Retainers

at Mary Cay Koen Orthodontics

Discover Types of Retainers, Care Tips, and More

Retainers at Mary Cay Koen Orthodontics

The day your braces are taken off or your clear aligners treatments are complete, Dr. Koen and her team are sure you will be ecstatic to show off your new, beautiful smile to the world! All your patience and hard work will have paid off, and you will be ready to begin the retention phase of your treatment, which means you will start wearing an orthodontic retainer.

At Mary Cay Koen Orthodontics, we provide a variety of only the best retainers in Goodlettsville to make sure our practice family maintains the smiles they have worked so hard for. Below, we will explain the types of removable and bonded retainers we offer, their pros and cons, and how to care for them so you’ll be well-prepared for the next phase of your treatment.

Dr. Koen can’t wait to help you continue your smile journey!

Feel free to call us for more information about retainers, or if you have any questions!

What Is a Retainer?

A retainer is a custom-made dental device that’s worn after active orthodontic treatment is complete. After braces or clear aligner treatment, teeth tend to shift back to their original positions unless something is keeping them in place. This is because the gums, bones, and muscles responsible for securing teeth still need time to adjust and heal.

Retainers can be either metal or plastic, bonded (permanent) or removable, but they all do the same job of keeping your teeth in their new positions. They do this by applying constant, gentle pressure to your teeth, similar to braces or aligners.

Each orthodontic case is unique and our goal is to always provide personalized care, so the type of retainer you receive will be determined after careful consultation with Dr. Koen and her team.

There are two distinct types of retainers that we can offer you. They are:

When it comes to bonded retainers, Dr. Koen and her team offer in-house lingual retainers and MEMOTAIN retainers. If you prefer the removable option, you’ll be able to choose from the popular metal and plastic Hawley retainers or the more discreet Vivera retainers.

Types of Retainers

Permanent Retainers

Permanent, or bonded, retainers are a great option for keeping your teeth in place after braces or aligner treatment. They are called “permanent” because they are glued to the lingual (tongue side) of your teeth, but they can be removed and replaced by Dr. Koen when necessary.

In-House

MEMOTAIN

Pros & Cons

In-House

MEMOTAIN

Pros & Cons

In-House Lingual Retainers

At Mary Cay Koen Orthodontics, we primarily offer lingual bonded retainers that we make in-house. These retainers are highly recommended after orthodontic treatments, as they are extremely effective at preventing teeth from shifting in undesirable ways. The thin, braided stainless steel wire that we bond to the back of your teeth is incredibly durable, so you don’t have to worry about them breaking.

Because we make them in-house, we can ensure a customized fit that perfectly matches the shape of your mouth. Patients love our lingual retainers because they’re comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, easy to wear, and they never have to worry about losing them!

MEMOTAIN Retainers

We also offer the MEMOTAIN brand of bonded retainers, which are another type of lingual retainer. It differs from our in-house lingual retainers mainly because it uses a thinner alloy wire, called NITINOL, that is bonded to the back of your teeth. The MEMOTAIN retainer is exceptionally stable and very difficult to bend or break.

Pros and Cons of Bonded Retainers

Bonded retainers are a reliable choice for maintaining that newly acquired smile alignment post-orthodontic treatment. Here we’ve outlined some of the advantages and disadvantages of opting for a bonded retainer:

PROS of Bonded Retainers

No need to remember when to put it in or take it out of your mouth.
It’s hidden behind your teeth, so it’s not visible to others.
It doesn’t affect your speech.
No need to worry about misplacing or losing it.
Exceptionally durable and not easily damaged.
Quicker fitting, saving you time during the appointment.
Fewer follow-up treatment appointments are needed.

CONS of Bonded Retainers

The metal might initially cause some irritation in your mouth.
Some sticky or hard foods may get stuck, making it a bit difficult to clean.
Requires extra time for cleaning the retainer and flossing under the wire.
Potential for plaque build-up if not cleaned properly.

Hawley Retainers

The Hawley retainer, often recognized as the original retainer, is made of a custom-molded plastic plate and a wire that gently wraps around the outside of your teeth to keep them in their desired positions post-orthodontic treatment. Known for its effectiveness, the Hawley retainer is a classic, comfortable, and removable choice for ensuring that the beauty of your smile remains intact over time.

Hawley retainers have a natural feel within your mouth, which can be more comfortable for some individuals when compared to other retainer options. The structure of Hawley retainers allows for minor adjustments, which comes in handy if slight realignments are needed over time. This characteristic makes them a preferred choice for many because it ensures the retainer can easily adapt with you as you continue to enjoy your beautiful smile.

Pros and Cons of Hawley Retainers

PROS of Hawley Retainers

They are known for their durability, they last a long time with proper care.
They can be easily tightened or repaired, making them a long-term choice for many.
They allow your bite to settle into a comfortable position over time.
They are customizable with a variety of colors and logos to make it uniquely yours.

CONS of Hawley Retainers

They do not cover the biting surface of the teeth, providing no protection against grinding.
They allow for slight movement of the teeth.
A replacement can be more expensive compared to other types of retainers.
The metal wire is visible, making them more noticeable.
Some might find the coverage of the palate bulky and bothersome.
Like other removable retainers, they can be lost or broken if not handled with care.

Plastic Retainers: Vivera

Vivera retainers are transparent and crafted to fit snugly over your teeth, securing them in place without drawing too much attention. Whether your path involved metallic or ceramic braces, or you chose clear aligner treatment, Vivera retainers can be used after your teeth have been straightened to preserve their alignment. Dr. Koen can have these retainers custom-fitted for both your upper and lower teeth.

Beyond being removable, the edge of Vivera retainers over conventional plastic retainers lies with the SmartTrack material, a patented innovation that extends the lifespan and enhances the performance of these retainers. You’ll be given 4 sets of Vivera retainers (8 retainers in total) making them a cost-effective option for retaining your smile.

Pros and Cons of Plastic Retainers

PROS of Plastic Retainers

They are removable, making them easy to clean.
They are known for their comfort during wear.
Their subtle appearance makes them less noticeable.
It’s easy to create multiple copies for backup retainers.
Their snug fit ensures well-protected straight teeth.
Long-lasting performance due to superior SmartTrack material.
They can double as bleaching trays for teeth whitening while you sleep.

CONS of Plastic Retainers

PROS of Hawley Retainers

They are known for their durability, they last a long time with proper care.
They can be easily tightened or repaired, making them a long-term choice for many.
They allow your bite to settle into a comfortable position over time.
They are customizable with a variety of colors and logos to make it uniquely yours.

CONS of Hawley Retainers

They do not cover the biting surface of the teeth, providing no protection against grinding.
They allow for slight movement of the teeth.
A replacement can be more expensive compared to other types of retainers.
The metal wire is visible, making them more noticeable.
Some might find the coverage of the palate bulky and bothersome.
Like other removable retainers, they can be lost or broken if not handled with care.

While highly effective, some patients might have a preference for other types of retainers. A discussion with Dr. Koen can provide more personalized advice on the retainer choice that aligns with your comfort and requirements.

What to Expect with Orthodontic Retainers

The retainer phase is a pivotal part of your smile’s journey, ensuring the hard work of orthodontic treatment translates into a lasting, beautiful smile. In the upcoming sections, we’ll dive into the essentials of wearing, cleaning, and storing your retainers, guiding you through the simple yet crucial steps to uphold the allure of your smile with ease.

Wearing Your Retainer

For about the first six months post-braces or aligner treatment, we recommend our patients wear their retainer full-time (all day and overnight), transitioning to nightly use thereafter as directed by Dr. Koen. Removable retainers should be taken out while eating, brushing your teeth, swimming, or performing vigorous sporting activities.

While the new retainer may cause slight soreness or a temporary change in speech, these minor hurdles fade quickly, making way for a comfortable and beneficial experience. The mantra “the longer, the better” resonates with retainer use, as consistent wear combats natural teeth shifting over time, ensuring the endurance of your new straight smile!

Cleaning Your Retainer

Maintaining the cleanliness of your retainer, removable or bonded, is as simple as incorporating a few extra steps into your daily oral hygiene routine. It’s advisable to clean your retainer each time you brush your teeth; a gentle scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush under warm water will do the trick.

Flossing under a bonded retainer is essential to preventing the buildup of plaque. Because getting underneath the wire of a bonded retainer can be tricky, a floss threader is a great tool to help your teeth and retainer remain clean.

For a more thorough clean with removable retainers, we recommend using a mild dish soap or a specified retainer cleaning solution. When not in use, keeping your retainer submerged in water helps retain its shape. For an even deeper clean, a soak in hydrogen peroxide a few times a week helps in breaking down bacteria, ensuring your retainer remains a safe and effective tool in maintaining your beautiful smile.

Storing Your Retainer

A dedicated case should be the home for your retainer whenever it’s not in your mouth; it’s a small addition to your belongings but a giant leap in ensuring the longevity of your retainer. Avoid the common pitfall of wrapping it in a napkin during meals, as it can easily end up being tossed away. Lastly, ensure it’s stored in a cool, secure place away from your pet’s curious paws and heat sources (like dishwashers or stoves) that can deform your retainer.

Wearing Your Retainer

Cleaning Your Retainer

Storing Your Retainer

Secure Your Smile with the Right Retainers, Visit Mary Cay Koen Orthodontics!

As you step into the rewarding retention phase, post-braces or aligner treatment, choosing the right retainer is crucial to preserving your new smile. At Mary Cay Koen Orthodontics, we’re committed to guiding you through this essential phase with a variety of top-notch retainers to cater to your comfort and lifestyle needs.

Dr. Koen and her stellar team are just a call away to answer any further questions or to schedule an appointment. We will ensure you have a seamless transition into this new chapter of your smile journey.

Your beautiful smile is a testimony to your patience and dedication, and we’re here to make sure it continues to shine bright!