Retainers | Wisdom Teeth | Implants | Crowns/Veneers | Post-Braces Exam
Retainers
When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth. Please note that retention is for life but it is not our responsibility to service for life.
Clear Retainers
The Essix, or clear, retainer is a transparent removable retainer that fits over the entire arch of teeth. Similar to Invisalign trays, Essix retainers have no wires. They are less noticeable and easier to wear. They can be used for other treatments as well, including tooth movement and bridges.
Back to top
Wisdom Teeth
Your third molars are more commonly called "wisdom teeth." Usually appearing in the late teens or early twenties, third molars often lack the proper space in the jaw to erupt fully or even at all. This common condition is called impaction. When any tooth lacks the space to come through or simply develops in the wrong place of your jaw and becomes impacted, problems can arise. Primarily, damage to adjacent teeth and crowding occur.
Additionally, wisdom teeth may need to be removed following orthodontic treatment, since their eruption may complicate the positioning of the other teeth.
Back to top
Implants
If any teeth were removed during orthodontic treatment, we will often recommend its replacement with a dental implant. Although proper oral hygiene is always recommended for maintaining good dental health, it is especially important when a patient has received a dental implant. Bacteria can attack sensitive areas in the mouth when teeth and gums are not properly cleaned, thus causing gums to swell and jaw bones to gradually recede. Recession of the jawbone will weaken implants and eventually make it necessary for the implant to be removed. Patients are advised to visit their dentists at least twice a year to ensure the health of their teeth and implants. Dental implants can last for decades when given proper care.
Back to top
Crowns/Veneers
A crown is a permanent covering that fits over an original tooth that is either decayed, damaged or cracked. Crowns are made of a variety of different materials such as porcelain, gold, acrylic resin or a mix of these materials. Porcelain generally has the most natural appearance, although it is often less durable. Crowns may be recommended after orthodontic treatment to improve the strength of your bite if you have damaged or decayed teeth – now that your teeth are properly aligned, all of them will need to function at their peak.
Likewise, if a significant portion of your smile is imperfect after your bite is aligned, such as discoloration or extensive damage, veneers may be called for. Veneers are thin, semi-translucent “shells” customized from porcelain material and permanently bonded to your teeth, most commonly the front teeth.
Back to top
Post-Braces Exam
We highly encourage patients to have a thorough examination by their general dentist one to two months after the removal of their braces. This waiting period is so that any inflamed or swollen gum tissue has been given a chance to subside, but is also soon enough that any decay or damage resulting from impaired dental hygiene routines while in braces can be diagnosed and repaired. See our Oral Hygiene section for proper hygiene habits during orthodontic treatment.
Back to top