Maintaining Your Perfect Smile
Retainers Treatment in Minneapolis
At Impact Orthodontics, we understand that achieving a straight smile is just the first step. Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment, ensuring your teeth stay in their new, corrected positions for years to come.
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What Are Retainers?
A retainer is a custom-made orthodontic device designed to keep your teeth in place after braces or clear aligner treatment. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift over time, and retainers help prevent unwanted movement, preserving your beautiful new smile.
Why Do You Need a Retainer?
After orthodontic treatment, your teeth and surrounding bone structure need time to stabilize. Without a retainer, your teeth can gradually shift back to their original positions, undoing the progress made during treatment. Wearing a retainer ensures your smile remains straight and aligned.
Types of Retainers
There are three main types of retainers, each with its own benefits:
Hawley Retainers
Made of acrylic and a metal wire, Hawley retainers are durable, adjustable, and allow for slight modifications in teeth positioning if needed.
Clear Retainers
Also known as Essix retainers, these are transparent, removable, and fit snugly over your teeth, similar to clear aligners.
Fixed Retainers
A thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth, offering a long-term solution to prevent shifting, particularly for lower front teeth.
How Long Should You Wear a Retainer?
The duration of retainer use varies for each patient. Generally, patients should wear their retainer full-time for the first few months after braces or aligner treatment, then transition to nighttime use indefinitely. Consistent wear ensures long-term results and prevents relapse.
Can Retainers Be Replaced or Repaired?
Yes! Over time, retainers can wear out, break, or become lost. If your retainer no longer fits properly or gets damaged, contact Impact Orthodontics for a replacement or repair. Wearing an ill-fitting or broken retainer can be ineffective and may lead to shifting teeth.
What Type of Retainer Should I Choose?
The best type of retainer for you depends on your orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Our orthodontic team at Impact Orthodontics will guide you in choosing the most suitable option based on your treatment plan and personal comfort.
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Keep Your Smile Perfect with Impact Orthodontics
Retainers are a crucial part of maintaining your orthodontic results. At Impact Orthodontics, we provide customized retainer solutions to ensure your smile stays aligned for years to come.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about retainers and how to protect your new smile!