7DENTAL Central Park
Retainers in Ottawa
Retainers
After investing in orthodontic treatment to achieve a straighter smile, the next crucial step is ensuring those results last. Retainers play a vital role in preventing your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. At 7Dental Central Park, we are here to help you protect your beautiful new smile with a custom-fitted retainer.
What Are Retainers?
Retainers are custom-made dental appliances designed to hold your teeth in their new, corrected positions after orthodontic treatment. Whether you’ve had braces or clear aligners, your teeth need time to stabilize in their new alignment. Without a retainer, teeth can gradually drift back, undoing all the progress you’ve made. Wearing your retainer as directed is a simple yet essential part of maintaining your smile for years to come.
Types of Retainers We Offer
We understand that every smile is unique, and so are the needs for maintaining it. We can discuss different types of retainers to find the best fit for your lifestyle and oral health goals. Generally, retainers fall into two main categories:
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers, also known as permanent or bonded retainers, consist of a thin wire custom-fitted to the back of your front teeth. This wire is discreetly bonded in place, offering continuous retention without you needing to remember to put it in. They are a great option for patients who prefer a hands-off approach to maintaining their smile.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers offer flexibility and are typically worn for a prescribed number of hours each day or night. There are two common types:
- Hawley Retainers: These consist of a metal wire that wraps around your teeth and is embedded in an acrylic arch that fits against the roof of your mouth or along the inside of your lower teeth. They are durable and can be adjusted if minor tooth movement occurs.
- Clear Plastic Retainers: Similar in appearance to clear aligners, these retainers are made from transparent, vacuum-formed plastic that fits snugly over your teeth. They are nearly invisible and often a popular choice for their aesthetic appeal.
The Process for Getting a Retainer
Getting a custom retainer at 7Dental Central Park is a straightforward and comfortable process designed to ensure a perfect fit:
- Initial Consultation: We will begin by discussing your orthodontic history and assessing your current smile. This helps us determine the most suitable type of retainer for your individual needs.
- Impressions or Digital Scans: To create your custom retainer, we will take precise impressions of your teeth. This might involve traditional dental molds or, more commonly, comfortable digital scans, which are quick and mess-free.
- Custom Fabrication: These impressions or scans are then sent to a dental lab where your retainer is custom-made to perfectly match the unique contours of your teeth.
- Fitting and Instructions: Once your retainer is ready, you’ll return to our office for a fitting. We will ensure it fits comfortably and securely. Our team will also provide you with detailed instructions on how to wear, care for, and maintain your new retainer to maximize its effectiveness.
Caring For Your Retainer
Proper care of your retainer is essential for its longevity and effectiveness. Here are some general tips to help you keep your retainer in excellent condition:
- Clean Regularly: For removable retainers, brush them gently with a toothbrush and cool water after each use, or at least once a day. You can use a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for retainers. Fixed retainers require careful brushing and flossing around the wire to prevent plaque buildup.
- Store Safely: Always keep your removable retainer in its protective case when you’re not wearing it. This prevents it from getting lost, damaged, or exposed to bacteria. Avoid wrapping it in a napkin, as it can easily be mistaken for trash.
- Avoid Heat: Never expose your retainer to hot water or high heat, as this can warp the plastic and alter its fit.
- Handle with Care: Be gentle when inserting and removing your removable retainer to avoid bending or breaking it.
- Bring to Appointments: Always bring your removable retainer with you to your regular dental check-ups at 7Dental Central Park. This allows us to inspect its condition and ensure it’s still fitting correctly.
New Patients Welcome