Retainers in Gallup, NM
Who Should Wear a Retainer?
- Post-Braces Patients
After braces, retainers are necessary to keep teeth in their new positions. Without them, teeth may shift back, undoing the progress made during treatment. - After Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign patients also need retainers to maintain the alignment achieved. Retainers ensure that teeth stay straight after the final set of aligners. - Following Jaw Expansion
Retainers stabilize the changes made by jaw expanders, ensuring that the newly created space remains in place.
Our Range of Retainers
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers come in clear and wire options. Clear retainers, like Essix, fit over your teeth and are nearly invisible, offering a discreet option. Wire retainers, such as Hawley retainers, use a metal wire and an acrylic base, providing durability and the ability to make slight adjustments if needed. Both types are practical and easy to clean, making them popular choices.
Permanent Retainers
Permanent retainers are fixed to the back of your teeth, providing continuous support without daily removal. They are ideal for those who want a low-maintenance solution that ensures their teeth remain aligned long-term. Permanent retainers are particularly effective in preventing teeth from shifting back, offering reliable, long-lasting results.
Why Retainers Are Essential
- Prevent Teeth from Shifting
After orthodontic treatment, teeth naturally try to move back to their original positions. Retainers hold them in place, ensuring the alignment stays intact. - Maintain Your Smile
Retainers protect the results you achieved through braces or aligners. They ensure your smile remains straight and well-aligned over time. - Stabilize Bone and Tissue
Retainers help stabilize the bone and tissues around your teeth, giving them time to settle into their new positions permanently.
Choose Our Gallup Clinic for Retainer Expertise
Our Gallup clinic delivers top-notch retainer services, focusing on precision and personalized care. We use advanced technology to create retainers that fit perfectly and maintain your smile’s alignment. Our experienced team ensures each retainer meets your specific needs, providing lasting results.
Protect the alignment you’ve achieved with a custom retainer. Book a consultation with us today and secure the long-term success of your orthodontic treatment. Contact our Gallup clinic now to schedule your appointment!
FAQs About Retainers
The duration varies based on your orthodontist's recommendation. Typically, you’ll start with full-day wear for the first few months and then switch to nighttime wear. Your orthodontist will provide a specific timeline based on your treatment.
If your retainer feels loose or too tight, it’s important to schedule a visit with your orthodontist. These issues can indicate that adjustments are needed to maintain effectiveness and comfort.
Initially, you might experience slight speech changes, such as a lisp. However, most patients adapt quickly, and speech returns to normal within a few days. Practicing speaking while wearing your retainer can help speed up this adjustment period.
Retainers typically last between 1-5 years, depending on the type and how well they are cared for. If you notice any wear, damage, or if it no longer fits properly, it’s time to get a new one. Regular check-ups with your orthodontist can help determine when a replacement is necessary.
You should remove removable retainers before eating to prevent damage and staining. Permanent retainers, however, are fixed and do not need to be removed, but it’s still important to avoid biting into very hard foods directly on the retainer.
