Retainers Leederville

Things you need to know before you get a retainer!

Retainers are most commonly used to maintain straight teeth after orthodontic treatments.

Although the benefits for your kids in wearing their retainers correctly go beyond that.

Most often, the hardest part of having a new retainer is keeping it.

Once orthodontic treatment has been completed, wearing retainers is a very important part of the maintenance of your straightened teeth and will go a long way toward keeping the bite and smile that the braces formed over the years. Retainers are usually manufactured by the dentist who performed the orthodontic treatment.

This is customarily done by taking a mould, or impression, of the newly straightened teeth and manufacturing the retainer out of wire and/or acrylic material (either by the dentist or at a dental lab). The retainer is then inserted/tested during another appointment. In most cases, retainers should be worn for several years, if not indefinitely.

Types of Retainers in Leederville

There are two types of retainers after braces: fixed and removable retainers. Choosing retainer type takes into account the needs of the individual case, the preferences of the patient, and the overall compliance that the dentist and patient can expect from retainer maintenance.

Fixed Retainers

This is usually a thin wire worn across the back of the upper or lower front teeth, which is fixed on with a bonding agent similar to that applied on the brackets of braces.

Because this type of wire reaches several teeth, a floss threader or similar cleaning device must be used to reach the spaces between the teeth, which is similar to how people with braces floss.

Despite the fact that this type of retainer takes a little more work to keep clean, it has the best result because the bonded wire holds the newly straightened teeth in perfect formation.

Removable Retainers

This type of retainer is usually a combination of a wire going across the front of the upper or lower front teeth, secured in place with a combination of acrylic material and hooks that insert in and around the back teeth to keep the retainer in place.

Since it is removable, it is easier to clean your teeth, but the patient has to remember to wear it every day. Initially, your dentist will ask you to wear it for 24 hours for at least three months; if no movement is seen, you may be instructed to wear the retainer only at night or for a few hours during daytime.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of retainer. Your Leederville dentist will recommend the best type for you based on your preferences and requirements.

You will most likely be using and maintaining your retainer for several months or years, so it’s important that you have the type that works best for you and that you’ll use as instructed.

PARKING/PUBLIC TRANSPORT

There is ample car parking across the road from the practice

There are cafes and eateries within walking distance

LOCATION

Dentists on Vincent is located in Leederville, 14 min from Northbridge and only short stroll from Leederville Oval and Water Corporation