Retention | Eastern Virginia Orthodontics

Virginia Beach military orthodontist provides quality orthodontic care to residents of Hampton Roads. The goal of our orthodontic clinic is to provide each patient with a beautiful, healthy smile they can keep for the rest of their lives. Our highly trained team of orthodontic specialists works hard to provide the best orthodontic care to each patient. They develop customized treatment plans tailored to each patient's orthodontic needs and lifestyle.

The Benefits of Retention

Your smile will remain healthy after we take off your braces and complete the active stage of treatment. The bones, ligaments, and other tissues that support your teeth have not yet "set" into their new position, even though your teeth will be in different places after braces. If you don't wear a retainer, your teeth will move back to where they were. All your hard work will be lost! You can prevent this from happening by wearing your retainer.

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Types of Retainers

There are three main types of retainers we offer, and each has its advantages:

Hawley Retainers

Most people use Hawley retainers because they work well in a variety of orthodontic situations. Hawleys are made of a strong piece of acrylic shaped to fit the roof of your mouth and thin wires holding your teeth in place. The acrylic can be colored in different ways according to your preference.

Essix Retainers

Like Invisalign clear aligners, Essix retainers are clear, removable plastic trays that fit directly over the teeth. They are almost invisible when worn. They are also easy to put in and take out, making them a good choice for long-term use. The products are easy to use, last a long time, and aren't too expensive.

Fixed Retainers

Unlike the other two types, fixed retainers cannot be removed because they are glued to the teeth with dental cement. When there is a high chance that the teeth will move back to their old positions, fixed retainers are a good choice. They are usually just metal wire that is glued to the inside (tongue side) of the lower front teeth.

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Tips for Maintaining a Lifelong Smile

You can keep your smile healthy for life with careful care. Here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of your orthodontic treatment:

Wear Your Retainer as Prescribed

Wearing your retainer for the exact amount of time your dentist recommends is the only way to protect your new smile.

Keep Your Teeth & Retainer Clean

When you take out or put back in your Hawley retainers, they should be cleaned in the same manner as your teeth. Essix retainers should not be brushed because they can be scratched. They should be soaked in a glass of water with a denture cleaning tablet every few days. Fixed retainers can be brushed normally and floss threaders can be used to clean under them.

Come Back for Checkups

In the first year after treatment, we'll need to keep a close eye on your teeth to ensure they remain in their new positions. We recommend regular checkups so that we can ensure everything is going smoothly.

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