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Retainers in Chicago, IL
After investing time and money in orthodontic treatment, protecting your beautiful smile becomes the top priority. Retainers are the essential aftercare solution that prevents teeth from shifting back to their original positions, ensuring your orthodontic results last a lifetime. At Floss & Co., we understand the critical role retainers play in preserving your smile investment in Chicago.
Floss & Co. offers comprehensive retainer services that help your brand-new smile last for years. With our team of Chicago dental specialists, including Dr. Martha Silva and orthodontic expert Dr. Catherine Murphy, we provide customized retainer solutions using advanced technology and patient-centered approaches that keep your smile perfectly aligned.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
When it comes to maintaining your newly aligned smile, several retainer options are available to suit your specific needs and lifestyle. Each type offers unique advantages, and the right choice depends on factors like your orthodontic history, lifestyle preferences, and long-term dental goals.
Hawley Retainers
The classic Hawley retainer remains one of the most reliable options for post-orthodontic care in Chicago. These retainers feature a durable acrylic base that fits against your palate, connected to a wire that wraps around your front teeth. Hawley retainers are adjustable, allowing for minor tooth movements if needed, and typically last several years with proper care. Their visibility when worn makes them less discreet than other options, but their durability and repairability make them a practical choice for many patients.
Essix Clear Retainers
For patients seeking a more discreet option, Essix clear retainers provide nearly invisible teeth maintenance. These thin, transparent plastic retainers fit precisely over your teeth, similar to clear aligners like Invisalign. At Floss & Co., our Chicago orthodontic specialists create custom-fitted Essix retainers using precise digital impressions for maximum comfort and effectiveness. While typically more affordable than some alternatives, they may require more frequent replacement than Hawley retainers, especially with regular wear.
Vivera Retainers
As a premium clear retainer option, Vivera retainers (from the makers of Invisalign) offer superior durability while maintaining the aesthetic benefits of clear retainers. These retainers utilize advanced thermoplastic material that resists cracking and wear. We frequently recommend Vivera retainers for patients who have completed Invisalign treatment, creating a seamless transition from treatment to maintenance.
Permanent Retainers
For patients concerned about compliance or those with a high risk of relapse, permanent (or fixed) retainers offer a worry-free solution. These bonded lingual retainers consist of a thin wire attached to the back of your teeth, making them completely invisible from the outside. Our Chicago dental team specializes in the precise placement of these retainers, ensuring they effectively prevent tooth movement without interfering with your bite or oral hygiene routine.
Retainer Wear and Maintenance
The success of your orthodontic treatment depends significantly on proper retainer wear and maintenance. Initially, most patients require full-time retainer wear, typically 22-23 hours daily for several months following treatment completion. We evaluate each patient individually to determine the optimal retention protocol based on treatment complexity and risk factors for relapse.
Over time, many patients transition to nightly retainer wear, which becomes a lifelong commitment. This schedule maintains your teeth alignment while allowing freedom from wearing retainers during the day. Remember, teeth shifting can occur at any age, making consistent retainer use essential even years after your braces or aligners are removed.
Maintaining your retainer’s cleanliness is crucial for both oral health and retainer longevity. Proper cleaning involves regular brushing with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste. For deeper cleaning, specialized retainer cleaning solutions are available. Avoid using hot water with clear retainers as it can warp the plastic and affect the fit. During your retainer consultations at our Chicago offices, our team provides detailed cleaning instructions specific to your retainer type.
Handling Retainer Emergencies in Chicago
Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, from lost retainers to breaks and cracks. If you experience a broken retainer in Chicago, contact Floss & Co. immediately to discuss replacement options. Continuing to wear a damaged retainer can potentially harm your teeth or compromise your treatment results.
For lost retainer situations, prompt replacement is essential to prevent teeth shifting. Our Chicago offices can often provide same-day retainer replacement options, minimizing the time your teeth remain unsupported. We maintain digital records of your treatment, allowing for efficient creation of replacement retainers without starting from scratch.
Retainer replacement costs vary based on the type of retainer and your specific insurance coverage. At Floss & Co., we accept all dental insurance plans and offer financing options to ensure retainer replacement remains accessible for our Chicago patients. Our administrative team works diligently to maximize your insurance benefits for retainer services.
Specialized Retainer Solutions
Beyond standard retention, our Chicago practice offers specialized retainer solutions tailored to meet unique needs. For patients experiencing teeth grinding or TMJ issues, we create custom night guards that serve dual purposes – maintaining tooth position while protecting against grinding damage. These specialized retainers can significantly reduce symptoms associated with TMJ disorders while preserving your orthodontic results.
For patients transitioning from Invisalign treatment, we offer seamless continuation with Invisalign retainers that maintain the same comfort and aesthetics you experienced during treatment. We specialize in creating customized retention plans for Invisalign patients that ensure lasting results.
Schedule Your Retainer Consultation in Chicago
Your beautiful smile deserves lasting protection through proper retention. At Floss & Co., our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive retainer services using advanced technology and patient-centered approaches at our convenient Chicago location.
Don’t risk losing your orthodontic investment to shifting teeth. Contact Floss & Co. today at (773) 586-5522 or fill out our contact form to schedule your retainer consultation and discover the right retention solution for maintaining your perfect smile for life.
