A Retainer Keeps Your Teeth in Place

McClellan Orthodontics

It is important to remember that your orthodontic treatment isn’t over once your braces have been removed. Retainers need to be worn following the removal of your braces to prevent the teeth from shifting. It is vital to follow Dr. McClellan’s instructions carefully after you have had your braces have been removed to ensure long-standing results.

Unfortunately, braces do not guarantee that your orthodontic treatment results will be permanent. In fact, teeth have a natural tendency to move back into their original place after the forces holding them have been removed. Without a retainer, it is likely that your teeth will go back to their prior misalignment shortly after having your braces removed. A retainer helps to keep your teeth aligned until they have set firmly into place.

The amount of time that you must spend wearing your retainer will depend on how long it has been since you had your braces removed. In most situations, you will be required to wear your retainer as often as possible for the first 3 to 6 months after your braces have been removed. After that, it is recommended that you wear your retainer nightly for the next 1 to 3 years.

It is important to keep your retainer clean and in good condition. Remember to rinse your removable retainer in cool water before and after use. Store your removable retainer in a plastic case whenever it is not in your mouth. If you have a fixed retainer, you will need to follow the same processes to clean it as you did with braces.

At McClellan Orthodontics, we are enthusiastic about your smile. To learn more about how to keep your smile straight and beautiful, visit our website or give one of our friendly team members a call.

Invisalign First for Children 6 - 10 Years Old

McClellan Orthodontics

Invisalign First is a new treatment that can improve your child’s smile as they grow. Children can now receive effective, innovative, and comfortable treatment, replacing the need for bulky metal expanders, headgear, or braces.

As a child grows, their smile grows with them. Invisalign First was developed for children between the ages of 6-10 who experience issues with crowding, spacing, alignment issues, protrusions, arch development, and expansion. The treatment addresses these problems while also providing enough room for the adult teeth to erupt.

Invisalign First aligners are:

• Designed to treat a broad range of teeth straightening issues in growing children, from simple to complex.

• Removable for easy hygiene, making it easier for growing children to brush and floss.

• Helpful in correcting oral habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.

An initial consultation is needed to determine if your child is an appropriate candidate for Invisalign First. If approved, Dr. McClellan can begin taking pictures, x-rays, and impressions of your child’s smile that same day. Information from the imaging, x-rays, and impressions will go to an Invisalign lab where a custom Invisalign First device, called an aligner or tray, will be made for your child.

Depending on your child’s individual treatment plan, he or she may require a full pair of aligners or just one aligner. The aligners will provide gentle pressure to expand the jawline, with each new aligner moving the jaw and permanent teeth closer to the desired position. Over time the Invisalign First device will shift your child’s teeth as needed and new aligners will be provided for the following phases of treatment. With Invisalign First, treatment time normally takes 6-9 months to complete.

The Invisalign First aligners are removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, and since they do not contain wires or brackets, they are comfortable to wear. Also, because they are clear, your child will feel confident while wearing them.

Invisalign First is only available for growing children. For adults and teens who are seeking orthodontic corrections, McClellan Orthodontics offers alternative treatment options, such as Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Damon Clear Braces, and traditional metal braces. Visit our website to choose your look.