Retainers

So, you have finally finished your orthodontic treatment and are sporting a fabulous new smile! Congratulations! But you are not quite done yet. Dr. Derick Phan offers retainers in Almaden Valley and San Jose, California, as an easy oral appliance designed to keep your teeth smiling for years to come. Call Almaden Valley Surfside Kids Dental at 408-770-9383 and schedule a visit with our orthodontist and team of specialists to learn more.

Retainers are perhaps one of the most understated but important oral appliances in orthodontic care. If you have had any kind of teeth-straightening treatment, including braces or clear aligners, retainers are vital for maintaining the alignment of your teeth after you have completed active orthodontic treatment. These easy oral appliances help prevent your teeth from shifting back over time, which preserves both the functionality and visual appearance of your smile. They can be worn comfortably while you sleep and are simple to clean and take care of. Three of the most common kinds of retainers include:

• Hawley retainers: Strategically placed wires and clasps are fixed to the plastic body of the retainer, which is molded to cover the roof of your mouth (also known as the upper arch). The clasps fit around your teeth to hold the retainer in place, and a wire runs along the front of your teeth to hold them in alignment.
• Clear retainers: Much like clear aligners, clear retainers are made of a see-through plastic that fits closely over the teeth and prevents them from shifting. They are often less durable than Hawley retainers.
• Fixed retainers: Fixed retainers are permanent and attached to the backside (tongue side) of your front teeth. They prevent tooth movement and can only be removed by a dental professional.

To learn more about the retainers we offer in San Jose, give our office a call today at 408-770-9383!