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A retainer is a custom-made dental appliance designed to hold teeth in their corrected positions following orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners. It is typically worn after the removal of braces to prevent orthodontic relapse, where teeth gradually shift back to their original positions. Retainers help maintain the alignment achieved during treatment, ensuring a straight and healthy smile for the long term. Additionally, retainers can aid in stabilizing the surrounding bone and tissues, accommodating changes in jaw growth, and preventing teeth from drifting out of alignment. Overall, the primary benefits of retainers include preserving the results of orthodontic treatment, promoting oral health, and enhancing the smile's aesthetics. 

Who Should Wear Retainers? 

• Patients who have completed orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, are typically suitable candidates for wearing retainers. Retainers help preserve the alignment and positioning of the teeth achieved during treatment, preventing them from shifting back to their original positions. 
• Individuals concerned about teeth alignment, spacing, or bite issues may benefit from wearing retainers. Retainers can help stabilize the results of orthodontic treatment and prevent orthodontic relapse, ensuring that the teeth remain straight and adequately aligned over time. 
• Individuals who want to maintain the results of their orthodontic treatment and preserve their investment in a straight and healthy smile should consider wearing retainers. Retainers play a crucial role in preventing changes in tooth alignment and ensuring long-term stability. 
• Patients with good dental health and stable oral structures are generally suitable for wearing retainers. Individuals with untreated dental issues or ongoing oral health concerns may need to address these issues before beginning retainer wear to ensure optimal retention outcomes. 

What to Expect When Getting a Retainer? 

Getting a retainer typically begins with a consultation with our orthodontist at Alexander & Martin Orthodontics. During this appointment, our orthodontist in Sacramento, CA, will discuss the need for a retainer, explain its role in maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment, and address any questions or concerns. Once it's determined that a retainer is necessary, impressions or digital scans of your teeth will be taken to create a custom retainer that fits your mouth perfectly. These painless impressions or scans involve biting down on a tray filled with a putty-like material or having a digital scan taken of your teeth. 

After the impressions or scans are taken, a dental lab will use them to create a custom retainer specifically tailored to the shape and size of your teeth. Once your retainer is ready, you'll return to the orthodontist's office for a fitting appointment. During this appointment, our orthodontist will ensure that the retainer fits appropriately and provide instructions on how to insert and remove it and how to care for it. Minor adjustments may be made to ensure a comfortable fit, and our orthodontist will explain how long you'll need to wear your retainer each day and provide guidance on when and how to wear it. 

After receiving your retainer and instructions for wear and care, you'll be ready to begin incorporating it into your daily routine. To effectively maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment, it's essential to follow our orthodontist's instructions closely and wear your retainer as directed. Regular follow-up appointments with our orthodontist may be scheduled to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your retainer. By following these steps and staying consistent with your retainer wear and care, you can enjoy a straight and healthy smile for years. 

The Advantages of Wearing Retainers 

Maintaining Tooth Alignment 

Perhaps the most significant benefit of retainers is their ability to maintain teeth's alignment following orthodontic treatment. After removing braces or aligners, there is a risk of orthodontic relapse, where teeth gradually shift back to their original positions. Retainers hold the teeth in their corrected positions, ensuring that the results of orthodontic treatment are preserved over time. 

Preventing Orthodontic Relapse 

Orthodontic relapse can occur due to various factors, including natural aging, changes in jaw growth, and inadequate retainer wear. By wearing retainers as our orthodontist prescribes, patients can prevent orthodontic relapse and enjoy a straight and healthy smile for years. 

Stabilizing Bone and Soft Tissues 

Retainers in Roseville, CA, provide stability to the surrounding bone and soft tissues, allowing them to adapt to the new positions of the teeth. This stabilization is essential for ensuring the long-term success of orthodontic treatment and preventing the teeth from shifting back to their original positions. 

Improving Bite Alignment 

Retainers can maintain tooth alignment and help improve bite alignment and function. By gently pressing the teeth and jaws, retainers can guide them into their proper positions and address minor bite discrepancies, such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites. Contact us today!

Customized Fit 

Retainers in Rocklin, CA, are custom-made appliances that fit snugly over the teeth, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness. They are tailored to each patient's unique dental anatomy, providing a secure and comfortable fit for natural speech and eating. 

Enhancing Smile Aesthetics 

Retainers help maintain a straight and beautiful smile by preserving the results of orthodontic treatment, boosting confidence and self-esteem. Patients can enjoy the benefits of their investment in orthodontic care for years to come, knowing that their smile will remain healthy and attractive. 

By wearing retainers as directed by our orthodontist and following proper care instructions, patients can enjoy a lifetime of benefits and a confident, beautiful smile. Visit Alexander & Martin Orthodontics at 3461 Fair Oaks Blvd #100, Sacramento, CA 95864, or 6809 Five Star Blvd, #300, Rocklin, CA 95677, or 4021 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd #100, Roseville, CA 95747, to schedule a consultation and discover how retainers can benefit you! You can schedule an appointment online or call us at (916) 630-0306.