Vinson Orthodontics’ Retainers in Wake Forest & Clayton, NC

Welcome to Vinson Orthodontics, your go-to practice for retainers in Clayton and Wake Forest, NC. Under the expertise of Dr. Britt Vinson, we’re committed to giving you beautiful, long-lasting results from your orthodontic treatment. At our practice, we treat each patient like family, ensuring you always feel comfortable and welcome.

We like to tell all of our patients that once your orthodontic treatment is complete, you enter a crucial phase – retention. Retainers are the unsung heroes, ensuring your teeth stay aligned and your smile radiant. Caring for them is simple, but if a problem arises, we’re just a call away.

Diligent retainer use and maintenance are key to maintaining your orthodontic progress. With Vinson Orthodontics, we’re with you every step of the way – from braces to trusted retainers, helping you smile confidently today and always.

Why is Wearing a Retainer After Braces Necessary?

Wearing a retainer post-orthodontic treatment is essential for retaining your beautifully aligned teeth. Retainers provide stability during the healing process, allowing the gums and bone to adjust to the new positioning of your teeth.

Given that our bodies, including our teeth, undergo continuous changes throughout our lives, a retainer serves as a lifelong support system. It ensures the ideal alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment remains intact, thereby safeguarding your perfect smile.

Permanent Retainers in Wake Forest & Clayton, NC

Dr. Vinson understands the different needs of our patients, and that’s why we offer an array of retainer options. Fixed, permanent, or bonded lingual retainers are bonded to your teeth using a sturdy adhesive, providing a long-term solution to maintain your teeth alignment.

At Vinson Orthodontics, we provide the best bonded retainers for your lower teeth. They’re an exceptional resource for ensuring your beautifully aligned smile stays that way.

Removable Retainers in Wake Forest & Clayton, NC

At Vinson Orthodontics, we offer the traditional Hawley retainer, with its recognizable wire and plastic design, and Vivera clear retainers.

These retainers are custom-made for each patient and can be easily removed for meals and dental hygiene. While they provide convenience and comfort, keeping your teeth in their new positions will require a commitment to wearing them as directed by Dr. Vinson.

Types of Removable Retainers

Hawley Retainers

The Hawley retainer, also known as a wire or metal retainer, consists of a metal wire that surrounds the front teeth and an acrylic arch tailored to fit your mouth.

Renowned for their durability, these retainers can be used on both upper and lower teeth, and they are removable making eating and drinking a breeze. The visible aesthetic is a trade-off for their resilience and potential for customization with colors or patterns.

Clear Plastic Retainers

At Vinson Orthodontics, we specialize in Vivera by Invisalign Retainers—a transparent, wire-free option that covers the full arch of teeth. Using advanced iTero scanning technology, we customize retainers, especially for you.

The Importance of Retainer Care

Practicing proper care for your retainer is paramount to prevent bacterial buildup and ensure they continue to keep your new smile as pristine and straight as possible.

Permanent and removable retainers require different cleaning methods, and we’re here to give you all the information you need to properly care for your smile and your health.

How to Clean and Care for Permanent Retainers

Cleaning permanent retainers demands precision due to the small spaces prone to bacterial buildup. To maintain permanent retainers effectively, brush thoroughly around your retainers from various angles, applying gentle pressure. If a standard toothbrush isn’t sufficient, interdental brushes can be used to reach those tight spaces.

Flossing around your retainer daily is crucial. Tools like floss threaders, water flossers, or floss picks can assist in navigating the tight spaces beneath the retainer wire.

Additionally, avoiding hard or chewy foods and having regular dental cleanings can further ensure the health and longevity of your permanent retainer. If any issues arise, don’t hesitate to consult Dr. Vinson.

How to Clean and Care for Removable Retainers

Caring for removable retainers is a bit easier than cleaning permanent retainers, but no less essential for maintaining oral health and the longevity of the retainer.

Certain care practices should be observed to protect your retainer.

Use lukewarm water and a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean debris from retainer
For a more complete cleaning, use mild dish soap.

- Avoid using toothpaste to clean. Toothpaste can scratch the surface of your retainer.

Rinse your mouth and/or brush your teeth after you eat or drink before putting your retainer back in.
Avoid exposing it to high temperatures, like hot water.
Refrain from using dishwashers or washing machines to clean it.
Ensure the retainer is stored in water to avoid brittleness from air drying.
Clean its case frequently.
Periodically, soak the retainer in an overnight solution to remove bacteria.
Monitor its fit and consider getting replacements if you notice your teeth moving out of position

Vinson Orthodontics is Here for All Your Orthodontic Retainer Needs

Retaining that perfect smile requires dedication, and we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way.

Whether you’re revisiting us with a retainer concern, beginning your orthodontic retention journey, or seeking expert advice, our specialized team is eager to provide solutions made just for you. Come chat with us at our Clayton or Wake Forest, NC locations.

Let’s work together to ensure your smile remains as radiant as ever. Schedule your free consultation today and keep smiling brightly with Vinson Orthodontics!

Retainers FAQ

How Long Do I Need To Wear My Retainer?

Initially, for removable retainers, you should wear your retainer day and night, excluding while you eat, for about the first 3 months. This timing varies from person to person, and you should follow the direction of your orthodontist. After that initial phase, it’s recommended to wear your retainer nightly for a lifetime.

Permanent retainers are typically worn for life, with occasional repairs and replacements.

How Often Will I Need To Replace My Retainer?

Retainers are usually pretty durable, and you shouldn’t have to replace them often. Refer to the question below to see how long each retainer usually lasts.

If you are rough or neglect to clean your retainer as directed, you will probably have to replace them every year. Also, if you happen to have any dental work done (fillings, crowns, extractions, etc.), then you can expect to have to get your retainer replaced.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Permanent Retainers?

Pros:

Permanent retainers are a highly popular choice, but why exactly? Let’s explore the pros of this orthodontic option:

Ease of Use: With a permanent retainer, you don’t need to worry about daily removal or reinsertion. It offers constant support for your teeth, keeping them perfectly aligned.

Minimal Speech Impact: Permanent retainers have little to no impact on speech, ensuring you can converse confidently.

No Chance of Misplacement: Unlike removable retainers, permanent ones are securely bonded to your teeth, eliminating the worry of losing them.

Durability: Designed to withstand everyday wear and tear, permanent retainers are robust and long-lasting.

Consistent Alignment Support: Because they’re secure in place, these retainers offer continuous support to maintain your teeth alignment.

Invisibility: Bonded to the back of your teeth, permanent retainers are virtually invisible, providing a discreet alignment solution.

Affordability: With no risk of losing a permanent retainer, the long-term cost of often proves less than their removable counterparts.

Cons:

While permanent retainers come with their advantages, it’s crucial to consider their potential drawbacks:

Long Installation Process: The procedure to attach a permanent retainer can be lengthy and somewhat uncomfortable.

Potential for Discomfort: Having a permanent metal fixture can sometimes cause discomfort, particularly if the bond loosens or the wire breaks.

Food Impact: Certain hard or tough foods can potentially bend the wire, impacting the retainer’s effectiveness. High-sugar foods can erode the bonding material.

Risk of Damage: There’s a chance the wire might break or debond, leading to repair or replacement costs.

Extended Flossing Time: Oral hygiene can be impacted as plaque may accumulate around the retainer. This may extend your normal flossing routine.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Removable Hawley Retainers?

Pros:

Hawley retainers come with a range of benefits tailored to user convenience and durability. Here are some of their advantages:

Cost-Effectiveness: They tend to be more affordable than bonded retainers.

Durability: Hawley retainers are known to be more resilient and long-lasting.

Ease of Maintenance: These retainers are easy to clean because they’re removable.

Personalization: They can be tailored with cool colors and patterns to suit your personality!

Easy To Remove: They can be easily taken off for eating, brushing, or flossing.

Longevity: With proper care, these retainers can serve users for many years.

Versatility: Adjustments and modifications can be made quickly and efficiently.

Cons:

While clear plastic retainers have many benefits, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

Visibility: The wire component can make them more noticeable on the teeth.

Comfort Concerns: The plastic plate can sometimes be uncomfortable, and the bulkier design might irritate the lips, gums, or tongue.

Speech Issues: Some users report difficulty speaking initially, but that fades as they become accustomed to the retainer.

Maintenance Commitment: Improper cleaning can lead to bacterial growth.

Risk of Loss or Damage: Being removable, there’s an increased chance of misplacement, breakage, or other damages.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Removable Vivera Retainers?

Pros:

Vivera retainers by Invisalign are designed to offer superior comfort and efficiency post-orthodontic treatment. Here are some of the standout benefits:

Custom Fit: Using revolutionary iTero scanning technology, Vivera retainers are precisely tailored to fit your teeth, ensuring optimal comfort.

Treatment Protection: These retainers safeguard the results of your Invisalign treatment, ensuring the maintenance of a healthy and well-aligned bite.

Durability: Vivera’s design is up to 30% more resilient compared to other clear retainers, promising longevity.

Ease of Maintenance: Being removable, Vivera retainers simplify the cleaning process and promote better dental hygiene.

Aesthetics: Designed to be almost invisible, Vivera retainers provide a discreet solution for teeth alignment.

Cons:

While Vivera retainers are an excellent choice, they come with specific considerations to be aware of:

Maintenance: These retainers need daily cleaning to fend off staining and bacterial buildup.

Speech Impact: Due to their thicker plastic, Vivera retainers might affect speech clarity initially.

Staining Concerns: Over time, the clear plastic can stain, underscoring the need for consistent and proper cleaning.

How Long Do Retainers Last?

Hawley Retainers

Hawley retainers can last about 5 to 10 years with the proper care.

Vivera Retainers

Vivera retainers last anywhere from 1 to 5 years.

Permanent Retainers

Permanent retainers can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance and care.

What Will Happen if I Don’t Wear My Retainers?

Wearing your retainer is essential to maintaining your orthodontic treatment. After your orthodontic treatment, if you choose not to wear your retainer, your teeth will eventually go right back to their original positions or shift in an unfavorable way – putting you back to square one.

What To Do if Your Retainer Breaks or Is Lost?

If your retainer is lost or damaged, call your orthodontist office as soon as possible. For non-urgent situations, they’ll be able to send you a replacement or instruct you on how to repair your current retainer.

Whatever the case may be, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage and so your teeth don’t begin to shift positions.