Retainers in Los Alamitos, CA

After patients undergo orthodontic treatment with braces and are ready to reveal their straighter smile, our Beachwood Dental office offers post-op retainers to patients to ensure the alignment is preserved. The most common kind of retainers we provide are removable ones, though fixed retainers are an option as well. Retainers are clear or metal trays that patients insert into their mouth to keep the teeth in place and maintain the straightened structure. Depending on the patient's personal treatment and goals, our dentist and orthodontist will recommend when the retainer should be worn. Over time, patients should be able to wear the retainer less and less, but it is important that patients schedule a consult at our Los Alamitos, CA office to receive their retainers immediately following their braces removal.

After having braces removed, patients can come in and have their teeth molded for custom retainers. Once our orthodontist has a clear impression of the patient's teeth, our office will craft a retainer to suit the patients needs and fit comfortably into their mouth. It typically will take 1 – 2 weeks to have the retainers completed after the patient's impression is retrieved. Once the retainer is ready, the patient will return to our office and have it fitted to ensure optimal comfort and structure is provided.

Patients can expect their retainers to last for several years if they are properly kept up and cleaned. When the retainer is not in use, patients should store it in the case and should clean it regularly with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Patients can return to their normal oral health care with regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash to ensure that the teeth remain in optimal health. If the retainer begins to wear out or is uncomfortable, then the patient can come into our office to have the retainer reassessed. Regular fittings and check ups will also be scheduled by our orthodontist. 

Retainers are a great way to ensure that your orthodontic work will not recess or reverse back to its old state. If you wish to keep your teeth straight and healthy, then we invite you to schedule a consult at our dental office to keep your teeth in prime condition.