Removable pediatric ORTHODONTIC Appliances Chicago IL

Retainers For Straighter Teeth

Retainers are a critical component of orthodontic care for children, especially following early treatments like Phase One Orthodontics. These custom-made devices help maintain the progress achieved during treatment and ensure that a child’s teeth and jaw alignment remain stable as their mouth continues to grow.

Removable appliances cannot be used to treat all orthodontic problems. It takes skill and experience to recognize conditions that can be successfully treated with removable appliances.

types of retainers used for kids orthodontics

These custom-made devices help maintain the progress achieved during treatment and ensure that a child’s teeth and jaw alignment remain stable as their mouth continues to grow:

Hawley Retainers

• Description: Made of a metal wire and acrylic base, Hawley retainers are removable and designed to fit snugly against the roof of the mouth or along the lower teeth.
• Uses: These retainers are often used to maintain alignment after braces or early orthodontic interventions. They can also make minor adjustments to alignment over time.

Clear Plastic Retainers

• Description: Often known by brand names like Essix, these retainers are transparent, removable, and fit over the entire arch of teeth.
• Uses: Clear retainers are popular for their discreet appearance and are effective at maintaining alignment after treatment. They are especially beneficial for kids who may feel self-conscious about wearing a visible retainer.

Fixed Retainers

• Description: A thin wire bonded to the back of the teeth, fixed retainers are not removable and stay in place long-term.
• Uses: These retainers are ideal for preventing teeth from shifting, particularly in cases where significant alignment corrections have been made. They are a good option for children who may have difficulty remembering to wear a removable retainer.

How To Take Care of Your Retainer

• Retainers must be worn as instructed or the teeth WILL move back toward their original positions.
• Remember; wear them in your mouth, not in your pocket. Retainers work when you follow our instructions.
• Clean your retainers! After meals, clean all parts of the retainer with a toothbrush.
• Handle your retainers with care. Retainers are easy to lose. If you take your retainers out, always place them in your retainer case for safety.

Elastics

Attached to your braces, elastics (rubber bands) exert the proper force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth. In order for this force to remain constant, elastics must be worn all the time and changed every day. Any time missed in wearing your elastics will only make your treatment take longer, so remember these things:

• You are responsible for placing the elastics on your braces between appointments. Make sure to wear them as instructed. Remove them only when brushing your teeth, gums, and braces after meals. Then put them back on immediately.
• Always carry a few elastics with you, so if one breaks you can replace it right away. If your supply is low, call the office and we will mail you an additional supply of elastics.
• If you forget to insert your elastics one day, don’t double up the next day — just follow your regular instructions.
• Elastics become worn out. When they lose their elasticity, they don’t provide the proper pressure on your teeth and jaws. It is very important to change them as directed, even when they are not broken.

If your elastics break frequently, a wire or band loosens, or a hook breaks off — call our office immediately. Don’t wait until your next appointment. These problems need to be corrected as soon as possible!

Other Removable Orthodontic Devices for Kids

In addition to retainers, removable orthodontic devices can address specific dental needs:

1. Space Maintainers

   • Used when a baby tooth is lost early to hold the space for the permanent tooth.
   • Prevents neighboring teeth from drifting and causing crowding.

2. Palatal Expanders

   • Worn to gently widen the upper jaw, creating room for proper tooth alignment.
   • Typically used in younger children during early orthodontic phases.

3. Mouth Guards

   • Protect teeth from injury during sports or activities.
   • Custom-fit options provide better comfort and protection than store-bought guards.

4. Clear Aligners

   • Removable trays used to straighten teeth gradually.
   • Popular among teens for their discreet appearance and convenience.

5. Habit Appliances

   • Help discourage habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, which can affect dental alignment.
   • Designed to be worn as needed for behavior correction.

Caring for Retainers and other Removable Devices

Proper care ensures these devices remain effective and hygienic:

• Rinse after every use to remove debris.
• Use a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner to clean retainers daily.
• Store them in a protective case when not in use.
• Avoid exposing devices to heat, which can warp the material.