Retainers West Covina

If you need a minor realignment for your teeth or you or your child have been wearing braces, a custom-made retainer may just be what's needed to keep your smile healthy and straight.

What Is An Orthodontic Retainer?

Our Dr. Hamid may prescribe use of a dental retainer to help keep your teeth in alignment after you've received orthodontic treatment via braces or Invisalign^Ⓡ clear aligners. Retainers can also be prescribed as stand alone treatment for minor issues, such as a small overbite, breathing or snoring issues, or speech impediments.

What Types of Retainers Are There?

There are two types of retainers generally used in orthodontic treatment: removable and permanent.

Removable Retainers

There are two types of removable retainers. The traditional Hawley retainer is probably the more familiar of the two. This type of retainer is made out of plaster or acrylic material with a metal wire. They can last up to 20 years when well-maintained. The Hawley retainer is adjustable and comes in a variety of colors to suit your style.

The other kind of removable retainer is the clear plastic retainer that is made of transparent polyurethane or plastic and usually lasts between six months and a year. These are easily removed and tend to be very comfortable.

Removable retainers have some advantages over permanent retainers. Specifically, many patients find the clear plastic retainers more comfortable than the Hawley variety. With either type of removable retainer, you have fewer dietary restrictions and cleaning and maintaining them is very easy.

Permanent Retainers

Sometimes called lingual wire, fixed or bonded retainers, permanent retainers are made of nickel, copper, or titanium wire. These retainers are durable and cannot be lost, since they remain affixed to the teeth at all times.

Permanent retainers are extremely long-lasting and, if well-maintained, may never need to be replaced. The main challenges with them, however, is that they are harder to keep clean since they are permanently affixed to your smile.

How Long Must You Wear A Retainer For It To Work?

There are a variety of circumstances that will determine how long any given patient must wear his or her retainer. Permanent retainers are meant to be worn indefinitely, while removable retainers are generally worn for 22 to 24 hours per day for up to six months or longer after orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners.

If patients have other concerns, removable retainers may be worn indefinitely during sleep. Your particular needs in this regard will be discussed with you when you receive your retainer.

How Much Does a Retainer Cost?

Retainers are generally very affordable for patients after their braces treatment. They start somewhere around $100 and go up, depending on the type of retainer required and any chosen customizations.

Permanent retainers do typically cost more than removable retainers, but insurance often will cover some or all of the cost for a retainer.

What Does the Process for Getting a Retainer Look Like?

Most people receiving a retainer are following up orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign^Ⓡ. Sometimes, however, we see patients who had a retainer from a previous orthodontist or who simply need some mild adjustment to their teeth alignment.

Whatever your needs, we will first invite you to join us for an initial consultation. During this consultation, we will examine your teeth, take any necessary x-rays, and create your customized treatment plan. If a retainer is all that is required, we will schedule an appointment for a follow-up appointment where you will receive your retainer or have a permanent retainer applied to your teeth.