Retainers in Ridgewood, NJ

When it comes to protecting your new smile, retainers play a critical role. At Clemente Orthodontics, we believe in making this step as seamless as possible for our Ridgewood patients. Your orthodontic journey doesn’t end when your braces or Invisalign® come off – it’s only complete when your smile stays beautifully aligned for years to come. Whether you’re looking for traditional retainers or cutting-edge alternatives, we’re here to help you keep that smile shining bright.

At Clemente Orthodontics, we’ve spent decades perfecting smiles across Ridgewood and beyond, and retainers are a vital part of maintaining those results. With our personalized approach and decades of experience serving patients of all ages, we tailor retainer options to fit your unique needs. As the top Invisalign® provider in New York and New Jersey, we offer innovative solutions to keep your teeth aligned and your confidence high for years.

What Are Retainers?

Retainers are a dental device that can be custom-made for each patient. The retainers help keep teeth from returning to their original position after orthodontic treatment concludes or is removed.

This dental appliance is essential, as it supports long-term structure stability within the oral cavity. For example, retainers help the jawbone maintain its strength, shape, and function, supporting the rest of the teeth on the arch.

Typically, retainers are worn full-time for a few months, then nightly for another few months to a year. Following this period, your dental provider will fill you in on updated recommendations for wearing your retainers to continue supporting your natural teeth. The more you comply with dentist recommendations, the less time you will need to commit to wearing your retainers.

Types of Retainers: Which One Is Right for You?

We offer several retainer options at Clemente Orthodontics, though making the choice that works best for you may depend on several factors. The following are some of the retainers we offer to our patients, any of which may be a good fit for you:

  • Hawley retainers: This is our most popular option, being removable, comfortable, and easy to wear. Hawley retainers are acrylic or plastic, connected by a thin wire, and fitted snugly along the patient’s teeth. They’re a good option for the top or bottom teeth.

  • Vivera retainers: Made by Invisalign®, these are made of clear and durable plastic. Patients will receive four full sets of Vivera after completing orthodontic treatment. Including multiple trays makes it easier to ensure that patients always have a set on hand. They’re also aesthetically pleasing for many patients.

  • Permanent wire bonded retainers: This option is made of a thin wire cemented onto the surface of the patient’s teeth. They’re generally placed on the bottom arch, though your dentist may discuss alternative placements. These are great for patients with crowding or bite issues or those who cannot wear a removable appliance.

     

Determining which retainer is best for you can be best determined in a consultation with one of our experienced providers. We encourage you to contact us at Clemente Orthodontics to schedule a consultation and learn more about essential information.

Caring for Your Retainer: Tips for Longevity

When you get a new retainer, you will need to have the proper information to care for them. Caring for your dental tools adequately will help ensure the durability and effectiveness of your retainers over time. The following are our top tips and recommendations to use when caring for your retainer:

  • Clean your retainer after every meal.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and retainers.
  • For a removable retainer, talk to your dentist about cleaning options.
  • Keep your retainer moist, soaking removable appliances in distilled water when not wearing it.
  • Be gentle and careful with your retainer, including when taking it on or off.
  • Store your retainer safely, making sure it’s easy to find and doesn’t accidentally get thrown away.
  • Follow up with your orthodontist, taking the retainer to each check-up to ensure it works as intended.
  • Replace your retainer as needed, as they will all deteriorate over time, even with proper care.
  • Avoid abrasive cleaning options, including items with baking soda, placing your retainer in the dishwasher, boiling water alcohol, bleach, or mouthwash.
  • Remove your retainer when eating, drinking, swimming, or playing contact sports.

If you need additional recommendations when taking care of your retainers, do not hesitate to contact your provider at Clemente Orthodontics. We can make further suggestions based on your needs, lifestyle, and commitment level. Our team looks forward to meeting you and working together on your beautiful smile.

Want to Get Started with Retainers? Contact Clemente Orthodontics in Ridgewood to Schedule a Consultation!

At Clemente Orthodontics, we take pride in being Ridgewood’s trusted partner for long-term smile maintenance. With decades of experience and a dedication to personalized care, our family-run practice offers tailored retainer solutions to meet every patient’s unique needs. Whether you’re looking for the aesthetic appeal of Vivera retainers, the practicality of Hawley retainers, or the convenience of permanent bonded options, we’re here to help you find the best fit.

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our status as a Diamond Plus Invisalign® provider, placing us in the top 1% nationwide for these treatments. When you choose us, you can trust you’re receiving the highest level of care to protect your investment in your smile. Schedule your consultation today by calling our Ridgewood office at (201) 447-2888 or visiting our contact form.

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