If you opt for a permanent retainer after completing orthodontic treatment, you may wonder how you’re supposed to floss your teeth. Rest assured, you can continue to floss thoroughly, even with a permanent retainer. Read on for everything to know about flossing your teeth once you’ve had a permanent retainer placed by your orthodontist.
What is a Permanent Retainer?
A permanent retainer is an orthodontic appliance that retains the proper alignment of your teeth after your braces are removed. Permanent retainers may also be called fixed or bonded retainers because they are bonded to the backside of your teeth. A fixed or permanent retainer may last decades, and it should only be removed by your orthodontist. A permanent retainer is essentially a wire that typically runs along the backside of the front 4-6 teeth on either the upper or lower arch. In some cases, they may be placed on both the upper and lower arch.
Permanent retainers eliminate the risk of losing or breaking a removable retainer. Permanent retainers are also invisible when you smile. Patients who opt for a permanent retainer may have fewer follow-up appointments. If you get a permanent retainer, you also won’t run the risk of your teeth drifting back into old positions, and won’t incur the cost of a new removable retainer should yours become damaged. However, it can take some time to get used to flossing if you have a permanent retainer.
Flossing With a Permanent Retainer: 3 Techniques
Because the permanent wire will span a couple to several teeth, you will not be able to floss normally with dental floss. The wire will prevent the dental floss from reaching the gum line. One of the best ways to overcome this is to invest in a water flosser. Water flossers are available at most pharmacies and big box stores such as Target or Walmart. You also order one online.
Water flossers (commonly known as Water Piks) use pulsating water streams to remove plaque, food debris, and buildup between the teeth and along the gum line. Studies have shown that water flossers are as effective as dental floss in reducing plaque.
Another method of flossing while you have a permanent retainer will involve using a floss threader. A floss threader is a simple flexible tool that you will insert underneath the wire of the permanent retainer. It will pull the dental floss through the teeth so that you can floss beneath the wire.
Instead of using a floss threader, you can also purchase Super Floss, which is dental floss that works like a floss threader but with fewer steps. Super floss is dental floss that has a stiff end that can be pushed between the teeth underneath the fixed retainer, just like a floss threader.
All options will remove plaque. However, most people find a water flosser to be the easiest and fastest method for flossing with a permanent retainer. Although a water flosser will be a more significant upfront investment, it can last for many years without needing to be replaced.
Book an Orthodontic Evaluation in Newington, CT
If you’re ready to correct imperfections in your smile or an issue with your bite, contact Greater Hartford Orthodontics today. Our orthodontic specialists offer a variety of treatments including traditional braces, Invisalign, self-ligating braces, clear braces, and behind-the-teeth (lingual) braces. Removable and permanent retainers are available. Send us a message or call 860-667-8277.
Following orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, clear braces, H4 braces, lingual braces, or traditional braces, all patients need to wear a retainer. Retainers are necessary for keeping the teeth in their new position. But, if your retainer doesn’t fit properly, it isn’t doing its intended job. Here’s how to know if your retainer fits properly.
Signs Your Retainer Doesn’t Fit Properly
Your orthodontist custom designed your retainer, especially for you. Therefore, it should fit comfortably in your mouth or over your teeth. If you notice any of the following, you should see your orthodontist for an adjustment or guidance. You shouldn’t try to bend or reshape your retainer, as you risk causing irreparable damage.
- Retainer feels loose
- Retainer feels tight
- You can’t put your retainer in easily
- Retainer rubs against your gums
- Retainer rubs against the roof of your mouth
- The retainer is cracked
Common Causes of Damage to Your Retainer Damaged
Retainers are susceptible to becoming misshapen, leading to a poor fit. Common causes of braces becoming deformed or damaged include:
- Heat, including hot water for washing
- Damage caused by a pet
- The retainer is dropped and stepped on
- Hard or chewy food dislodge the retainer (fixed retainers only)
- Cracks develop due to wear and tear on Hawley retainers
- Improper retainer removal (using the wire as a handle)
Can a Retainer Be Repaired if it is Damaged?
If your removable retainer no longer fits or has sustained damage, be sure you don’t throw it away. Instead, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist and bring in your retainer. In many cases, the retainer may be salvageable, saving you the cost of a new retainer.
If your permanent retainer comes off or breaks, it’s essential to see your orthodontist immediately. A broken permanent retainer may cut or scrape your tongue or the mouth’s soft tissues, so you need to have it fixed as soon as possible. If your permanent retainer comes all the way off, bring it to your appointment so it can be reattached.
How Long Will I Have to Wear My Retainer?
Everyone’s treatment time is unique. So there’s no set length of time you’ll need to wear your retainer. Generally speaking, when you first complete your orthodontic treatment, you will likely have to wear your retainer most of the time. This ensures your teeth don’t start drifting into their old positions. But as time passes, your orthodontist will tell you that you only need to wear it a few days a week or only at night.
Ideally, you’ll continue wearing your retainer while you sleep a few nights a week, indefinitely. Teeth are prone to shifting, even years after orthodontic treatment. Wearing your retainer regularly will ensure that your teeth stay in their properly aligned position.
Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation in Newington, CT
If you’re ready to correct a bite problem or an issue with crowded, crooked, gapped, or slanted teeth for yourself or your child, request an appointment with Greater Hartford Orthodontics today, or call 860-667-8277. For your convenience, we begin seeing patients at 8:15 am Monday-Thursday. We are just minutes from West Hartford, New Britain, Bristol, Rocky Hill, Farmington, and Berlin.
If you or your child have just completed a procedure to get braces, or are considering getting braces in the near future, you may be curious what aftercare will be like. While some dietary restrictions may be placed on you or your child by your orthodontist after getting braces put on, the procedure does not need to be entirely life-altering.
That said, there are certain do’s and don’ts when it comes to eating with braces on. One of the most commonly asked questions about what a child can eat with braces on comes in the form of addressing many children’s favorite food—candy!
Be sure to ask your orthodontist for direction on which foods to avoid as the braces are on, working to correct your teeth, so that you avoid creating additional problems that will need to be addressed later.
What Candy Should I Avoid While Wearing Braces?
Having braces should not cause any major changes in your day-to-day activities. You can still dine out, sing, play a musical instrument, or have pictures taken. With proper care and maintenance, you can promote your oral health while on your way to a more beautiful smile.
But naturally, certain foods will be problematic while wearing braces, and many forms of candy can indeed be problematic both for the braces themselves as well as for your teeth more generally.
Candy to avoid while wearing braces includes:
- Chewing gum – repetitive chewing can stick to and bend the wires over time
- Caramel – sticky candies like caramel can dislodge a bracket
- Taffy – similar to caramel, as it sticks to surfaces of the appliances and cause damage to the brackets and wires
- Softer chews – fruit and chocolate chews are a little softer and easier to consume than caramel or taffy, but they can cause similar issues
- Hard candies, suckers and lollipops – candies that are sucked on disperse sugar over the teeth as they slowly melt, which isn’t great for teeth at any time, but especially not for those with braces.
Overall, chewy and hard candy alike can be problematic for children with braces. In addition to the physical damage they can do to the hardware itself, we all know the effects sugary foods can have on teeth, even teeth without braces on them. The braces can compound the problem, as lingering particles of sugary candy stuck in braces can cause cavities to form more regularly than what might occur in a child without braces.
What Candy Can I Eat While Wearing Braces?
It’s not all bad news for candy lovers and those with a “sweet tooth.” Softer sweet treats may be permissible by your orthodontist, depending on your care plan and dental history. Ask your orthodontist for a list of candy and sweets that you can eat while wearing braces.
Softer treats, like cake, brownies, soft cookies and other baked goods may be just what the…well, not what the doctor ordered, but what your doctor may allow. We know that children will always want to sneak a sweet treat here and there. Better to let the child know what the allowable foods are while wearing braces, so they don’t sneak any of the “forbidden fruit” listed above.
And speaking of fruit, softer fruits may be enough to satisfy that sweet tooth in some children. So, if an orange, peach or apple can replace the need for actual candy in your child’s discretionary diet, try to encourage your child to choose fruit over hard candy and chewy substances.
Try to choose softer foods while wearing braces, and cut your or your child’s foods into smaller pieces before eating, rather than trying to bite through them. Chop whole fruits, such as apples or pears, into bite-sized pieces before eating, and always avoid chewing gum and chomping on hard candies or even ice.
Finally, while we’re on the topic of do’s and don’ts when it comes to eating while wearing braces, here are some other foods to avoid that, while not all sweet, are common temptations for kids wearing braces.
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Pretzels
- Cheetos
- Nuts
- Granola Bars
- Raw Vegetables
- Hard Tacos
To learn more about what you can and cannot eat while wearing braces, or to learn about braces aftercare more generally, please visit https://www.greaterhartfordortho.com/braces-care/.
Clear braces are a popular choice for teeth straightening. They combine a number of benefits from traditional braces with those of clear plastic aligners. This makes them a terrific choice for patients for whom aligners are not appropriate.
At Greater Hartford Orthodontics, we offer our patients clear braces with tieless ceramic brackets and high-tech archwires, resulting in a comfortable fit and excellent teeth straightening results. While clear braces aren’t quite as unobtrusive as aligners, the ceramic brackets are created to blend with your teeth for a more natural looking appearance. They are smooth, have a low profile, and won’t stain the way clear braces did in the past.
And, the results from wearing clear braces are invaluable, providing our patients with a healthier mouth and a more confident smile!
Types of Clear Braces
You’ll find a number of different types of clear braces, and today, clear braces require no more care than traditional braces to keep clean. However, you still want to make sure that you keep them clean. While staining and discoloration are no longer common with clear braces, not keeping them properly clean can negatively affect your dental hygiene and appearance.
Brush, Rinse and Floss After Eating
No matter what type of braces you have, it is recommended that you brush your teeth, rinse them, and floss them after you eat to remove food particles. This will keep your clear braces clean and your mouth healthier, preventing tooth decay both around and behind your clear brackets.
Keep Your Clear Braces Damage Free by Eliminating Certain Foods
As is the case with traditional metal braces as well, certain foods should be avoided when wearing clear braces, such as hard or sticky foods that can become lodged in your brackets, causing both unsightly looks and damage to the brackets of the braces or your teeth.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is never good for you, or your oral health, and it is not good for you brackets, either. The sticky nicotine smoke can stick to both your teeth and your brackets.
Visit your Orthodontist for Follow Ups
It’s also important to keep your regularly scheduled orthodontic appointments when you wear clear brackets. While clear braces are durable and strong, you’ll still want to make sure both your braces and your own natural teeth are in the best condition. You’ll usually spend around 18 months in clear braces, so making sure treatment is progressing properly and your oral hygiene is in great shape are both important. Adjustments to your braces are routinely made every eight weeks.
For patients who can benefit from aligners, we also offer Invisalign® clear aligners as well as clear braces. Invisalign is a comfortable, removable solution to teeth straightening. The Invisalign process uses a series of clear aligners that gradually and incrementally straighten your teeth rather than using wires. These aligners are shaped from images that are computer-generated and based on a digital scan of your teeth which is taken by your dentist. These custom trays realign move your teeth into the desired position by using trays that are each shaped for teeth that are just slightly straighter than your teeth.
Learn More About Options for Clear Braces
Are you ready to learn more about clear braces? For more information on how your dental team can successfully realign your teeth, reach out to us and schedule an appointment, today.
Clear braces are a popular choice for children, teens, and adults who need or want to straighten their teeth in a less noticeable way. Traditional metal braces are still the most common orthodontic treatment, but clear braces are becoming more prevalent. If you’re considering clear braces for yourself or your child, you may be wondering how much they cost. Here’s what to expect when it comes to the average cost of clear braces treatment.
Cost of Clear Braces by Type
There are two types of teeth straightening systems that are referred to as clear braces. The cost of each treatment ranges:
- Clear Ceramic Brackets: $4,000-$8,500. Clear brackets work just like metal brackets but they are made of a clear or tooth colored ceramic that blends in with the teeth in order to be less noticeable. The brackets are still connected by a visible metal archwire that shifts the teeth into proper alignment, but the overall look is more subtle.
- Invisalign: $3,000-$7,500. Invisalign consists of clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth to gradually shift them into alignment. The clear plastic is virtually invisible to anyone who doesn’t know you’re wearing aligners.
When compared to metal braces, which range from $3,000-$7,000, the cost of clear braces is comparable, but tends to be slightly higher.
How They Work
If you’re comparing the cost of teeth straightening treatments, it can help to know the difference in how they work. Clear brackets attach to the front side of each tooth with orthodontic cement. The brackets are connected by an archwire that is used to shift the teeth into alignment. Rubber bands, springs, and other equipment is used to align the teeth and bite.
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth. Each set of aligners shifts the teeth slightly. You wear them for about 2 weeks at a time before switching to the next set in order. As you move through the entire set of aligners, your teeth gradually move into the desired position. Invisalign can straighten teeth and align your bite.
Does Insurance Cover Clear Braces?
When it comes to coverage for orthodontic treatment, most dental insurance plans provide a one time lump sum for each person or dependent covered under the plan. This lump sum is not usually enough to cover the entire cost of treatment, but it can be applied to the total with the rest being paid out of pocket. Most insurance plans allow you to apply the lump sum to traditional metal braces, clear brackets, or Invisalign.
Are Clear Braces Worth the Cost?
On average, clear braces tend to cost more than traditional metal braces. Why pay more for clear? For many people it’s the fact that they want their braces to be less noticeable. One thing to consider is that clear brackets are not as sturdy as metal brackets and are prone to breaking more often. If this happens your bracket can easily be replaced, but you may find that you’re making more frequent trips to the orthodontist’s office. It may help to follow the “what not to eat” list very carefully. It is also necessary to keep clear braces very clean, otherwise they tend to get discolored.
Am I a Good Candidate for Clear Braces?
Anyone who is a candidate for metal braces is also a candidate for clear brackets. However, Invisalign is different. Invisalign can treat most common orthodontic issues, such as overbite and crowding, but there are some patients who will need braces to make the corrections they need. Complex cases where the teeth need significant movement may not be eligible for Invisalign. The only way to know for sure is to have an evaluation by an orthodontist.
Greater Hartford Orthodontics Provides Clear Braces
If you’re interested in clear braces, Greater Hartford Orthodontics provides both clear brackets and Invisalign. After a brief evaluation we can make a recommendation for the best orthodontic treatment for your case. We understand that your appearance is important to you, and orthodontic treatment can take years. We will do our best to help you straighten your teeth in the most discreet way possible.
Call 860-667-8277 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment.
Clear braces have become increasingly popular as the technology behind them has become more advanced and versatile. Clear braces are now equally as effective as metal braces in treating problems such as misalignments, overbites, crossbites, and underbites.
If you’re looking forward to the beautiful smile orthodontic treatment can deliver but would rather not wear metal braces to achieve it, clear braces are a more discreet option.
Read on to learn more about clear braces and whether they may be the right option for you.
What are clear braces?
Clear braces are an alternative to traditional metal braces made of clear or tooth-colored ceramic or synthetic sapphire, making them less visible on your teeth than metal braces.
The process for treatment with clear braces is similar to that of traditional metal braces. The orthodontist will bond brackets to each tooth and thread archwires through them. This creates tension that gradually pulls your teeth into place.
How do clear braces work?
Clear braces are very similar to traditional metal bracket-and-wire orthodontic braces, but with one key difference: the brackets that hold the wire in place are made of a clear or tooth-colored material. The clear brackets make them much less visible than traditional metal brackets.
These clear brackets are typically made of ceramic, though they can also be made of synthetic sapphire. Each is as durable as metal yet far less noticeable on your teeth.
What kinds of conditions can clear braces correct?
Clear braces can correct the same cosmetic and functional dental conditions treated by traditional metal braces.
They can fix overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. An overbite occurs when the upper jaw is too far forward, or the lower jaw is too far back. An underbite happens when the lower jaw juts out further than the upper jaw. A crossbite is an incorrect bite where the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. An open bite is a gap between some of your front teeth when you bite down.
An incorrect bite can cause many problems for your mouth, including difficulty speaking and chewing, excessive wear on your teeth, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Tooth alignment is important for several reasons:
- Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean, thus decreasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Malocclusion (incorrect bite) can cause or exacerbate problems with the jaw joint and its associated muscles.
- When the teeth do not meet properly, it can wear down the enamel on your teeth or cause damage to your gum tissue.
- Evenly spaced, properly aligned teeth are less likely to suffer from excessive wear, trauma, or fracture.
Am I a suitable candidate for clear braces?
Clear braces are a viable orthodontic solution for many people. The main requirements for choosing clear braces are the same as with traditional metal braces:
- You have a problem that can be corrected with orthodontic treatment. These problems may include overcrowding, crooked teeth, large or uneven spacing between teeth, or malocclusion.
- You don’t have any medical conditions that make wearing braces difficult to wear or maintain.
- You understand what’s involved with wearing clear braces, and you’re willing to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for brushing, flossing, and scheduling appointments.
- Your gums and teeth are generally healthy (otherwise, you may first need to see your dentist).
You can likely be treated with clear braces if you meet the criteria above.
Clear braces are more expensive than metal braces, which may factor into your choice. Many dental insurance policies will cover the cost of clear braces, but only up to the cost of regular metal braces. Your out-of-pocket costs with clear brackets will most likely be higher.
Clear braces are more durable and stain-resistant than they were in the past, but they still fall short of stainless steel brackets in terms of strength. Metal braces have been a tried-and-true option for achieving beautiful smiles for decades, but contemporary clear braces are an excellent choice for many patients.
Learn More About Clear Braces
The best way to determine which option is right for your needs is to schedule a consultation to discuss the available solutions. Contact us today at 860-667-8277 to get started.
The cost of braces for kids depends on the type of treatment needed and the length of time the treatment is recommended. Just like every person, every mouth is unique, and every child’s straightening needs may be different.
But the invaluable results of straighter teeth and a more confident smile is always true. In short, your child’s smile is worth the investment, and we make the entire experience as easy, affordable, and pain-free as possible.
There are several different types of braces, and the type that your child needs will impact the total treatment plan and cost of treatment. Some braces, like clear aligners and ceramic braces, are harder to see, and some may take less time. The average cost of braces for kids will vary based on time and type.
We offer a variety of treatments to make your child’s smile look its best, with treatments that include:
- Traditional metal braces
- Clear aligners
- H4 Self-Ligating Braces
- Lingual Braces
- Clear Braces
- Palatal Expander Devices
- Retainers
How Much Will Braces Cost?
While noting that costs vary depending on the orthodontic care that fits your child’s needs, there are some important cost differences to note. You naturally want your child’s treatment to be as productive and efficient as possible, and as painless, too. However, costs due to types of braces are also to be considered.
In short, payment amount depends on these different considerations:
- Type of braces
- Your child’s teeth and straightening needs
- Your child’s dental hygiene routine
- Your financing plan
With each of these factors in mind, total cost may range from a low of around $3000 as high as $8000, generally. Deciding which type of braces is right for your child should involve a discussion with your orthodontist about the cost of treatment that includes a course of treatment that will best help your child, as well as the impact on your finances. Your dentist will know which type of braces will be the most effective and affordable and why. You’ll want to consider the cost of treatment per year on average as long as how long treatment using a specific type of braces will be necessary.
Getting Your Child’s Teeth Ready for Braces
The best treatment plan for your child’s teeth can depend in part on planning for braces. Some kids might need some teeth extracted to leave room for other teeth to appear successfully. Others might need a palatal expander to create more room in your child’s mouth so that teeth will grow straight. These types of considerations will affect the cost of treatment with braces, too.
Learn More About Brace for Your Kids
The best braces for your child depend on many different facts from your child’s own individual needs and preferences to cost and the length of time required for treatment. For more information on the ways in which your dental team can realign your children’s teeth, reach out and make your child’s straight and confident smile a reality. Reach out to us at Greater Hartford Orthodonticsto schedule an appointment today!
After completing orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign, you’ll need to wear a retainer for some time. Retainers are used to keep your teeth in their newly aligned position after you’ve completed treatment. There are a variety of types of retainers, and your orthodontist will let you know which type is best for you. Depending upon whether you need an upper retainer, lower retainer, or both, the cost may range from a few hundred dollars to more than $1000.
Types of Retainers Available in CT
There are several different types of retainers. Some are permanent and some are removable. Your orthodontist will advise you on which type of retainer you’ll need to wear, to ensure that your newly straightened teeth stay in their new positions.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers are removable retainers that are made of plastic or acrylic and have a metal wire affixed to them. These retainers perfectly fit the roof of your mouth, or behind your teeth on your bottom arch. The plastic or acrylic is often available in a variety of colors. Benefits of Hawley retainers include:
- Adjustable if necessary
- Durable
- Potentially repairable if broken
- Allows for the full closing of your mouth so that the upper teeth and bottom teeth touch
However, these retainers are prone to altering speech more than other types of retainers. They are also more noticeable than permanent retainers, or invisible retainers. But, Hawley retainers are often the most affordable type of retainer. Since they can last a very long time with proper care, this often makes them the most cost-effective type of retainer.
Clear Plastic Retainers
Clear plastic retainers are also removable retainers. They are a popular choice for patients who want a discreet retainer. They fit precisely over your teeth to keep them from shifting back into pre-treatment positions. Clear plastic retainers are available from a variety of manufacturers, and all vary slightly, often in terms of the type of plastic that is used. Benefits of clear plastic retainers include:
- Nearly invisible appearance
- Less bulky than Hawley retainers
- May not affect speech as much as a Hawley retainer.
However, there are some downsides to clear plastic retainers. They cannot be adjusted. If you need to adjust alignment, you’ll have to replace the retainer. These retainers may also become warped if exposed to high temperatures. Clear plastic retainers also prevent you from fully closing your mouth, so your top and bottom teeth do not touch. Without excellent care, these retainers may also be prone to discoloration. Clear plastic retainers typically cost several hundred dollars for each arch.
Fixed Permanent Retainers
Permanent retainers are bonded to the inside or your teeth. These are more common on the bottom arch of teeth than the top teeth. Permanent retainers offer benefits such as:
- Attached to the teeth, so they can’t be lost
- Durable and unlikely to be damaged
- Invisible
- Unlikely to affect speech
The potential downsides of fixed or permanent retainers include an inability to fully clean the surface of the insides of the teeth. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar. Permanent retainers also make it difficult to floss properly. The cost of a permanent retainer ranges from a few hundred dollars up to several hundred dollars.
Orthodontic Treatment and After Care in Newington, CT
Greater Hartford Orthodontics provides complete orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults in Newington, Connecticut. Alignment options available include braces, Invisalign, clear braces, lingual (behind the teeth) braces, and self-ligating braces. Permanent and removable retainers are available to maintain your results. Contact us today to schedule an orthodontic consultation by calling 860-667-8277. You are also welcome to Contact us online.
If you have worn braces for any amount of time, hearing the word that your treatment is over is cause for celebration. You will gain some freedoms back – and you will do so with a beautifully straight smile. That is, until your orthodontist hands you your new retainer.
While you may feel like you took one step forward to take two steps back, it is all for a good reason. Wearing a retainer is a necessary part of keeping your teeth looking as good tomorrow as they do today. So, why do you have to wear one? And how long do you have to wear it?
The Importance of a Retainer
Retainers are important in keeping newly aligned teeth in alignment. After all, you may have moved the position of your teeth, but the surrounding gum and bone aren’t quite strong enough to keep them there. Yet, anyways. Until then, a retainer offers support. The more you talk, eat, and get through your day with your teeth in their new position, the more comfortable they will get – and eventually decide to stay.
Unfortunately, there is always going to be a patient newly freed from braces who refuses to wear their retainer. Slowly, their teeth will begin to shift back toward their initial position. This often happens so steadily and discreetly you won’t notice it at first. Wait too long and your teeth will relapse – potentially requiring you to go through another braces treatment.
Retainers aren’t as binding as traditional braces – so just consider them to be insurance for your smile.
How Long Do You Have to Wear a Retainer?
Now that you know why you need to wear your retainer, let’s talk about how long you will need to do so. When you first get your retainer, you will likely wear it to bed nightly, removing it only to eat and to care for your teeth.
Once your teeth appear to be settling into their new spot nicely, your orthodontist may then tell you that you can start wearing the retainer less than every night. This can help you feel like you’ve got a little more freedom throughout your evenings.
Just how long will you have to wear your retainer at night? Your orthodontist will give you the best timeline based on your treatment. The more complex your orthodontic needs and the greater movement of your teeth, the longer you will likely have to wear your retainer. But after the first year or so you can usually switch to wearing your retainer just a few nights each week. Though, keep in mind, the more you wear it, the better security you have that your teeth will remain straight.
Ideally, you should consider wearing your retainer at night for the rest of your life. Talk with your orthodontist and discover the best course of action for you.
Discover More About Retainers at Greater Hartford Orthodontics
At Greater Hartford Orthodontics, we’ve got options when it comes to retainers. You will find the best option for your needs so that you can maintain your beautiful smile for years to come. Ready to learn more?
Contact our office at 860-667-8277. Or, request an appointment online.
In order to practice as an orthodontist, a dentist must graduate from dental school and then go on to receive two to three additional years of education and training in orthodontics. This means that all orthodontists meet this basic criteria to provide care for patients. Finding a qualified orthodontist near you for specific needs or procedures can involve a little more research, though. Here’s what you should look for when searching for an orthodontist.
Relevant Training and Experience
Although most people immediately think of braces when they hear the word orthodontics, this dental specialty encompasses a number of other treatments as well. Airway orthodontics repositions the teeth and jaw to improve breathing; surgical orthodontics involves working in conjunction with an oral surgeon to move teeth before and after jaw surgery. Some orthodontists have extensive experience in providing lingual braces, while others may focus only on traditional braces and aligner therapy.
In other words, within the specialization of orthodontics, there are a number of sub-specialties. When choosing an orthodontist, find someone whose knowledge and experience matches your needs. For example, Dr. Cos has advanced training in the treatment of complex craniofacial anomalies. This means he is well-qualified to provide care for patients with complex needs.
Professional Memberships
Professional memberships to dental and orthodontic associations matter. They’re not just something to add to a curriculum vitae—these organizations provide ongoing training, continuing education, professional resources, and allow doctors the chance to network with and learn from each other. They are essential when it comes to staying up-to-date on the latest technologies and best practices.
Dr. Cos is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Northeast Society of Orthodontists, the Connecticut State Dental Society, the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association, and the Academy of Laser Dentistry.
Awards and Honors
The awards and honors given to an orthodontist reflect their commitment to the field and to their patients. Dr. Cos’s achievements include:
- Chief resident at Washington Hospital Center and Children’s National Medical Center while completing his orthodontic specialty training
- Induction into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society
- Awards in excellence in orthodontics, restorative dentistry, dental administration, and community service
Technology
Ensuring that an orthodontist uses the latest technology is important, as these technologies often improve patient outcomes and make getting orthodontic treatment a more comfortable experience. At Greater Hartford Orthodontics, we use digital x-ray technology, iTero Element digital impressions, electronic medical records, and digital intraoral cameras. We also offer advanced treatment options like H4 self-ligating braces and Invisalign.
Before and After Photos
Finally, take some time to evaluate patient before and after photos on an orthodontist’s website to make sure your idea of a beautiful smile matches theirs. If you have a specific orthodontic concern, you may wish to ask a prospective orthodontist for before and after photos from patients with the same condition you have so you might know what to expect from your treatment.
Schedule an Appointment at Greater Hartford Orthodontics
If you’re looking for a qualified orthodontist in the Hartford area, we’d love to see you at our office! Contact us today at 860-667-8277 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cos.