Dental Retainers in Vienna, VA
Dr. Dianne Pham, DMD, is a dentist in Vienna, VA, who offers orthodontic care for patients of all ages. If you’re looking for a reliable dentist with experience restoring smiles, call 703-255-0400 today!
What are Dental Retainers?
People who have had orthodontic treatments such as metal braces, clear braces, clear aligners such as Invisalign, wisdom tooth removal, or restorative dentistry work such as dental implants for missing teeth may require dental retainer aftercare. A dental retainer is made of solid wire or plastic, worn to hold teeth in place after traditional orthodontic care. Retainers stop tooth movement, so they don’t return to their original position after using orthodontic appliances or other dental work.
Dental retainers are removable and are recommended for adults and children after wearing metal braces or clear aligners. Dental retainers can also help prevent fracturing of the teeth and excessive wear-and-tear that can cause pain. If your child needs orthodontic treatment in Northern Virginia, contact Capital Esthetics and Family Dentistry for the best patient care and braces options!
Types of Dental Retainers in Orthodontics
There are two types of retainers: removable and bonded. Depending on the patient’s experience with conventional braces or clear braces like Invisalign, a child may need a combination of both types of retainers to maintain proper alignment. Our dentist in Vienna, VA, will help determine which type of retainer will benefit your child based on their orthodontic needs and oral health.
Removable Retainers
The most significant advantage of using removable retainers after orthodontics treatment is that you can take them out. This advantage can make eating and maintaining basic oral hygiene routines easier.
Since removable retainers are plastic, you should clean them properly each day to avoid the build-up of bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Removable retainers are also more likely to become lost, so it is vital to keep them in their case in a safe spot if they are taken out so they do not accidentally end up in the trash.
We offer two standard removable retainers at Capital Etshestics: Hawley Retainers and Clear Retainers.
The Hawley Retainer is one of the most common removable wire retainers that we offer for our patients. It consists of a combination of plastic or acrylic with a metal archwire. Hawley retainers are very durable and can be adjusted by your orthodontist. Your child can also choose their favorite color to make them more personalized. With proper care, these retainers can last for years.
Plastic Retainers
Clear, plastic removable retainers offer discreet and comfortable support. The durable, thinner, flexible plastic makes them more comfortable for the patient as well as virtually invisible. The dentist will take an impression of the teeth to create a proper fit. Our orthodontist in Vienna, VA, will generate another impression as teeth become more straight or require other orthodontics care. Plastic retainers need replacing yearly. This is to ensure the retainer fits a child’s facial development.
Bonded Retainers
Bonded retainers are “permanent” but can be removed later after treatment. Bonded retainers consist of a metal wire that is either nickel, copper, titanium, or a combination of these metals. They are incredibly durable and can last a lifetime. In addition, since they are behind the teeth, they are not visible to others, and you will not have to worry about your child losing them.
Dental care for bonded retainers is similar to removable retainers but requires more at-home care. Bonded retainers can help maintain the strength of the wire and ensure the longevity of your child’s retainer. When your child is wearing their retainer, we recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to protect the bonded areas. Dental hygiene can be more complicated for children with these types of retainers since the wire sits against the back of the teeth. You should help your child floss and brush correctly to avoid bacteria growth, plaque build-up, and gum disease.
Schedule an Appointment for Orthodontic Treatment and Dental Retainers Today!
We offer several options for orthodontics at Capital Esthetics, including dental retainers, Invisalign, and six-month smiles for adults and children.
Whether your child has yet to receive orthodontic care or is undergoing orthodontics already, it is necessary to plan for retainers. Our team at Capital Esthetics is here to help you choose the right treatment plan for your child to give them a beautiful smile.
Quality patient care is a top priority for us, and we want to make sure all of our patients complete their treatment feeling satisfied with their new smiles. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today at 703-225-0040.