Retainers
We at Encino Dental Group understand that having a beautiful smile is just half the battle; maintaining it is also important. Under the guidance of Dr. Mamaliger, we offer comprehensive retainer services to ensure your teeth stay in their correct position after orthodontic treatment. We can help you whether you just finished your orthodontic treatment or need a replacement retainer.
What is a Retainer?
A retainer is a personalized orthodontic appliance made of plastic and metal fitted inside your mouth. Its main purpose is to keep your teeth in the correct position once you have completed your braces treatment. This prevents your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Retention trays are crucial for maintaining orthodontic results.
Types of Retainers Offered at Encino Dental Group
Encino Dental Group offers a wide range of retainers that can be customized to meet your orthodontic needs and preferences. Dr. Mamaliger will help you select the retainer that's right for you. Each type has its features and benefits. The types of retainers we offer are listed below.
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Hawley Retainers
This is one of the oldest types of retainers. Hawley retainers conform to your mouth's shape by combining metal wires with sturdy acrylic. The wire holds your teeth in place, while the acrylic molds itself to your mouth's shape. Hawley retainers are adjustable and allow minor adjustments during the retention phase if your mouth shifts slightly.
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Clear Retainers
These are also known as Essix Retainers, and they're made of clear plastic that covers the entire mouth. Because they are transparent, they are less visible when worn. They are popular for their discrete appearance and are usually very comfortable to use. The retainers are designed to fit snugly on the arch of teeth and maintain the position of every tooth after orthodontic treatment.
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Fixed Braces
Fixed braces, also known as permanent or bonded retainers, are made up of a wire permanently attached to the lingual side (back) of the front teeth. This type of retainer works best for patients at high risk of having their teeth move back to their original position. Fixed retainers are designed to provide continuous retention. They cannot be removed by the patient and therefore eliminate the risk that they will not be worn.
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Vivera Retainers
Vivera retainers, made by Invisalign's makers, are similar to clear retainers. However, they are made from a stronger material, ensuring the retainer will last longer. These retainers are made from an impression of your teeth or a scan, which ensures a perfect fit. Vivera retainers can be a great option for people who have finished Invisalign treatment and are looking for a comfortable, durable retainer.
The Process for Getting Retainers
A retainer is an important step to maintain the alignment of your smile after orthodontic treatment. Encino Dental Group ensures that the process is as efficient and smooth as possible. This is a step-by-step guide to getting a retainer.
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Initial Consultation
Dr. Mamaliger will conduct a thorough evaluation as the first step. He will discuss the options for retainers if you have recently finished orthodontic treatment or need a new one. This is a chance to discuss any concerns that you might have about the retainer or your teeth.
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Dental Impression
Once you have determined that a retainer will be needed, the next step would be to make precise impressions of the teeth. The impressions can either be taken using dental putty or by digital scanning. It is important to make a replica of your teeth so that the retainer will fit perfectly.
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Fabrication of Retainer
Impressions are sent to the dental lab, where your custom-made retainer is created. The materials and fabrication process will differ depending on whether you select a Hawley retainer, a clear retainer, or a fixed retainer. This step can take anywhere from a few days up to a week.
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Fitting Appointment
Once your retainer has been made, you will return to Encino Dental Group. Dr. Mamaliger carefully checks the fit of the retention to ensure it is comfortable and effective. Dr. Mamaliger will make all necessary adjustments to the retainer so that it fits perfectly and keeps the teeth in the desired position.
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Instructions on Care and Use
Dr. Mamaliger provides detailed instructions on how to wear and care for your retainer. You will learn how to properly insert and remove removable retainers. You will also be shown how to maintain hygiene and avoid damage. You'll learn how to properly clean around a fixed retainer and which foods to avoid.
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Regular Follow-Up Visits
It is important to have regular follow-up appointments to monitor your retainer's condition and stability. During these appointments, Dr. Mamaliger will adjust the retainer as needed and look for signs of damage or wear. These appointments also provide an opportunity for Dr. Mamaliger to check that the retainer has been used according to the prescription.
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Long-Term Maintenance
Retainers should be worn at night for several years and even indefinitely. Dr. Mamaliger can discuss with you your long-term plan for retainers, such as when it is safe to reduce the wear time or how to monitor any changes in your teeth.
Why Choose Encino Dental Group to Meet Your Retainer Needs?
It is important to choose the right dental practice when you need retainers. This will ensure that your teeth stay in their optimal positions after your orthodontic treatment. Encino Dental Group is the best choice for your retainer requirements.
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Orthodontic Expertise
Dr. Mamaliger, our team and the entire orthodontics department have extensive training and experience in this field. This includes fitting and managing retainers with precision. His expertise ensures each retainer will fit perfectly, function properly and maintain the results of your treatment.
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Customized Retainer Solutions
We recognize that each patient has a unique dental structure and need. We offer a variety of customized retainer solutions, such as Hawley, fixed, and clear retainers to meet different needs and preferences. This personalized approach ensures optimal comfort and effectiveness when maintaining your dental alignment.
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Advanced Technology
Encino Dental Group uses the latest dental technology to produce accurate and detailed impressions that are necessary for creating perfectly fitting retainers. We ensure precision with every retainer,whether we use traditional molds or digital scanning.
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Comprehensive Patient Instruction
We are committed to empowering our clients with knowledge. Dr. Mamaliger spends time educating each patient about how to properly care for their retainer, including best practices for cleaning and storing the device.
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Follow-Up Support and Care
Retainers need to be adjusted and maintained regularly for their function and fit. We offer comprehensive follow-up to monitor your retainer's condition and make any adjustments necessary. This is essential to ensure that your teeth stay in the correct position over time.
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Commitment to Patient Comfort
At Encino Dental Group patient comfort is our top priority. All our procedures are designed to be as stress-free and comfortable as possible, including the fitting of retainers. The friendly atmosphere in our office and the welcoming staff help to ensure that every visit is a positive one.
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A Proven Record of Success
The satisfaction of our patients and the long-lasting results of their braces speak volumes about the quality of care we provide. We are proud of the high levels of patient satisfaction and the effectiveness of the orthodontic retention treatments.
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Convenient, Accessible Service
Located in Encino, CA, our Encino office was designed to be convenient and accessible for all of our patients. We provide flexible scheduling and efficient service to fit your busy schedule
What Patients Are Saying About Us
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Encino Dental Group is a practice dedicated to providing the best possible care for patients. Call us to set up an appointment today and see the difference.