Dental Retainers Specialist Serving Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA

These orthodontic appliances, custom-made for each patient’s mouth, work by applying gentle pressure to the teeth. They are either permanently bonded behind the front teeth, making them almost invisible (fixed retainers), or designed to be removable for convenience during meals and oral hygiene routines.

Retainers not only serve to hold the teeth in place but can also help resolve issues like overbite or underbite, maintain gaps after braces removal, and assist in minor tooth position corrections post braces. Furthermore, they can contribute to improving certain speech problems by controlling tongue positioning.

For individuals who experience nighttime teeth grinding, retainers can act as a protective barrier, reducing potential wear and tear on the teeth.

Regular dental appointments at Le Chic Dentist are crucial to ensure the retainer is functioning as it should and that the teeth remain in their correct positions. Dr. Hadian stresses the importance of diligently wearing and caring for your retainer according to instructions to preserve the results of your orthodontic treatment and ensure your smile remains healthy and well-aligned.

At Le Chic Dentist in Los Angeles, California, we understand the importance of a dental retainer in maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment. We often prescribe retainers to our patients upon the removal of their braces to ensure their teeth stay in their new, desired alignment and to prevent any relapse.

Dr. Hadian often recommends the use of the Hawley retainer, a popular and robust device. This removable retainer combines metal wires and sturdy acrylic to securely hold your teeth in their new position. For patients who prefer a less noticeable retainer, another retainer to be considered is Essix. These clear plastic retainers, similar in appearance to Invisalign trays, fit snugly over the entire arch of your teeth.

At Le Chic Dentist, we also offer fixed or permanent retainers for patients who may forget to wear their removable retainers. These thin metal wires are bonded to the back of your teeth, providing exceptional stability and durability.

Invisalign, a popular clear aligner brand, is also available at our practice. This series of custom-made, removable trays not only serve to gradually move your teeth into alignment but can also be used as retainers to maintain the corrected tooth position after treatment.

Invisalign‘s Vivera retainer, known for its durability and comfort, is another product we offer. It is a clear, custom-fit device, similar in appearance to Essix retainers but made using a different manufacturing process.

Lastly, we provide spring retainers, which use a metal spring to exert gentle pressure on the teeth, encouraging them to stay in alignment. These are often used for minor tooth corrections or as a transitional retainer after the removal of a fixed retainer.

At Le Chic Dentist, we consider various factors like the patient’s orthodontic needs, comfort, durability, ease of cleaning, preferences, and lifestyle while recommending a retainer type. Dr. Hadian guides each patient in selecting the best type of retainer that suits their needs, ensuring optimal retention and a beautiful, healthy smile.

At Le Chic Dentist, we believe that dental retainers play a crucial role in post-orthodontic treatment. They provide a multitude of advantages beyond merely maintaining tooth alignment. If you recently had your braces removed or want to correct minor orthodontic issues, consider the benefits of dental retainers. Here are some of their advantages:

Preventing relapse, the process where teeth shift back to their original alignment is one of the main benefits of dental retainers. Particularly in the first few months following the removal of braces, retainers can stabilize the teeth in their new position, reducing the need for further adjustments.

Beyond stabilization, dental retainers can also improve bite alignment by addressing jaw misalignments. Over time, these appliances can adjust the position of the teeth to enhance the fit between the upper and lower teeth, resulting in a more harmonious bite.

Dental retainers also improve oral health. By maintaining proper tooth alignment, they can prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. Retainers also help reduce grinding and clenching, which can lead to TMJ disorders.

Moreover, dental retainers can aid in speech improvement. By aligning the teeth correctly, these orthodontic appliances can eliminate speech impediments or difficulties caused by poorly positioned teeth, leading to clearer and more confident speech.

Lastly, while the primary purpose of retainers is functional, they can positively impact the appearance of the teeth. By maintaining the desired tooth alignment, retainers contribute to a more aesthetically pleasing smile and a more balanced facial profile.

At Le Chic Dentist, we offer two main types of retainers: removable and fixed. The type of retainer impacts its longevity. Removable retainers, usually made from acrylic or a blend of plastic and wire, are more prone to wear and tear. With proper care, they can last between 1 and 3 years. However, if they become warped or cracked due to insufficient cleaning or exposure to heat, they may need replacement.

In contrast, fixed or permanent retainers, typically a thin wire bonded to the back of the teeth, are more durable and can last for up to a decade or even longer. However, their longevity can be shortened by factors such as poor oral hygiene or biting down on hard objects, which can damage the bonding material or the wire itself.

While the exact lifespan of a dental retainer varies, the following estimates provide a general guideline:

• Fixed retainers: 5-10 years
• Removable retainers: 2-6 years

However, these are just averages, and the actual lifespan may be shorter or longer based on the factors discussed above. If a retainer becomes damaged or uncomfortable, it should be evaluated promptly by Dr. Hadian at Le Chic Dentist to avoid compromising its effectiveness. We are conveniently located at 3755 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066. We serve patients from Santa Monica Los Angeles CA, Downtown LA, Beverly Hills CA, Inglewood CA, Marina Del Rey CA, Playa Vista CA, El Segundo CA, Mar Vista CA and surrounding areas.