Retainers

At Washington Orthodontics, we understand the importance of maintaining your beautiful smile after orthodontic treatment. Retainers play a crucial role in preserving the results you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing you with high-quality retainers and expert guidance to ensure your smile stays perfect for years to come.

Understanding Retainers

Retainers are custom-made orthodontic devices designed to hold your teeth in their new, corrected positions after braces or other orthodontic treatments. They come in various types, including removable and fixed options, each tailored to meet your specific needs.

Retainers work by applying gentle pressure to your teeth, preventing them from shifting back to their original positions. This essential step in your orthodontic journey helps maintain the alignment and bite correction achieved during your treatment.

Benefits of Retainers

Prevents Relapse of Orthodontic Treatment

Retainers are crucial in maintaining the results achieved through braces or clear aligners. They prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions, safeguarding your investment in orthodontic treatment. By consistently wearing your retainer, you ensure that your smile remains straight and beautiful, preserving the time and effort you’ve dedicated to achieving your ideal alignment.

Supports Proper Speech Development

For some individuals, especially those who had significant orthodontic corrections, retainers play a vital role in supporting proper speech patterns. As your mouth adjusts to its new alignment, retainers help maintain the positioning of your teeth and palate, allowing you to articulate sounds clearly. This benefit is particularly important for those who may have had speech difficulties related to dental misalignment prior to treatment.

Aids in Breathing and Sleep Quality

Properly aligned teeth and a well-positioned jaw can contribute to improved breathing, especially during sleep. Retainers help maintain this alignment, potentially reducing issues like snoring or sleep apnea. By keeping your airway open and properly aligned, retainers can indirectly contribute to better sleep quality and overall health, allowing you to wake up feeling more refreshed and energized.

Reduces Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Many retainers, particularly those worn at night, can serve a dual purpose by acting as a protective barrier against teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching. This added layer of protection helps prevent wear and tear on your teeth, reducing the risk of enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and even headaches or jaw pain associated with nighttime grinding. By wearing your retainer consistently, you’re not just maintaining alignment but also safeguarding your teeth from potential damage.

Facilitates Ongoing Dental Monitoring

Regular use of retainers encourages consistent check-ups with your orthodontist or dentist. These appointments allow for continuous monitoring of your dental health and early detection of any potential issues. Your healthcare provider can track changes in your teeth alignment, assess the condition of your retainer, and address any concerns promptly. This proactive approach to dental care can prevent minor issues from developing into more significant problems, saving you time and potential discomfort in the long run.

Our Dental Retainer Process

Comprehensive Evaluation

We begin with a thorough examination of your teeth and bite. Our orthodontists will review your treatment history and assess your current dental alignment. This detailed evaluation allows us to determine the most suitable type of retainer for your specific needs, ensuring optimal results and comfort.

Personalized Retainer Design

Based on your evaluation, we’ll create a customized retainer plan. This plan outlines the recommended retainer type, wearing schedule, and care instructions. We consider factors such as your lifestyle, preferences, and orthodontic history to tailor the plan to your unique requirements.

Precise Fitting and Adjustment

Once your custom retainer is ready, we’ll schedule an appointment for fitting. Our team will ensure proper fit and comfort, making any necessary adjustments. We’ll provide clear instructions on how to insert, remove, and care for your retainer, ensuring you feel confident in managing your new orthodontic appliance.

Retainer Care Education

We’ll equip you with all the knowledge needed to maintain your retainer effectively. This includes proper cleaning techniques, storage recommendations, and guidelines for daily wear. Our team will address any questions you may have, ensuring you’re fully prepared to care for your retainer at home.

Ongoing Support and Check-ups

Regular check-ups are essential to monitor your progress and the condition of your retainer. We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to assess your teeth alignment and make any necessary adjustments to your retainer or wearing schedule. These visits allow us to ensure your retainer continues to effectively maintain your smile alignment.

Why Choose Us Our Orthodontic Approach

At Washington Orthodontics, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to provide exceptional retainer services. Our experienced orthodontists use state-of-the-art equipment to create custom retainers that are comfortable, durable, and effective.

We take the time to understand your specific needs, explaining every step of the process and answering your questions. Our commitment to ongoing education means we stay updated on the latest advancements in orthodontic care, ensuring you receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Protect Your Smile Investment

Don’t let your orthodontic progress slip away! Schedule your retainer consultation with Washington Orthodontics today. Our team is ready to help you maintain your beautifully aligned smile for years to come.

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FAQs About Retainers

Do people with braces have to wear retainer forever?

While “forever” may seem daunting, long-term retainer use is typically recommended for most people who have had braces. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift throughout life, and wearing a retainer helps maintain the alignment achieved with braces. The frequency of wear may decrease over time, but some level of retainer use is often advised indefinitely to preserve your smile. Your orthodontist will provide personalized guidance based on your specific case.

When to resume retainers after wisdom tooth removal?

The timeline for resuming retainer use after wisdom tooth extraction can vary. Generally, you should wait until your mouth has healed sufficiently, which typically takes about 1-2 weeks. However, it’s crucial to follow your oral surgeon’s specific instructions. They may recommend waiting longer depending on your individual healing process. Once you’re cleared to wear your retainer again, start gradually to ensure comfort and proper fit.

How long do you have to wear a retainer?

The duration for wearing a retainer varies depending on individual needs, but generally, it’s a long-term commitment. Initially, you may need to wear your retainer full-time for several months, then transition to nighttime wear. Many orthodontists recommend wearing retainers indefinitely to maintain results. Your specific wearing schedule will be determined based on your orthodontic history and current teeth alignment.

How to clean retainers?

Proper cleaning is crucial for maintaining your retainer’s effectiveness and hygiene. Rinse your retainer with lukewarm water after each use to remove saliva and bacteria. Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap daily. For a deeper clean, soak your retainer in a denture cleaner or a mixture of water and baking soda once a week. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the retainer.

How long do retainers last?

The lifespan of a retainer depends on various factors, including the type of retainer and how well it’s maintained. On average, removable retainers can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years with proper care. Fixed retainers, which are bonded to the back of your teeth, can potentially last even longer. Regular check-ups with your orthodontist will help determine when a replacement is needed. Proper cleaning and handling can significantly extend your retainer’s life.

Testimonials

“I transferred my orthodontist from Maryland to here. And I am so happy that I picked Dr. Sung. All the staffs here are so nice, Dr. Sung also explain to me whenever I have questions. I just took off my braces today and my teeth look so good. I am more confident now and I really appreciate Dr. Sung and all staffs here.”
Cheung V.

“Washington Orthodontics did amazing on my teeth, I’m so happy with my new smile. The office is clean and the customer service is wonderful, I often was seen by Searra she made be feel safe and welcome, very professional and a perfectionist helping me feel confident leaving every time.”
April W.

“My son has been treated by Dr.Sung for 2 yrs. During that periods, we got great service and kind explanations . The staffs were nice and friendly, and the office was clean and comfortable. The result was quite satisfying, and my son was happy with beautiful teeth.
When he has a problem concerning wisdom teeth( despite after finishing treatment), Dr. solved it completely. I think I am lucky to meet a good orthodontist. Absolutely would recommend this place.”
Kyungah S.

“I've been a client since 2017, and I absolutely adore this place! They truly honor their word. Dr. Sung is so nice and the ladies in the front are just as amazing. They're very considerate and take the time to get to know you as an individual. They're extremely caring. I used to despise my smile, and today, I got my braces off and I can't stop smiling. I feel so much more confident and happy. I'm so excited to bring my daughter here. Thank you a ton, WASHINGTON ORTHODONTICS ❤, I can not thank you enough!!!!!”
Mi

“I just completed my second treatment today with Dr. Sung. He is very professional, friendly and also easy to make a appointment, very clean . Super convenient because they open until 8 PM. So I was able to get a treatment after finished work.
I got braces from Korea but one of my bracket fell off and it was kinda emergency so I called Dr. Sung and they made fix right away after he talked with My korean Dr. which is extra effort and care. I am very happy that I found this place!! staff are really nice too.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Washington Orthodontics to everyone I know!!!He really care patient and reasonable price as well.
10 stars!!”
Hyejung B.

“The service at Washington Orthodontics is exceptional, if you are looking for someone to truly take care of your perfect smile that you have been yearning for- this is the place! From the front desk- Erika Vargas to Dr. Sung and all the support! I just finished my treatment and am beyond satisfied with the results. If I ever had doubts or questions they answered them and took me in multiple times a week to make sure I was happy with my progress. I can’t recommend this place enough, I have brought in friends, family and now my husband. Thank you for the quality of care.”
Karina Rojas R.

“We’ve been really happy with Dr Sung and his team. They’re always super friendly, flexible, personable and very professional! We’ve had 2 treatments with Washington Orthodontics (one for a cross bite, and the other for braces). On both occasions we’ve been extremely happy and have no hesitations in recommending them.”
Catherine H.

“Super happy with my teeth! The best thing about this place is how kind and patient all the staff are! Really makes the whole process a lot friendlier!”
Chae J.

“I started my orthodontist treatment about a year ago and I am very happy with my results. The staff is always very friendly and even after I got my braces off they are still very accommodating. I would highly recommend to anyone!!”
Ruby H.

“I only had my braces on for 2 years and it was a pleasant experience and I'm very happy with the end results and they always play Disney movies in the waiting room which I appreciated very much💜”
Madison P.