Retainers & Appliances
Retainers & Appliances at Virginia Braces and Aligners
Retainers & Appliances
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, braces aren’t the only appliances that we use to improve your smile and oral health. Retainers and various other orthodontic appliances are required to prevent regress that may require further treatment after a few years. At Virginia Braces and Invisalign Center, we use retainers and appliances to help your child have confidence in their smile for years.
Types Orthodontic Appliances
We can recommend retainers and other orthodontic appliances before, during, or after your treatment with braces. Our orthodontists will clearly explain the recommendations to help you make feel confident. Some of the common devices that we use include:
Removable Retainers
Once your braces have been removed, there is a good chance the teeth may return to their initial positions. We can suggest a custom-made retainer in this case. While removable retainers need to be worn all day and night, they can be removed whenever required.
Fixed Retainers
If you find it difficult to keep up with removal retainers, we may suggest fixed retainers. Since these retainers are firmly fixed in place, you will not have to worry about forgetting them. These devices are less floss-friendly, so you will have to make special efforts to maintain your oral hygiene.
Thumb Crib
While sucking on the thumb can help children soothe themselves, it can have a negative impact on their oral development and growth. We can recommend a thumb crib for your child to deter the habit. This appliance helps overcome even deeply ingrained habits, leading to healthier oral development.
Lingual Holding Appliance
Lingual Holding Appliance (LLHA) is used for holding space open in the lower arch for the proper eruption of molars as a child grows. It has stainless steel rings that go over the molars and a special connecting wire.
Palatal Expander
We can use palatal expanders to gradually widen the upper jaw. We suggest that those requiring such treatment get their expanders before they turn 15. The jawbone will be receptive to adjustments during this phase of development. Gradually, the appliance will create spaces that can be corrected with the help of braces.
So, we offer different types of retainers and appliances at our offices in Arlington, Mechanicsville, Charlottesville, Ruckersville, and Woodbridge. The choice of the right device will depend on the type and complexity of the orthodontic problems and the goals you have.