Congratulations! You’ve completed your orthodontic treatment and now have a beautiful new smile!
Now that your teeth and smile are properly aligned, you need to make sure they stay that way. Our orthodontists and team provide retainers to help keep your teeth in the correct positions so that you can continue to enjoy a beautiful smile for years to come. As you age, your teeth tend to shift, and wearing a retainer helps ensure that your teeth remain properly aligned for optimal oral health, functionality and appearance.
There are three main types of retainers that our orthodontists may recommend:
- Hawley retainers — this type of retainer consists of wires and clasps embedded in a plastic body. The clasps fit around certain teeth to anchor the retainer in place, and a wire arches across the front of the teeth to help maintain their alignment.
- Clear retainers — clear retainers are made of clear plastic and fit snugly over the teeth. They are more discreet than a Hawley retainer but may not be as durable.
- Fixed retainers — also known as bonded or permanent retainers, this type of retainer is permanently attached to the back surfaces of the front teeth. They can only be removed by a dental professional.
Our orthodontists will work with you to determine which type of retainer is right for your needs following the completion of your orthodontic treatment.
We invite you to call Shirck Orthodontics to make an appointment with Dr. Jeff, Dr. Soo or Dr. Betina and learn more about retainers in Pataskala, New Albany, Westerville, Newark and Powell, Ohio.
