FAQs

We offer a variety of retainers to fit individual treatment needs that are custom made.

• Hawley (removable) Retainer: typically includes a metal wire that surrounds the front teeth and is attached to an acrylic arch that sits in the roof of the mouth. The metal wire can be adjusted to finish treatment and continue minor movement of the front teeth as needed.
• Aligner-style retainers: Very similar to Invisalign aligners and offer a more aesthetic alternative to wire retainers. This type of aligner fits over the entire arch of your teeth. Typically made in house from your scan and then printed from FormLabs 3D printer.
• Fixed retainer: consist of wires bonded behind the bottom or top teeth. Typically kept in for years.

Removable retainers are worn day and night. The exact length of time will vary for every patient. Some patients may only need to wear a retainer full-time for several weeks, while others may need many months or years.

For removable retainers, make sure you clean them after every meal with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Do not use hot water as the temperature may alter the retainer’s shape. You may also use cleaning tablets and soak your retainers for 10 to 20 minutes.

For bonded or fixed retainers, make sure you clean these areas regularly with proper brushing and flossing.

Removable retainers are great for the fact they can be taken out to eat and hygiene routines. However, removable retainers can be lost easier if not placed in a case any time it’s removed.

Fixed retainers are great if you don’t want to be responsible for an appliance or worry about how many hours of wear it needs to be worn. However, fixed retainers require more attention for oral hygiene. Our office provides an electric flosser that helps reduce tartar build up and ensures your fixed retainer is always clean.

If your retainer breaks, stop wearing it and give us a call immediately. A broken retainer can improperly apply force to your teeth which can result in an incorrect tooth movement. Call us immediately, and we will work on a replacement right away.

Loosened brackets, or brackets detaching from your teeth, can result from eating hard/sticky foods, playing with the brackets, or bumping into something with your braces. Leave it in place, cover it with orthodontic wax, and call our office to see if an appointment is needed to reattach the bracket.

Sometimes your oral tissues can be irritated by contact with your braces. While they can be uncomfortable, they usually go away quickly and naturally. If a bracket or wire is irritating your cheeks, cover it with orthodontic wax and take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate discomfort.

Discomfort and soreness are normal during your braces treatment, especially during the first three days as your teeth adjust to their ideal positions. You may take OTC medications for pain relief and apply a cold compress to manage the discomfort.

No. We discourage any form of cutting or bending wires at home. If a wire is poking your gums or cheeks, cover it with wax and call our office immediately so we can see you in our office and make some adjustments.