Retainers

At Atlas Orthodontics and Periodontics in Richmond Hill, we are dedicated to safeguarding your smile by providing all our patients with orthodontic retainers!

WHAT IS AN ORTHODONTIC RETAINER?

An orthodontic retainer is a custom-made device designed to keep your teeth in their current position. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift over time, and after orthodontic treatment, they may try to return to their original positions. Research indicates that wearing retainers for life is the only way to permanently maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment.

WHAT TYPES OF RETAINERS DOES ATLAS ORTHODONTICS AND PERIODONTICS PROVIDE?

At Atlas Orthodontics and Periodontics, we offer the following types of retainers:

LINGUAL BONDED RETAINER

Fixed/Permanent Bar Glued to Teeth

A lingual bonded retainer is a thin wire that is attached to the inside surface of your front teeth. These retainers are especially useful for preventing the lower front teeth, which are most prone to shifting, from moving. While these retainers provide added security, they do not replace the need for a removable retainer. Although often referred to as “permanent retainers,” they can be removed if necessary.

ESSIX RETAINERS

Discrete & Comfortable

Essix retainers are clear, removable retainers that fit snugly over all surfaces of the teeth. Both upper and lower Essix retainers are provided to every patient at the end of their treatment. These retainers are recommended to be worn nightly for 8-10 hours to maintain the position of your teeth.

HAWLEY RETAINERS

The “Old School Retainer”

Hawley retainers feature a metal wire that wraps around the front of the teeth and acrylic material covering the palate. The acrylic can be customized in various colors. These retainers are often used to help the back bite settle.

WILL MY TEETH SHIFT AFTER ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

The simple answer is no, not if you consistently wear your retainers. It’s important to understand that teeth are most stable in their pre-treatment positions, which may not be the healthiest or most aesthetically pleasing. Orthodontic treatment moves your teeth to a new, potentially less stable position, which requires ongoing maintenance to retain. While some people’s teeth might not shift, this is not typical. We recommend nightly retention for life to ensure your teeth stay in place. It’s a common misconception that wisdom teeth cause shifting; however, teeth can shift naturally around the time wisdom teeth erupt. The best solution is to wear your retainers every night.