace of mind and helps maintain the orthodontic results achieved.
Comparison and Considerations
When selecting the most suitable retainer type, it’s essential to consider various factors. These include long-term effectiveness, patient comfort, aesthetic preferences, and individual compliance. Dr. DeQuattro will guide patients through this decision-making process, providing valuable insights and recommendations.
We have created this useful guide of pros and cons to help you decide and talk to Dr. DeQuattro about the best retainer option for you. Read our guide here: Types of Retainers.
Taking Care of Your Retainers
To keep your retainers functional for as long as possible, Dr. DeQuattro has the following recommendations:
- Wear your retainer as directed. This is the best way to preserve your healthy smile and prevent teeth from shifting back into their original positions.
- Keep your retainer clean. We’ll show you how to clean both removable and non-removable retainers. Clean your retainer after meals and before bed. If you can’t complete a full cleaning, rinse your mouth with water.
- Handle your retainer with care. Keep your retainer in its case when you’re not wearing it. This will protect your retainers from being accidentally thrown away, stepped on, or eaten by your pets.
- Visit your dentist. It’s highly recommended that you visit your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings. They’ll be able to determine whether your retainer needs to be adjusted.
We’ve also created a short guide for your convenience: Retainer Guide.
The Importance of Retainer Wear
Wearing your retainer as directed by Dr. DeQuattro is crucial for preserving your healthy, aligned smile. Failure to wear your retainer as recommended can lead to teeth shifting back to their original positions, undoing the hard work and investment of your orthodontic treatment. Our team emphasizes the importance of consistent retainer wear and provides guidance to help you maintain your beautiful smile for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even after successful orthodontic treatment, teeth have a natural tendency to shift over time due to the continuous remodeling of the bone surrounding them. This is why retainers are essential for maintaining the achieved results and preventing teeth from gradually moving back to their original positions.
Retainers can be worn for an extended period as long as your orthodontist makes any necessary adjustments. While retainers are crucial for maintaining orthodontic results, it’s important to follow the recommended wearing schedule and consult a dental professional to ensure the optimal duration for retainer use. Many wear removable retainers nightly for the rest of their lives to preserve their orthodontic results.
If your teeth have shifted out of place despite undergoing orthodontic treatment as a teenager, schedule an appointment with an orthodontist. They’ll evaluate your current situation, determine the cause of the misalignment, and recommend the most appropriate course of action. This may include orthodontic retreatment with braces, clear aligners, or alternative solutions such as bonded retainers.
An orthodontic “tune-up” may be necessary to get your smile looking its best. It’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent further dental complications and achieve the desired alignment for your teeth.
If your retainer breaks or gets lost, contact your orthodontist immediately. Avoid attempting DIY fixes, as they may compromise the effectiveness of the retainer and potentially cause harm. Your orthodontist will assess the damage or loss and determine the best course of action, which may involve repairing or replacing the retainer.
Preserve Your Radiant Smile at DeQuattro Orthodontics!
At DeQuattro Orthodontics, we prioritize your long-term smile satisfaction. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you maintain the beautiful, aligned smile you’ve achieved through orthodontic treatment. Schedule your retainer consultation today by calling our Wakefield office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly office at (401) 596-2264.
You can fill out our online contact form, and a staff member will get back to you promptly. We proudly serve patients in Narragansett, South Kingstown, Charlestown, Weekapaug, and surrounding areas of Rhode Island.