Dr. Ross Taddeo Orthodontics is proud to be your premier choice for all your orthodontic needs in the communities of Avalon Park, Waterford Lakes and the greater East Orlando area. Dr. Taddeo and our entire staff always put our patients first; we want to make the orthodontic treatment process as simple and stress-free as we can. When braces are finally removed from a patient, some people believe that the orthodontic process is over with, however that’s not the case. There’s one more phase after the braces are taken off that is crucial in maintaining your new smile: the retention phase.The retention stage of your treatment starts after we remove your braces. This part usually lasts at least 24 months. Your final orthodontic result will depend on your retainers, so it’s important to follow through with all the hard work you’ve already put in. Our office provides the following retainers for you to use.
Hawley Retainers
One of the most common retainer types is the Hawley retainer. This is a removable retainer that’s made out of a combination of metal wires and sturdy acrylic, designed to keep your teeth in place. The retainer is custom-made based on impressions of the patient’s teeth. This guarantees it to fit snugly and comfortably in the roof of a patient’s mouth while the wire or acrylic framing keeps the teeth in perfect position. The acrylic can also be personalized with a variety of colors or patterns.
Essix Retainers
The Essix retainer is similar to an Invisalign® tray in that it’s a transparent and removable aligner that fits over an entire row of teeth. They are inexpensive, easier to wear, and they have no wires. They are also used for other treatments, such as bridges and tooth movement.
Permanent Retainers
These bonded lingual retainers are cemented directly to the inner surface of your lower canines (eye teeth). Because these retainers are permanently attached to your teeth, this is one of the best ways to keep your lower teeth from shifting. Patients with these permanent retainers must be careful with their bite as incorrect biting may cause the bonding material to break and their teeth to shift quickly. Just like removable retainers, it’s important to keep permanent retainers clean. Make sure to carefully brush the inside of your lower teeth as well as the wire.
Contact Your East Orlando Orthodontist
If you’re looking to schedule an appointment with us, we encourage you to fill out our appointment request form on our website. Alternatively, you can give us a call at (407) 482-3700. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We hope to see you soon!