Orthodontic Retainers Oxnard, CA

A retainer is an orthodontic appliance used to maintain/retain your post-orthodontic occlusion. Without a retainer, your teeth would quickly start shifting back into their original positions. Such a shift would be detrimental to your oral health and a waste of the time and money you invested in your treatment.

Your Oxnard orthodontist will help you determine which retainer is best for your needs.

What Is an Orthodontic Retainer?

A retainer is an appliance that fits around your upper or lower teeth. It keeps your teeth from shifting after orthodontic treatment in Oxnard. It is crucial to wear your retainer 24/7 for the first six to 12 months because, during this time, your teeth are more likely to shift. Your retainer will prevent this relapse from occurring.

What Are the Different Types of Orthodontic Retainers in Oxnard?

There are two types of retainers: permanent and removable. Your orthodontist will review your oral health needs – as well as your lifestyle and aesthetic needs – and determine which type is best.

Hawley Retainer

A Hawley retainer is the most common type of retainer. It consists of a plastic or acrylic base with a metal wire. The base fits the roof of your mouth or along your lower gum line under your tongue. The metal wire is visible across the front of your teeth.

Fixed Retainer

A fixed retainer is made of a metal wire that is permanently affixed to the back of your lower teeth with a bonding material.

Clear Plastic Retainers

Plastic retainers look like Invisalign^Ⓡ clear aligners. They’re made of plastic or polyurethane and fit entirely over your top and/or bottom teeth.

How Often Do I Need to Wear My Retainer?

For the first six to 12 months, your Oxnard orthodontist will instruct you to wear your retainer all day, every day. After this period, you only need to wear your retainer when you sleep. To maintain your straight smile, you’ll need to wear your retainer nightly for life.

Can a Retainer Harm My Teeth or Gums?

No, a retainer can’t harm you. However, if it’s not properly cleaned, plaque, tartar, and bacteria can build up on the retainer. The build-up can contribute to:

Bad breath
Oral infections
Gum disease
Decay

How Do I Take Care of My Retainer?

You’ll want to use a separate soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your retainer. Medium and hard bristles can damage the retainer, creating little cuts in the plastic or acrylic that can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Using the toothbrush, clean the retainer using mild dish soap and lukewarm water. Avoid using toothpaste since it can scratch the retainer, just like medium- or hard-bristled toothbrushes.

Dry the retainer thoroughly and place it back in the protective retainer case. Store your retainer where there aren’t any extremely hot or cold temperatures. Temperature extremes can cause the retainer to warp or break.

How Do I Take Care of My Teeth with a Retainer?

If you have a removable retainer, clean your teeth normally. Brush twice a day at least and floss once daily. Patients that have fixed retainers will need to invest in floss threaders. You can get a package of floss threaders (30-50 count) for around $3.50 to $7.50 (the cost depends on the brand). Use the threader to thread the floss between the retainer and your teeth. Then, floss in between your teeth, gently cleaning the sides of the teeth and below the gum line.

How Much Do Retainers in Oxnard Cost?

A retainer is included in the cost of your orthodontic treatment. Retainer replacements can cost between $150 and $350 for Hawley retainers and from $100 to $1200 for fixed or clear plastic retainers.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of a Retainer?

Since a retainer is included in your orthodontic treatment, in a sense, the insurance will help pay for a portion of it. If your insurance doesn’t cover orthodontic treatment or treatment for patients over a certain age, you’ll be responsible for the total cost of the retainer. Most insurances won’t cover retainer replacement.

What Happens If I Lose or Break My Retainer?

Call Orthodontics of Oxnard immediately. Teeth can shift very quickly. Failing to address this issue right away can result in the need for orthodontic retreatment. We want to help you save time and money, so don’t hesitate to contact us.

Wearing Your Retainer Will Help You Keep Your Beautiful Smile Longer

You’ve invested much time and money into orthodontic treatment with an Oxnard orthodontist. Commit to wearing the retainer daily so you don’t have to experience an occlusion setback, which could result in the need for orthodontic retreatment. By doing so, you’ll protect your investment!

Keep Your Smile Straight, Healthy, And Beautiful For A Lifetime

Call Orthodontics of Oxnard at (805) 800-8485 or reach out via our online contact form if you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hamid.

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Convenient and Flexible Appointment Times
Same Day Appointments Available
We Always Make Dental Emergencies A Priority
We Offer Various Financing Options and Payment Plans

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