After completing your orthodontic treatment, retainers become your smile’s best friend. The journey to a perfectly aligned smile doesn’t end when your braces come off or when you finish your last clear aligner tray. Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining those results you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
At McCullum Orthodontics, we’re committed to ensuring your smile remains as beautiful as the day your treatment concluded. Dr. Heather McCullum brings her extensive experience and personalized approach to helping you maintain your transformed smile for years to come.
Your teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions after orthodontic treatment. This movement, called relapse, happens because:
Wearing your retainer as prescribed prevents these shifts and protects your investment in orthodontic treatment.
These custom-fitted, transparent retainers fit precisely over your teeth and are virtually invisible. They're comfortable, durable, and allow for easy removal during meals and brushing.
This classic retainer type features a custom-fitted acrylic base with a wire that wraps around your teeth. Though more visible than clear alternatives, Hawley retainers are highly adjustable, durable, and can last for many years with proper care.
For patients who need long-term retention, we offer bonded wire retainers that are attached to the back of your teeth. These provide continuous protection against shifting without requiring you to remember to wear them.
Even with excellent care, retainers don’t last forever. Here are signs it might be time for a replacement:
Cracks, breaks, or bent wires compromise your retainer’s effectiveness. If you notice any physical damage, it’s important to have your retainer evaluated promptly.
If your retainer feels tight, loose, or uncomfortable, it may no longer fit properly. This can happen due to minor tooth movement or wear of the retainer material over time.
White, hard deposits that don’t brush away indicate calcium buildup that can harbor bacteria and affect fit. While professional cleaning can help in some cases, extensive buildup may require replacement.
Persistent odor or yellowing despite proper cleaning suggests your retainer has absorbed bacteria or other substances that cannot be removed and may affect your oral health.
We commonly collaborate with other healthcare professionals to offer specialized care for complex dental cases and are committed to providing the best for your patients.
Clean your removable retainer daily with a soft toothbrush, avoid hot water to prevent warping, store it in its case when not in use, keep it away from pets, and bring it to every follow-up appointment for inspection. If it becomes damaged or doesn’t fit properly, contact us immediately for a replacement.
We use digital scanning technology to create precise 3D models for better-fitting retainers, utilize durable materials that resist wear while maintaining clarity and comfort, and provide remote monitoring options so Dr. McCullum can check your retention progress without as many in-office visits.
Dr. McCullum creates personalized retention plans, but typically recommends full-time wear (20-22 hours daily) for the first 3-6 months, followed by nighttime wear, and continued maintenance wear several nights per week long-term. Following this plan is vital for maintaining your smile.
Dr. McCullum and the team at McCullum Orthodontics are here to help with any retainer concerns or check-ups. With over 13 years of experience and a commitment to personalized care, we ensure your retention phase is as successful as your treatment.
McCullum Orthodontics is conveniently located in Jeffersonville, Indiana, serving patients throughout southern Indiana and the greater Louisville area.
ABOUT
Dr. Heather McCullum brings advanced orthodontic care to Jeffersonville and southern Indiana. With over a decade of experience, she offers personalized, comprehensive orthodontic services, including braces, clear aligners, and early orthodontic treatment. At McCullum Orthodontics, your treatment is customized for your needs and lifestyle. Dr. McCullum combines cutting-edge technology with personalized, compassionate care to help patients of all ages achieve healthy, beautiful smiles in a welcoming environment.
Schedule your free consultation today and discover the difference personalized orthodontic care can make.
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