Retainers in Haslet, TX

After you are done with your orthodontic treatment with Riley Dental, you can proceed to a retainer to keep your results. By holding your teeth in their new places while your jaw and gums stabilize, a retainer can protect the investments you made in both money and time with your orthodontic treatment. To address the desires of our patients, our dental practice in Haslet, TX offers many high-quality retainer choices, like removable or fixed types. Our dentist, Dr. Luke Riley, can help you in the process and talk about all of your options.

Riley Dental provides our patients three kinds of retainers based on each individual patient's requirements: a Hawley, clear, or fixed retainer. The Hawley retainer (the most frequently used kind of retainer) is composed of shaped wires, plastic, and clasps that may be taken out. A see-through 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 can't be removed from your mouth since it is secured behind your teeth on one or both arches.

A retainer is suggested for everyone once they complete an orthodontic therapy. Although your teeth are set in their proper positions, a retainer can help to keep them there while the remainder of your mouth adapts. A retainer is excellent for younger patients who are still waiting for all of their permanent teeth to come in and while their jawbone is still forming.

When your orthodontics are taken off your teeth, you may start your retainer process. At Riley Dental, we use a positive-pressure-vacuum former to create tight-fitting, accurate retainers that last. As soon as your retainer is ready, roughly 1 – 2 weeks later, we'll schedule an office visit. At this appointment, Dr. Riley will ensure your retainer fits comfortably before you leave. He can also talk to you about when you have to use your retainer and to how to wash and store it.

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 done developing (usually around 20 – 25 years old). With good maintenance and routine inspections, your retainer may be kept for many years. In time, after standard wear and tear happen, your retainer might have to be repaired or replaced. Meanwhile, you need to practice daily cleaning and securely store your retainer if not being used. In the case that your retainer has been lost or damaged, contact our office to get a new retainer.

Your retainer could be included in your dental therapy. During your initial consultation, someone on our Riley Dental team will inform you whether there's an additional expense for the retainer. We can discuss your retainer choices 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. Riley Dental offers several payment plans as well as third-party financing through CareCredit.

How long will I need to wear a retainer?

Wearing a retainer after braces is crucial to keep your teeth in their new positions. Typically, you'll need to wear your retainer every night for at least a year. After that, you can transition to wearing it every other night and eventually just 3 – 5 times a week. During your visits to our office, we will check to ensure your retainer still fits correctly.

How do I care for my retainer?

Caring for your orthodontic retainer is as simple as brushing your teeth. Brush it under warm water once a day to keep it clean. Soaking it in mouthwash can also help prevent bacteria growth. When you're not wearing it, store it in its case to keep it safe and clean.

What happens if I lose my retainer?

If you lose your retainer, contact our office immediately so we can order a replacement for you. Retainers are crucial for keeping your teeth in place and maintaining your beautiful smile. Delaying the replacement could lead to teeth shifting and may require additional orthodontic treatment to correct any changes.

Help keep your teeth in their correct locations following your orthodontic therapy using a removable or fixed retainer from Riley Dental. Continuous use of a retainer may help prevent another orthodontic treatment later. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Riley at our practice in Haslet, TX to find out more about the advantages of retainers.