Maintaining Your Southern Smile
After achieving a beautifully aligned smile through braces or clear aligners, retention is essential. Retainers play a significant role in keeping your teeth in their new, correct positions. They prevent teeth from shifting and help you maintain your investment in a confident smile. At Southern Smiles in Jacksonville, FL, we offer a range of retainer options to suit your individual needs.
To learn more about retainers and how they can help keep your teeth straight, call our Jacksonville dentist today at 904-389-3451 to schedule your consultation. New patients from Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Augustine, and Orange Park are always welcome. Let us help you keep your smile shining bright!
The Importance of Orthodontic Retention
Retention is a crucial component of orthodontic treatment. It maintains the hard work you put into achieving a straight, beautiful smile. Without retainers, teeth tend to shift back to their original positions, a process called relapse. Orthodontic retention supports the bone around your teeth, allowing it to adapt to the new positions.
Southern Smiles - Patient Testimonials
At our Jacksonville dental practice, our dedicated team of dentists is committed to providing each patient with the highest quality of personalized dental care. We take the time to understand your unique dental needs and preferences, ensuring a comfortable and tailored experience. Below, we've gathered some insightful reviews from our satisfied patients that highlight their experiences with us.
“We had a wonderful experience here! They were able to squeeze us in quickly when our toddler took a fall and needed to urgently check for trauma. Dr. Beth was so kind and patient with him and put him at ease right away. She answered all of our worried parent questions and even called to check on him a few days later! Our son has been going to a pediatric dentist since he was a year old but has never been more at ease at the dentist than when he was in Dr. Beth’s chair…” -Amanda Tyler
“I was introduced to Dr. Burton by one of my own patients. I am so glad that I took her advice to go see her. Dr. Burton and I came up with a treatment plan. She made the experience pleasant and my smile looks amazing…” -Nicole Rollins Herndon
What Are Retainers?
A retainer is a custom appliance worn in the mouth to stabilize teeth following orthodontic treatment. Retainers can be removable or fixed and are precisely fitted to your teeth. They are an important part of the teeth-straightening journey because they minimize the natural tendency of teeth to move back to their original positions.
Following orthodontic treatment, the gums, bones, and muscles need time to adapt to the changes. Retainers provide stability, allowing the surrounding tissues to adjust to the new alignment.
How Retainers Work to Maintain Alignment
After braces or aligners move your teeth, the bone and tissues surrounding them need time to stabilize. Retainers provide the necessary support to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Habits such as chewing and grinding exert force on teeth, which can cause movement. Wearing a retainer helps the teeth "retain" their new alignment.
Types of Retainers
Southern Smiles offers various types of retainers to meet each patient's specific requirements. During your consultation, Drs. Trotter or Burton will assess your dental history and current needs to prescribe the best option for you.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers offer convenience and are easy to maintain. They can be taken out for eating, cleaning, and other activities.
Hawley Retainers
These traditional retainers consist of a plastic or acrylic base customized to fit your mouth, with a metal wire that goes across the front teeth.
- Pros: Hawley retainers are durable and can be adjusted by your dentist. They also allow for some settling of the bite. The plastic base can be customized with different colors and patterns.
- Cons: The wire is visible, which some people find less appealing. These retainers can feel bulky, affecting speech at first.
Clear Plastic Retainers (Essix Retainers)
These retainers are made of transparent plastic that fits tightly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible.
- Pros: Clear retainers are almost completely invisible and protect against teeth grinding. Wearing them full-time can help move slightly shifted teeth back into place.
- Cons: Clear retainers are not as durable as other types and can be easily lost due to their transparency. They may also discolor over time.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded or Permanent Retainers)
These retainers consist of a wire bonded to the backside of your teeth, typically the lower front teeth.
- Pros: Fixed retainers are not visible and eliminate the need to remember to wear them. They can last for many years.
- Cons: They are more challenging to clean, requiring careful brushing and flossing. Eating hard foods should be avoided to prevent damage.
Proper Retainer Care
Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for your retainer's hygiene and longevity.
Cleaning Removable Retainers
- Daily Cleaning: Clean your retainer daily to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Rinsing: Rinse with lukewarm water after each meal.
- Brushing: Gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap.
- Soaking: Soak in a retainer-cleaning solution or denture cleaner weekly, following product instructions.
- Avoid Harmful Products: Do not use hot water, mouthwash, alcohol, or bleach.
Cleaning Fixed Retainers
- Flossing: Use a floss threader to clean between teeth and around the wire.
- Brushing: Carefully brush around the retainer, ensuring you remove food particles and plaque.
- Regular Check-ups: Visit Southern Smiles for routine check-ups and dental cleanings to maintain optimal oral hygiene.
Common Retainer Problems and Solutions
Even with proper care, some issues may arise with your retainer. Understanding these problems and how to solve them can help keep your smile on track.
- Discomfort: New retainers can cause initial discomfort. Wearing the retainer as directed helps your teeth adjust.
- Poor Fit: If your retainer feels loose or too tight, contact Southern Smiles for an evaluation.
- Damage: Handle your retainer carefully and store it in its case when not in use. Contact our office if it breaks.
- Speech Difficulties: Practice speaking with your retainer to adjust.
- Bad Breath: Clean your retainer regularly to prevent bacteria and odor.
- Teeth Shifting: If you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth may shift. Resume wearing it and consult with our Jacksonville team if it no longer fits.
Cost of Retainers at Southern Smiles in Jacksonville, FL
The cost of retainers varies depending on the type. At Southern Smiles, we offer a variety of options to fit different budgets. The initial set of retainers is often included in the total orthodontic treatment fee. Replacement retainers may incur a separate cost. For wire retainers, patients can typically expect to pay between $150 to $600, while plastic retainers are generally between $400 to $800. Contact us to discuss specific pricing and insurance coverage.
Flexible Payment Options at Southern Smiles
We know that orthodontic care is a significant investment. Southern Smiles is committed to making high-quality treatment accessible. Our team will work with you to find a payment plan that fits your budget. We also accept many insurance plans, and our staff can help you understand your benefits and coverage.
Contact us today at 904-389-3451, and let our caring team help you maintain your perfect smile! We proudly welcome patients from Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, and St. Augustine. Schedule your appointment now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are retainers difficult to wear?
Adjusting to retainers takes time, and some people may experience initial discomfort. With consistent wear, most people adjust quickly. If the discomfort is severe or persists, contact your orthodontist.
How long should I wear my retainer?
Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions based on your treatment. Typically, retainers are worn full-time for the first few months after braces removal. Afterward, you will likely switch to nighttime wear.
Can I eat with my retainer on?
It is typically advised to remove your retainer before eating. Eating with a retainer can trap food particles and damage the appliance. Always store it in its case when not in use.
How often should I clean my retainer?
Clean your retainer daily to remove bacteria and plaque. Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or a retainer cleaner. Regular cleaning helps maintain good oral hygiene and keeps your retainer fresh.
What should I do if my retainer breaks?
Contact your orthodontist promptly for a replacement. Wearing a broken retainer can be harmful and ineffective. A quick response will help prevent teeth from shifting.
Southern Smiles: Keeping Jacksonville Smiling, One Retainer at a Time
Don't let your smile journey end with braces removal. Retainers are the key to long-lasting straight teeth. At Southern Smiles, Dr. Bethany Burton and Dr. Linda Trotter are committed to providing quality orthodontic care and retention options in Jacksonville, FL.
To maintain the results achieved by orthodontic treatment, Southern Smiles offers the highest quality dental services and patient care for Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. Contact us today at 904-389-3451. We are dedicated to helping you preserve that beautiful smile with retainers that are comfortable, effective, and custom fit for your unique needs. Patients from Jacksonville, Orange Park, and Ponte Vedra Beach can call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our retainer options!
