Preserving Your Beautiful Smile at Artistic Touch Dentistry
Orthodontic Retention at Artistic Touch Dentistry
You’ve reached Braces-Off Day or finished your last set of aligners, and that’s a major milestone — but it’s not the end of your orthodontic journey. The essential next step if you want to keep the straighter, healthier smile you worked so hard for is orthodontic retention. At Artistic Touch Dentistry, your trusted Melbourne dentist, we understand that the long-term success of your treatment hinges on maintaining your results. We provide personalized retention solutions to ensure your beautiful smile lasts a lifetime.
Why Is Orthodontic Retention Crucial?
Orthodontic treatment moves your teeth and reshapes the bone and tissues that support them. While your teeth are now in their ideal positions, these surrounding structures need time to stabilize fully. Without proper retention, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back towards their original places, a process called relapse. This means your significant investment in time, effort, and resources could be compromised if retention is overlooked. Orthodontic retention is the vital phase that holds your teeth steady while your jawbone and gums adapt, securing your new smile.
Our Orthodontic Retention Options
At Artistic Touch Dentistry, we know that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to retention. We offer customized retainer options to suit your individual needs and preferences. Our goal is to find a solution that is comfortable, effective, and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. As a Melbourne dentist offering comprehensive orthodontic services including retention, we provide both fixed and removable retainers.
Fixed Retainers
- What they are: A thin, discreet wire bonded to the back surface of your front teeth, typically from canine to canine.
- Ideal for: Patients who are at a higher risk of relapse, particularly in the front teeth, or those who prefer a non-removable solution that requires no compliance with wear time. They offer continuous retention, constantly holding the teeth in place.
- Considerations: Fixed retainers require diligent cleaning to prevent plaque buildup around the wire. While durable, they can sometimes break or detach, requiring immediate attention from your dentist.
Removable Retainers
- What they are: These are appliances that you can take out yourself. Common types include clear plastic retainers (similar in appearance to Invisalign aligners) or Hawley retainers (made of wire and acrylic).
- Ideal for: Patients who have completed active treatment and are able to commit to wearing their retainer as prescribed. They offer flexibility for eating, brushing, and flossing.
- Considerations: Success relies heavily on patient compliance; they must be worn consistently (often full-time initially, then transitioning to nighttime wear) to be effective. They can be misplaced or lost if not stored safely when removed. Cleaning is essential to keep them hygienic.
The Artistic Touch Dentistry Retention Process
Getting your custom retainer at our practice is a smooth and precise process. It starts after your active orthodontic treatment is complete.
- Assessment: We will evaluate the final position of your teeth and discuss the best retention strategy for your specific case, taking into account the type of orthodontic treatment you had and your individual bite and alignment.
- Impressions or Scan: We will take precise measurements of your newly straightened teeth, typically using comfortable digital impressions, to ensure your retainer is custom-made for a perfect fit.
- Fabrication: Your custom retainer will be fabricated based on these precise measurements.
- Delivery and Instructions: Once your retainer is ready, we will check its fit and provide you with detailed instructions on how to wear and care for it properly. We’ll explain the recommended wear schedule and demonstrate how to keep it clean.
Why Choose Artistic Touch Dentistry for Orthodontic Retention?
Choosing Artistic Touch Dentistry means partnering with a dedicated Melbourne dentist who is invested in the longevity of your beautiful smile. We are experienced in guiding patients through the crucial orthodontic retention phase. Our team provides personalized care and support, ensuring you understand the importance of retainers and how to best maintain your results. Our commitment to using accurate methods like digital impressions helps ensure your retainer fits comfortably and effectively.
Maintain Your Straight Smile for Life
Your straight smile is an asset to your health and confidence. Protecting it with diligent orthodontic retention is key to enjoying your results for years to come. Whether you need a new retainer after completing treatment or require a replacement for an old one, Artistic Touch Dentistry is here to help.
Don’t let your teeth drift back. Contact Artistic Touch Dentistry, your trusted Melbourne dentist, today to schedule a consultation and discuss your orthodontic retention needs. Let us help you preserve your beautifully aligned smile!