Here at Great Big Smiles Orthodontics, our orthodontist, Dr. Michael Bowen, often uses traditional braces to gradually correct misaligned teeth. This process involves a series of regularly scheduled adjustment sessions. Each of these appointments will actively stretch and alter the periodontal connective tissues that anchor your teeth.

Once your ideal alignment has been achieved, Dr. Michael Bowen and his staff can uninstall the orthodontic components. Once your braces are off, however, there will still be a modest amount of lingering tension in your dental sockets. If this tension is not effectively addressed, it could cause your teeth to relapse toward their old alignment. To prevent this, Dr. Michael Bowen will provide you with a retainer.

Hawley retainers are removable retainers, and they are often a common option for maintaining the correct orientation of the upper teeth. These retainers are made of a molded piece of orthodontic acrylic that conforms to the shape of your mouth and interlocks with your teeth through series of durable wires.

In some cases, you may need a fixed retainer to help preserve the alignment of an area that required significant correction. This option is more commonly used on the lower front teeth or areas that suffered from significant overcrowding.

Permanent retainers come in the form of a strong metal band that is cemented in place on the back side of your teeth. It will effectively hold the teeth in the new position while your teeth adapt to their new position.

If you are in Scottsdale, Arizona, and if you have questions about maintaining your new smile after braces, you can always call 480-948-4200 and speak to speak to a staff member at Great Big Smiles Orthodontics.