Retainers in Encinitas & Mira Mesa | Phillips Family Orthodontics

ORTHODONTIC RETAINERS ENCINITAS AND MIRA MESA CA

The Key To Results That Last A Lifetime

Contrary to popular belief, your teeth’s positions are not fixed, particularly after completing orthodontic treatment. A retainer acts as a stabilizer, holding your teeth in their correct positions for the long term. At Phillips Family Orthodontics, we recognize the significance of orthodontic retainers in ensuring a lasting, beautiful smile.

You might be wondering, “How long do I need to wear my retainer?” The straightforward answer is until you’re content with your teeth staying in their current positions. If you choose removable retainers, you will initially wear them throughout the day, gradually transitioning to nighttime use.

Smile Assurance

Our Retainer Assurance Program is like insurance for your smile. While we believe everyone should have a retainer for life, we understand that life happens, and retainers can get lost or damaged. That’s why we offer a 10-year retainer replacement program, giving you peace of mind knowing your smile is covered.

The Purpose of Retainers

Even after braces or aligners have straightened your teeth, they aren’t entirely secure in their new positions. The adjustment of gums, bones, and muscles to this change takes time.

Daily habits like chewing and grinding exert forces on your teeth, potentially causing them to shift. This shifting can lead to malocclusion, where the upper and lower teeth don’t align when your mouth is closed.

Maintaining Your Newly Adjusted Teeth

Braces play a role in designing your smile, and retainers act as a safeguard, ensuring your teeth maintain their positions. Your retainer serves as a practical tool, helping your teeth “retain” their optimal alignment.

Types of Retainers

Every smile is unique, and so are the choices in retainers. Here are the two main types:

Fixed Retainers (Permanent Retainers)

Bonded in place with a glue-like bonding agent.
Not removable by the wearer.
Often used for front, lower, or upper teeth to prevent separation or shifting over time.

Removable Retainers

Custom-made and can be taken in and out by the wearer.
Two common varieties: traditional (Hawley) retainers with a wire attached to plastic and clear (Essix) retainers, which are entirely plastic.

How Retainers Work

After you and Dr. Joseph Phillips have achieved the perfect alignment of your teeth, it’s time to bid farewell to braces or detach the aligner attachments. This marks the moment we capture the beauty of your smile through precise impressions of your teeth, setting the stage for the creation of your custom retainer.

Removable Retainer Process
Night Time for Lifetime
Fixed Retainer Process

For those choosing removable retainers, we employ digital imaging technology to create a precise three-dimensional model of your mouth. Using this model, our dental lab will create your unique plastic (or acrylic) retainers. In about a week, your custom-made retainers will be ready to do their important job of keeping your smile in place.

After wearing your retainer for a while all day to make sure it fits, you can wear it just at night to hold your teeth in place. Don’t forget to come back to see us so we can help clean your retainer and see your beautiful smile!

If a fixed retainer is your choice, the procedure is a bit different. Dr. Phillips uses a metal wire to measure the precise placement of your teeth. Using a secure bonding agent, this wire is affixed in place, ensuring stability. Unlike removable retainers, fixed retainers don’t require a waiting period for creation; you leave our office with your retainer already in place.

Removable Retainer Care and Maintenance

A CLEAN RETAINER IS A HAPPY RETAINER

Taking care of your orthodontic retainer is essential for ensuring a confident and lasting smile. Follow these straightforward guidelines to maintain the efficacy and longevity of your retainer:

Daily Cleaning Routine
To keep your retainer in optimal condition, make it a habit to brush it daily with water and mild soap, such as dish soap. Additionally, during your visits to our office, we’ll provide a thorough cleaning to remove any buildup.

Protective Storage
When your retainer is not in use, ensure its safety by storing it in its dedicated case. Remember the simple rule: “If it’s not in your face, put it in your case!”

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Refrain from chewing gum while wearing your retainer.
Never leave your retainer in a pocket or purse without its case.
Avoid wrapping your retainer in a napkin to reduce the risk of accidental disposal.

Protect from Pets and Heat
Keep your retainer away from pets, as they may mistake it for a chew toy. At the same time, avoid leaving your retainer in hot places, such as a car or near a stovetop, to prevent melting.

Thorough Oral Hygiene
Before placing the retainer back in your mouth, ensure thorough oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth meticulously.

Following these guidelines will contribute to maintaining a clean, functional, and odor-free retainer. If you ever have questions or concerns about retainer care, our team at Phillips Family Orthodontics is here to assist you on your smile journey.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

While proper at-home care is vital, there are instances when seeking professional assistance becomes necessary. Here are some scenarios to be mindful of:

Retainer Breakage
Lost Retainer
Changes in Retainer Fit

If your retainer breaks, especially with broken wires that may poke or irritate your gums or lips, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly. Attempting to fix a broken retainer at home may not be effective, and it’s recommended to see your dentist or orthodontist.

If you misplace your retainer, it’s essential to contact our dental office promptly. Delaying replacement increases the risk of your teeth shifting, potentially undoing the progress achieved during your orthodontic treatment.

If you notice that your retainer is no longer fitting properly or feels too snug, it could be an indication that your teeth have shifted. In such cases, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with our orthodontic team for an adjustment or replacement.

Your Smile, Our Priority

RETAINERS ENCINITAS AND MIRA MESA CA

Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your orthodontic journey! If your treatment has recently concluded, trust in our expertise to craft a personalized retention plan that safeguards your hard-earned results. Our Retainer Assurance Program, featuring a 10-year retainer replacement initiative, ensures your radiant smile remains our enduring priority.

You can trust Phillips Family Orthodontics for excellent care and long-term results. Dr. Phillips and his team use top-notch orthodontic care and high-quality retainers to align and preserve your beautiful smile.

Your Smile, Our Priority

RETAINERS ENCINITAS AND MIRA MESA CA

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