Retainers in Orlando, FL

Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, you will move to a retainer to maintain your results. Your retainer will protect the investment you have made in time and money during your orthodontic treatment by keeping your teeth in their new location while the rest of your jaw stabilizes. To serve the needs of our patients, Orlando Advanced Dentists in Orlando, FL offers several high-quality retainer alternatives, including a fixed or removable retainer. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Patricia Roach will guide you along the way and talk with you about your options for orthodontic retainers.

At Orlando Advanced Dentists, we offer our patients three types of retainers based on individual needs: a Hawley, clear, or fixed retainer. A Hawley retainer (the most common type of retainer) is made up of molded plastic, wire, and clasps and can be taken in and out of the mouth. A transparent retainer is inconspicuously worn just like a clear teeth aligner and can also be removed from the mouth very easily. A fixed retainer cannot be taken out of the mouth and is bonded to the back of the teeth on one or both arches.

Retainers are advised for all patients after they finish an orthodontic treatment. Even though your teeth are in their correct position, a retainer will help to hold them there while the rest of your mouth adjusts. A retainer may also be a great option for younger patients who are still waiting for the rest of their permanent teeth to develop and while their jawbone is still growing.

As soon as your braces are removed from your teeth or your Invisalign treatment is complete, you can be fitted for your retainer. We will take an impression of your mouth and send it to a dental laboratory for the fabrication of your custom appliance. Once your retainer is ready, roughly 1 – 2 weeks later, we will schedule you in our office for a visit. During this appointment, Dr. Roach will make sure your retainer is comfortable and make any necessary adjustments before sending you home. She and our team will also discuss how often you will need to wear your retainer and inform you of how to clean and store your appliance.

The length of time you may have to wear your retainer will depend on your unique needs and oral health aspects. It is usually recommended that younger patients wear a retainer until all of the permanent teeth come in and when the jaw is finished growing (normally in the early-to-mid 20s). Adults patients may need to wear their retainers all the time at first and then only at night as the jaw becomes more stable. With proper maintenance and regular inspections, your retainer can last a very long time. As the years progress and normal wear and tear occurs, your retainer may need to be replaced. In the meantime, you should practice routine cleaning and safely store your retainer when not in use. Please let our office know right away if your retainer becomes lost or damaged so that we can expedite the process of repairing or making a new retainer for you. 

Keep your teeth in their ideal place after your orthodontic treatment with a fixed or removable retainer from Orlando Advanced Dentists. Proper use of a retainer can prevent a second orthodontic treatment and help protect your dental health investment. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Roach at our office in Orlando, FL to learn more about your options for orthodontic retainers.