Retainers

What are Retainers?

Retainers are a great way to maintain your new smile. Retainers are custom-made to fit your mouth and are designed to be worn for a specific amount of time. We offer a variety of retainers to choose from, including traditional metal wire retainers, clear plastic retainers, and removable retainers. Our orthodontist will work with you to determine the best type of retainer for your needs.

Types of Retainers

At Coastal Orthodontics, we offer a variety of types of retainers to help our patients maintain their beautiful, straight smiles. 

Essix Retainers:

Essix retainers are a popular choice among orthodontic patients. Essix retainers provide a secure fit that helps ensure the teeth stay in the desired position after orthodontic treatment. They are made with a clear, plastic material that fits over the teeth and is virtually invisible. They are comfortable, and you can remove them for eating and cleaning.  

Hawley Retainers:

Hawley retainers are the most common type of retainer used in orthodontics. Hawley retainers are durable, easy to adjust, and can be customized to meet the individual needs of the patient. They are made with an acrylic base and wire components. The wire is designed to hold the teeth in the desired positions, and the acrylic base fits around the roof of the mouth for comfort.  

Bonded Lingual Retainers:

Bonded lingual retainers are a permanent type of retainer bonded directly to the back of the teeth. This retainer provides a secure fit that helps keep the teeth in the desired position. The retainer is nearly invisible and is an excellent option for patients who want to maintain their orthodontic results without wearing a removable retainer.

What to Expect When Getting a Retainer

The first step in getting a retainer is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Garrison. He will carefully examine your teeth and jaw alignment at the appointment and discuss your orthodontic goals. IImpressions will be taken of your teeth, which will be used to create the retainer. Dr. Garrison will then assess your needs and determine the best course of action for the best possible results.

Once we take the impressions, the retainer will be created in the lab. The retainer is crafted to fit your mouth precisely and comfortably. Dr. Garrison will then fit the retainer and make any necessary adjustments. He will also give you instructions on how to take care of the retainer and wear it.

Finally, Dr. Garrison will provide you with follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the retainer. During these appointments, Dr. Garrison will also answer any questions you may have and discuss any additional treatments that may be necessary.

How to Care for Your Retainer

Caring for your retainer is integral to keeping it working properly and preventing bacteria and plaque buildup. Here are a few tips on how to properly care for your retainer:

Clean your retainer every day: 

Clean your retainer daily with a special retainer cleaning solution and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush the retainer thoroughly and rinse it well with warm, soapy water.

Store your retainer in a safe place: 

When you’re not wearing your retainer, make sure to store it in a safe place. Storing it will help prevent it from becoming damaged or lost. You can use a special retainer case for this purpose.

Visit your dentist regularly: 

Make sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. These visits will help Dr. Garrison check for any signs of damage or wear and tear on your retainer.

Rinse your retainer after eating or drinking: 

Whenever you eat or drink, make sure to clean your retainer immediately afterward. Rinsing will help keep bacteria and plaque buildup at bay.

Dental Retainers in Beaufort, SC

At Coastal Orthodontics, we take pride in providing our patients with the best orthodontic care in Beaufort, SC. Our team will ensure you are comfortable and understand how to use your retainer. We will also provide you with a schedule for visits as needed to check on the status of your retainer and make sure it fits correctly. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and look into the retainers we offer. 

We look forward to helping you maintain your beautiful smile with our custom retainers.