Retainers

When you get your braces taken off, your treatment is not quite over. Welcome to the world of retention, the final phase of your orthodontic journey, where a retainer is used to lock your results in place. At Cavalancia Orthodontics in Indiana, PA, we offer our patients three different types of retainers to suit their style of treatment. Don’t be discouraged that things aren’t finished on the day your braces come off, and remember that retainers are a part of everyone’s treatment, and make your brilliant smile last a lifetime.

What is Retention?

It takes a long time for braces to shift your teeth into new positions, just like it takes a long time to build new habits. Unfortunately, just like falling back into a bad habit, the teeth are liable to slip back into their old positions. This tendency is counteracted by the retention phase of orthodontic treatment, where an appliance is worn for a period of time after the braces are taken off, to keep the teeth firmly in place, ensuring the patient’s final result will be permanent.

Types of Retainers

At Cavalancia Orthodontics we offer 3 different kinds of retainers to patients, allowing for customization based on preference and the type of treatment they require.

Essix Clear Retainers

Essix retainers look almost identical to clear aligners like Invisalign, but instead of gradually shifting your teeth, they prevent your teeth from shifting. Essix retainers are made of clear plastic, fit snugly over the teeth, and are removable. This retainer will usually last from 6 months to a year with proper care.

Hawley Wire Retainers

Hawley retainers are more durable than Essix retainers and can last from 5 to 10 years. Hawley retainers are removable, consisting of an acrylic arch that sits against the upper or lower palette, and a wire that passes in front of the teeth.

Bonded/Lingual Retainers

A bonded retainer, also called a permanent retainer, is a metal retainer wire glued to the back of the teeth. These retainers are typically placed on the lower teeth, from canine to canine, but are sometimes used on top.

Schedule a Consultation Today!

If you’re ready to start braces treatment, contact Cavalancia Orthodontics today! Explore the different types of braces we offer, from metal to ceramic, and our specialists will customize your treatment to give you the best results possible. Request an appointment at our Indiana or Johnstown office to get started.