Which type of retainer is right for you?
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Selecting the right retainer
Your teeth have been straightened, your smile is worth showing off, and your bite is where it needs to be. Now it’s time to pick a retainer to keep all of that work in place.
The word “retainer” might conjure different images. People who were patients years ago might picture bulky, metallic messes that impair speech and cause discomfort. Today’s patients, however, know that dental science has come a long way. Not only are there far more options for retainers, but each option has been optimized for comfort and to be less visible.
A person next to you might be wearing a retainer without anyone noticing. It’s a great time for those who must use a retainer, because patients no longer are forced to make extreme sacrifices for the sake of a straighter smile.
Where to begin when selecting a retainer? We can give you guidance regarding the effectiveness of each option, but there are also personal considerations. How much time are you willing to devote to using and caring for your retainer? Do you want a removable option or something permanent? You could be using a retainer for years or indefinitely, so it’s important to pick a type that works for you.
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Types of Retainers
Clear Retainers
These types of nearly invisible retainers have become increasingly popular in recent years, since the technology has dramatically improved. They are made from clear plastic, with a custom fit for the patient’s mouth. Because they are clear, they are hard to notice without looking for them.
Permanent Retainers
Permanent retainers go by several names, such as bonded wire retainers, fixed retainers, or lingual retainer wire. These types of retainers are considered permanent, because although an orthodontist can remove them, patients cannot. Permanent retainers are bonded to the back of the patient’s teeth. They can be placed on the lower six front teeth and/or the upper four front teeth, depending on what is needed. You will also receive a set of clear retainers.
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RETAINERS FOR LIFE
Acquiring a healthy beautiful smile is an investment you’ve made for your future. Dr. Khan believes the retention phase of orthodontic treatment is as important as the active phase. Because of this, we proudly offer Retainers for Life. Many of our patients find solace in a program that protects their investment. Details of our program will be given at your initial consultation.
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Retainer Instructions
- Your retainer should be worn 12 HOURS a day or as instructed by Dr. Khan.
- Clean your retainers in the morning with their own toothbrush and antibacterial soap (dish or hand soap). Cleaning your retainers in the morning will help prevent odor and plaque buildup throughout the day.
- When your retainer is NOT in your mouth, it should be in your case. Pets like to chew on them.
- Retainers are breakable and expensive, but with proper treatment and care they will last for years. If yours gets lost or damaged, call us immediately.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer or it is not fitting comfortably, please contact our office.
- Keep your retainers away from HOT surfaces or water, because exposure may change their form and cause them not to fit properly.
- Please remember always to bring your retainer to your appointments.
“I have had such a great experience at Orthodontic Boutique. The staff is wonderful and always greets you warmly. I have seen an amazing improvement in my smile. I am grateful that we chose Orthodontic Boutique for my Invisalign!”
“Dr. Khan and her team did such an amazing job straightening my teeth. The staff is very nice. There are Lots of exciting decorations and contests in the office. I’m glad my mom found Dr. Khan and her staff because it really helped my confidence in life. When I was done I felt good smiling a lot and happy to show my teeth.”
“Right when you walk into their office you feel so welcomed by everyone. The people there were always smiling and making you feel at home. My experience at this office changed the way I think of the orthodontist and I wouldn't have done it any other way!!”
“Dr. Khan is the real bomb! The journey was worth it and I smile a lot more now! Smiles do come true here!”
“The staff at Orthodontic Boutique is fantastic, fun and very professional. Wait times are minimal because they are very punctual. They offer flexible appointment times and are always willing to work with you to make it as convenient as possible. My results far exceed my expectations. I wouldn’t have gone anywhere else.”
“The best thing I like about Orthodontic Boutique is the caring, detailed knowledge of Dr. Khan and her staff. Thanks to her, I smile more!”
“This is probably the most warm and welcoming place that will ever exist in the world. Everyone here is super helpful and willing to go the extra mile for the patient. I love it here so much that I make a 2-hour round trip drive to go to my appointments. “
“Dr. Khan and TEAMKHAN are fantastic! Always a great experience every time I go there! I love my SMILE! Thank you!!!”
“My smile gleams out whenever I’m at Orthodontic Boutique. I’m so content with how much care and diligence Doctor Khan devotes towards my dental treatment. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. There is always a fun new creative activity in the office to look forward too. Moreover, I warmly thank Doctor Khan from the bottom of my heart for giving me a glamorous smile that I wear proudly!”
“Invisalign is worth it! I only trust the best provider in town! Dr. Khan and her team have exceptional work ethics. The environment is welcoming and at the same time FUN!”
“I’m much more confident with my smile now that my teeth are straight and nice. It’s easy for my mom to drop me off every appointment. It is conveniently located near our neighborhood. We are lucky!”
“I have enjoyed being a patient of Orthodontic Boutique. The entire team is friendly and the office has a happy and relaxed atmosphere. Dr. Khan personally followed my progress at each visit and, thanks to her attentiveness, my teeth look great. Thank you, Dr. Khan and team.“
“I can't fully express how amazing my experience was at this office! Dr. Khan and all the ladies were so professional, friendly, and welcoming. It was definitely tough having braces while in college, but walking into the office and seeing everyone's positive attitudes and smiling faces made me realize the journey would be well worth it! I couldn't be happier with my beautiful teeth and I thank all of these wonderful women from the bottom of my heart!! I LOVE Orthodontic Boutique!”
“Dr. Khan and all the staff at the practice are professional, attentive, and thorough. The practice is top notch in helping the patient achieve their goals. As an adult, I appreciated the fact that the office is not an over-the-top,'grand-tech playscape' for kids. I highly recommend Orthodontic Boutique.”
“Dr. Khan and her team are nothing short of fantastic! My time at Orthodontic Boutique has been amazing and I couldn't be more grateful!”
Vesna
Clinical Team Member / Inventory Coordinator / (Principal Photo Bomber)
I love being part of our patients’ journeys to beautiful, amazing smiles. Our team is awesome and we love having fun and making it a great time for our patients. Dr. Khan is so caring and energetic, which really makes it easy to come to the office every day.
Nicole
Treatment Coordinator
We are constantly surrounded by such positive energy here at Orthodontic Boutique! I walk into our office every day with a smile on my face and leave at night with that same smile still there. We are so very blessed here to have such amazing, fun, excited, and enthusiastic patients and team members!
The ladies here are not just my team members, but my life friends. We all put in a hard days’ work but never forget to laugh, smile, and be kind and courteous to one another. Dr. Khan’s faith and confidence in me has sparked both in professional and personal growth, for which I am so very grateful.
Rowena
Clinical Team Member / Marketing Coordinator
I love my job. Creating beautiful smiles and making each and every patient happy is an amazing feeling! I love to see the transformation of our patients and their self-confidence. It does not feel like work when everybody is having fun. I’m really lucky to have an amazing team and a fantastic boss!
Valeria
Clinical Team Member / Invisalign® Coordinator
I love the connections that I make with our patients and parents throughout the treatment time. It’s amazing to work with people who truly love what they do. Our team is so incredibly supportive to each other. I love how I am challenged daily and constantly learning new skills. Dr. Khan provides great guidance and is always opening doors to new experiences.
Jenise
Scheduling Coordinator
I can’t imagine a job more rewarding than being a part of someone’s journey to a healthy, confident smile from start to finish! Our phenomenal team has such great energy. It’s never a day at “work” when you love what you do and who you’re doing it with!
