Retainers

Retainers

Dec 02, 2019

Along with the full range of orthodontic appliances we offer at New Leaf Dental in Brooklyn, NY, we provide the best retainers to help keep your kids’ teeth straight and even. Retainers aren’t braces; rather, retainers keep straight teeth in line after braces come off. They’re the last step in the orthodontic process of teeth straightening. Retainers are worn to make sure that newly straightened teeth don’t shift out of place. They’re usually worn during sleep but may be worn longer. Aligners work because teeth are positioned by a complex network of ligaments that stabilize after braces come off.

Benefits of Retainers

Straight, even teeth are easier for your kids to keep clean. The improved bite that braces from New Leaf Dental in Brooklyn, NY delivers helps your children chew their food more effectively and get more nutrients out of every bite. Teeth that are correctly aligned help produce more saliva, which prevents bacteria from building up on the teeth.

It’s common for kids to wear retainers for up to six months after getting their braces off. When teeth move back to their old, out-of-align position, it’s considered a relapse. Aligners prevent this from happening. If kids don’t wear their aligners consistently, it’s very likely their teeth will relapse into their old positions.

Types of Retainers at New Leaf Dental in Brooklyn, NY

  • Fixed retainers.

These are made of thin strong wires cemented to the back of your upper front or lower teeth. They’re not visible, so one can tell you’re wearing them. They can make flossing a little tricky, so you’ll need to use a floss threader. Fixed retainers have the best outcomes because they’re worn 24/7.

  • Hawley Retainers.

Hawley retainers are one of the oldest designs of retainer, made of custom molded acrylic. They’re removable and durable. A removable device, it’s made of a combination of plastic and metal that is custom molded to fit the unique needs of your teeth and mouth. The wiring fits against the front six teeth, with loops next to the canines that allow for adjustments to be made if necessary. These retainers must be handled with care and attention. While not exactly fragile, they are vulnerable to mishandling and exposure to too much heat. Retainers are meant to be worn from 16 to 18 hours a day.

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