Overview
After you are done with your orthodontic treatment, you can proceed to a retainer to keep your results. A retainer can protect the investment you’ve made in money and time with an orthodontic treatment by holding your teeth in their new location while your jaw and gums stabilize. To address the demands of our patients, Ah! Dentistry, with three locations in the DFW area, offers many high-quality retainer alternatives, including a removable or fixed retainer. Our team of dental professionals can help you in the process and explain all of your options.
Types of Retainers
Ah! Dentistry provides our patients with three kinds of retainers based on each individual patient’s requirements: a clear, Hawley, or fixed retainer. The Hawley retainer (the most frequently used kind of retainer) is composed of shaped plastic, wire, and clasps that may be taken out. A transparent retainer is inconspicuously worn the same way as a clear teeth aligner and can be taken out of the mouth quite easily. A fixed retainer cannot be removed from your mouth since it is secured behind your teeth on both or just one arch.
Best Candidates
A retainer is advised for everyone once they complete an orthodontic therapy. Although your teeth are set in their correct position, a retainer will help to keep them there while the remainder of your mouth adapts. A retainer is great for younger patients who are still waiting for the rest of their permanent teeth to come in and while their jawbone is still developing.
What to Expect
As soon as your orthodontics are taken off your teeth, you may start your retainer process. We will take an impression of your teeth and ship it to a dental lab. As soon as your retainer is returned, typically 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.
Follow-Up
The amount of time you need to use your retainer will differ. It is usually suggested to use your retainer until all of your permanent teeth come in and when your jaw is finished developing (normally around 20 – 25 years old). 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 securely keep your retainer when it is not being used. In case your retainer has been lost or damaged, contact our office to be given a new one.
Insurance Coverage
Your retainer could be included in your dental therapy. During your initial consultation, we will be able to tell you whether there is an additional expense for the retainer. We can discuss your retainer alternatives and price estimates. If you are using dental insurance, we’ll contact your supplier to find out whether any of your expenses are covered, then figure out your out-of-pocket expenses. Ah! Dentistry accepts several payments, such as medical financing.
Plan Your Procedure
Fixed and Removable Retainers
Help keep your teeth in their correct place following your orthodontic therapy using a removable or fixed retainer from Ah! Dentistry. Continuous use of a retainer may help prevent another orthodontic treatment later. Schedule an appointment at one of our DFW area facilities to find out more about the advantages of retainers.