- What Is a Retainer?
- Who Should Wear a Retainer?
- What Are the Benefits of Dental Retainers?
- How Are Orthodontic Retainers made?
- Retainers Reviews
- What Can I Expect When Wearing a Retainer?
- Our Featured Work
- Retainers FAQ
- Does Insurance Cover Retainers After Braces?
- Fixed and Removable Retainers
- Get in Touch
What Is a Retainer?
Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, you can proceed to a retainer to maintain your results. A retainer can protect the investment you've made in money and time with orthodontic treatments by holding your teeth in place while your jaw and gums stabilize. Rosenberg Orthodontics in Hartford County, CT offers many high-quality retainers, like removable or fixed retainers, to meet the unique needs of our patients. Our experienced dental team can help you in the process and go over all of your options.
What Types of Dental Retainers Are Available?
Rosenberg Orthodontics offer three different types of retaines to met all of our patient's unique needs. The three options include:
- Clear retainer: a clear container is made of clear, flexible plastic that can be easily removed from the mout.
- Fixed retainer: this retainer cannot be removed from your mouth since it is secured behind your teeth on both or just one arch.
- Hawley retainer: this is the most popular retainer type and is composed of shaped plastic, wire, and clasps that may be taken out.
At your appointment, our team will discuss your retainer options with you to help you determine which type of retainer will be best for you.
Who Should Wear a Retainer?
After completing orthodontic treatment, wearing a retainer is crucial for maintaining the results achieved. It's essential for ensuring that your teeth remain in their new, correct position while the rest of your mouth adjusts. Here are some key reasons why individuals might need a retainer:
- Helps maintain teeth alignment after orthodontic treatment
- Supports the new position of teeth while the mouth and jaw adapt
- Ideal for younger patients whose permanent teeth and jaw are still developing
Wearing a retainer is a vital step in preserving the beautiful smile achieved through orthodontic therapy. It's especially important for young patients undergoing dental development, ensuring lasting results and a confident smile.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Retainers?
Dental retainers play an important role in maintaining your results from orthodontics. A few of the primary benefits of wearing a retainer include:
- Protects against tongue thrust
- It helps patients avoid clenching their jaw
- Keep your newly straightened teeth from shifting
How Are Orthodontic Retainers made?
As soon as your orthodontics are removed from your teeth, you may start your retainer process. We will take an impression of your teeth and ship it to a dental lab. When your retainer is returned around 1 – 2 weeks later, we will schedule an office visit. At this appointment, we will ensure your retainer fits comfortably before you leave. We may also discuss when you will need to use your retainer in addition to how to wash and keep it.
Retainers Reviews
Dr. Rosenberg and his staff are extremely friendly and professional. I got my braces here and I've had them for about two years. Recently just got them off Nov 2018 and had one set of retainers. I recently lost them and went into full on panic mode about the replacement but I called and spoke to Katie in Newington who told me they offer a one time free replacement. I called the Canton office and spoke to Laura who I have to say is AMAZING... she's always so nice and patient. It feels Ike nothing can piss her off! Lol... anyway if you're looking for a awesome Ortho office.. this is the one for you! Thank you Dr. Rosenberg. I love my smile
Dr. Rosenberg and his staff are extremely friendly and professional. I got my braces here and I’ve had them for about two years. Recently just got them off Nov 2018 and had one set of retainers. I recently lost them and went into full on panic mode about the replacement but I called and spoke to Katie in Newington who told me they offer a one time free replacement. I called the Canton office and spoke to Laura who I have to say is AMAZING... she’s always so nice and patient. It feels Ike nothing can piss her off! Lol... anyway if you’re looking for a awesome Ortho office.. this is the one for you! Thank you Dr. Rosenberg. I love my smile
Dr. Rosenberg and his staff are extremely friendly and professional. I got my braces here and I've had them for about two years. Recently just got them off Nov 2018 and had one set of retainers. I recently lost them and went into full on panic mode about the replacement but I called and spoke to Katie in Newington who told me they offer a one time free replacement. I called the Canton office and spoke to Laura who I have to say is AMAZING... she's always so nice and patient. It feels Ike nothing can piss her off! Lol... anyway if you're looking for a awesome Ortho office.. this is the one for you! Thank you Dr. Rosenberg. I love my smile
3
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
What Can I Expect When Wearing a Retainer?
The amount of time you need to use your retainer will differ from patient to patient. Retainers are essential in maintaining your results. With good maintenance and routine inspections, your retainer can be kept for many years. In time, when standard wear and tear happens, your retainer might have to be repaired or replaced. Meanwhile, you need to practice daily cleaning and keep your retainer secured if not being used. If your retainer has been lost or damaged, contact our office to be given a new one.
Our Featured Work
Retainers FAQ
How long will I need to wear a retainer?
It is important that retainers are worn after your braces are removed in order to maintain your results. Most patients will need to wear their retainer nightly for at least a year. After a year, you could shift to wearing it every other night and eventually only 3 – 5 times a week. When you visit one of our Hartford County, CT offices, our team will check your retainer to ensure that it still fits properly.
How do I care for my retainer?
Caring for your orthodontic retainer is as easy as brushing your teeth. All you need to do is brush it under warm water once a day. You can also soak it in mouthwash to help prevent bacteria growth. When it is not in use, you can store your retainer in its case.
What happens if I lose my retainer?
If your retainer has been lost, it is important to call our office immediately so we can order a replacement for you. Teeth can shift easily, so your retainers are an important part of maintaining your gorgeous smile! Delaying getting a replacement could result in needing additional orthodontic treatment to correct any movement.
Do I have to wear my retainer forever?
Generally speaking, yes, you will have to wear your retainer. While it may have previously been suggested to wear your retainer for 1 – 2 years, advancements in the field of orthodontics have shown lifelong wear provides better results.
If I haven't worn my retainer in a few months, is it okay to start wearing it again?
If it's been a while since you've worn your retainer — months or years — you should not try wearing it again. In fact, it could end up doing more harm than good. The best thing to do is to schedule an appointment and get fitted for a new retainer.
How long do retainers last?
Even though you should wear your retainer indefinitely, they do not last forever. How long they last depends on the type of retainer you have. You should bring your retainer to each of your dental visits, and we will check it for wear and tear and suggest when it's time to get a new one. In general, however, you can expect a clear retainer to last about 1 – 3 years, a traditional removable retainer to last between 2 – 8 years, and a permanent retainer to last between 4 – 10 years.
What types of retainers are there?
There are removable retainers (Hawley and clear plastic) and fixed/bonded retainers, which are cemented behind your teeth.
Can I use toothpaste to clean my retainer?
No, toothpaste can scratch and damage it. Use gentle soap and water or a retainer-specific cleaner.
Can I drink with my retainer in?
Water is fine, but remove your retainer for other beverages to avoid staining, sugar buildup, or warping from heat.
Does Insurance Cover Retainers After Braces?
In som instances, retainers may be covered. During your initial consultation, we will be able to tell you whether there is an additional expense for the retainer. We can also discuss any retainer alternatives and price estimates. If you are using dental insurance, we will contact your provider to find out whether any of your expenses are covered, then determine your out-of-pocket expenses. Rosenberg Orthodontics accepts several payment methods, including medical financing.
Fixed and Removable Retainers
Help keep your teeth in their correct place following your orthodontic therapy by using a removable or fixed retainer from Rosenberg Orthodontics. Continuous use of a retainer may help prevent another orthodontic treatment later. If you are in need of a dental retainer, contact our Wethersfield, Canton, West Hartford, or Newington, CT office to schedule your consultation today!