Once orthodontic treatment has been completed, we begin the retention phase of your treatment. Teeth have a “memory” and can tend to shift unless they are properly retained. Dr. Kemnitz will give careful consideration to the selection of retainers that are best for you. In some circumstances, you may be able to choose. We want to protect your investment in time, energy, and money, so that your new smile or that of your child’s will last a lifetime.
Retainers may be removable, fixed (bonded) or a combination of our retainer options:
Hawley Retainers
This traditional removable retainer can be made to fit both the upper and/or lower teeth, and comes in a wide assortment of color choices.
Invisible Essix Retainers
The “invisible” Essix retainer is similar to the Invisalign® aligner. They have minimal bulk and are easy to wear.
Fixed (Bonded) Retainers
Bonded retainers are small wires that are bonded to the inside of the upper and/or lower front teeth. These retainers are small and comfortable but do require extra attention when brushing and flossing.
Because teeth can always move, Dr. Kemnitz often recommends that the bonded retainer wires be left in place indefinitely. A study published in 2007 by Booth, Edelman and Proffit showed that bonded retainers are both safe and effective. If you choose to remove your bonded retainer(s) or if your dentist feels they need to be removed due to oral hygiene concerns, then we may recommend that you replace the bonded retainer with a removable retainer.
Additional notes about Retainers
Proper care of your retainers is vital. During the first year of retention, there is no charge for minor repair of retainers. Charges will be incurred for replacement of missing or broken retainers or for repairs after one year. Retainers should be considered personal use items, similar to contact lenses.
Replacement of worn out retainers may incur an additional charge. The frequency of repair/replacement depends on multiple factors, such as overall health of the gums, flossing techniques, diet, bite strength, and whether or not you tend to clench and grind your teeth.
Ortho Appliances
Rapid Palatal Expander | Bionator Appliance | Twin Block Appliance | Headgear | Pendulum Appliance | Distal Jet Appliance | Nance Appliance | Forsus Appliance
Rapid Palatal Expander
Attached to the upper molars through bonding or by cemented bands, the Rapid Palatal Expander is an orthodontic device used to create a wider space in the upper jaw. It is typically used when the upper jaw is too narrow for the lower jaw or when the upper teeth are crowded or blocked out of the dental arch.
When patients are still growing, their connective tissue between the left and right halves of their upper jaw is very responsive to expansion. By simply activating the expander through turning a screw in the center, with a special key we provide, gradual outward pressure is placed on the left and right halves of the upper jaw. This pressure causes an increased amount of bone to grow between the right and left halves of the jaw, ultimately resulting in an increased width.
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Bionator Appliance
A Bionator is a removable appliance used for the correction of Class II malocclusions and excessive “overbite.” The patient wears the Bionator by biting their teeth into the appliance, which causes the lower jaw to be postured forward. The patient is able to speak since the appliance is open in the front.
The Bionator takes advantage of available growth by limiting forward growth of the upper jaw and enhancing forward growth of the lower jaw. It is typically worn during the day and night although in some situations, we will recommend wearing all hours except during school.
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Twin Block Appliance
A Twin Block is similar in function and purpose to the Bionator appliance. The Twin Block has separate upper and lower components that interlock and posture the lower jaws forward. Like the Bionator, the Twin Block is used for the correction of Class II malocclusions and excessive “overbite.”
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Headgear
Headgear is often used to correct an excessive overbite. This is done by placing pressure against the upper teeth and jaw, which would hold the teeth in position or help move them into better positions. The severity of the problem determines the length of time headgear needs to be worn. The key to success with your headgear appliance is consistency. Headgear must be worn a certain number of hours per day, and if not, it must be made up the following day.
Headgear should never be worn while playing sports and should also be removed while eating or brushing your teeth.
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Pendulum Appliance
The Pendulum Appliance is used to correct class II malocclusions by distalizing upper molars. It’s used to correct the patient’s bite on the side of their mouth.
The Pendulum Appliance consists of a plastic “button” that touches the roof of the mouth and resilient wire springs that act in a broad swinging arc to move the molars back. The appliance uses the roof of the mouth as an anchor to move the molars back into their correct positions. Patients usually wear this appliance for 3 to 5 months.
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Distal Jet Appliance
The Distal Jet Appliance is a non-removable lingual appliance that is used to move upper teeth backward faster and more predictably than headgear. The Distal Jet distalizes molars and corrects teeth that have rotated. This appliance corrects class II problems.
The Distal Jet Appliance uses a solid track wire and two sets of locking screws on each side. The appliance is self-limiting by design because it has a distal stop attached to the tracking wire. The Distal Jet can be converted to a Nance Appliance by tightening the distal and anterior locks against the track wire and adding a Nance holding arch.
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Nance Appliance
The Nance Appliance is used to prevent upper molars from rotating or moving forward after you’ve worn a headgear or any other appliance to move your molars back. Some patients wear the Nance Appliance while they are awaiting their bicuspids to grow into place.
This appliance is made of two bands that are cemented onto the first molars and a wire spans the roof of the mouth from one molar to the other. An acrylic pad or “button” covers the wire that touches the roof of your mouth directly behind your front teeth.
Patients should always brush around the bands daily. Do not eat sticky, chewy candy as it can loosen your appliance. If you have any problems with your Nance Appliance, please call our office immediately.
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Forsus Appliance
The Forsus appliance is used in order to help move the upper molars back while moving the lower arch forward. Composed of a spring coil rod, the appliance is used while a patient is currently wearing braces. It runs from the upper first molar band down to the lower archwire.You may notice some discomfort initially, so we recommend a soft food diet for the first few days after the appliance is placed. Regular anti-inflammatory medication may help with any pain, if needed. It is important to keep the appliance clean; you may do this by carefully brushing the coil and other metal pieces of the appliance. Also, we recommend that patients not open their mouths very wide, as the appliance may come apart.If your Forsus appliance breaks, please contact our office immediately to schedule a repair appointment.
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