At Morita Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves a smile they’re truly proud of – and our mission is to help each of our patients achieve a beautiful, healthy smile as quickly and conveniently as possible. We strive to provide personalized orthodontic treatment for each of our patients, designing treatment plans that fit into each patient’s’ unique lifestyle. We’re proud to offer treatment through several types of braces and Invisalign – but no matter what your treatment method, you’ll need to cement your smile with a retainer.
Once we take your braces off, we know how excited you’ll be – but you’re not quite out of the woods yet! Next begins the retention phase of treatment, which lasts a minimum of 2 years but ideally will be a part of your routine for a lifetime. Retainers are vital to protecting your smile, and with diligent use, you’ll get to enjoy your new smile for the rest of your life!
Fixed retainers, also called bonded lingual retainers, consist of a small metal wire that’s cemented in place on the inside (tongue side) of your lower canines. These retainers are excellent for patients with a high risk of the teeth shifting back to their old positions, because, with a fixed retainer, you’re always protected! Fixed retainers are convenient and low-profile, essentially invisible from the outside. You’ll need to keep your retainer clean by brushing it and may need to use a floss threader to floss underneath the wire.
Removable retainers are retainers that aren’t attached to the mouth and can be removed as necessary. We offer a number of different removable retainers, each serving a specific purpose.
Spring retainers are constructed with a wire spring in the middle, allowing the retainer to place pressure on the teeth while worn. This makes spring retainers ideal both as active orthodontic treatments to alleviate crowding as well as retention treatments to maintain ideal tooth spacing. It’s normal to experience some soreness with a spring retainer, as this simply indicates the retainer is doing its job – but don’t worry, any discomfort is very minimal. After you finish your treatment course, use the retainer to check your teeth periodically. If you find that your teeth have shifted and the retainer doesn’t fit as well anymore, we may recommend a nighttime retainer indefinitely.
The Essix retainer is a clear, removable retainer very similar to an Invisalign aligner. It first directly onto the dental arch and doesn’t use acrylic or metal wires. Inexpensive and convenient, Essix retainers make a great option for many patients.
Maxillary wrap-around retainers, also called Hawley retainers, are among the most common removable retainers. These retainers are made from a piece of acrylic that fits over your palate and a series of wires that wrap around the teeth, holding them in place. For retention treatment, we’ll give you specific instructions on when and how long to wear your retainer. Make sure to care for your retainer by brushing it with toothpaste every time you take it out, occasionally soaking it in a glass of water with a denture cleaning tablet for a deeper clean. With proper use, your retainer will help your smile last you a lifetime!
With proper care and diligent wear, your retainer will help protect the positioning of your teeth, giving you a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. If you’re interested in learning more about orthodontic treatment or starting down the path towards a new smile, Morita Orthodontics would love to help you! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve a gorgeous new smile through convenient orthodontic treatment. We’re excited to speak with you!
If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with us, you can fill out our online appointment request form or give us a call at our Honolulu office at (808) 941-3355 or our Aiea office at (808) 486-5505. We can’t wait to hear from you!
RE: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
To our valued patients,
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), President Trump, the American Dental Association and the Hawaii Dental Association are recommending all dentists postpone nonemergency dental procedures for 2 weeks. Our practice is committed to protecting the community and avoiding using valuable resources that our first responders and frontline healthcare providers will need.
Our office will be closed effective today, Wednesday, March 18, and we plan to resume regular hours on Wednesday, April 1. If you are experiencing a true dental emergency including swelling or severe tooth pain, please call your general dentist office, and listen closely as emergency contact info will be available. For all nonemergent questions, please email us at [email protected].
We are so sorry for the burden this places on your schedules, but your continued health and safety are our number one priority. Our office is working diligently to reschedule all patients with existing appointments within the next 2 weeks. We will continue to evaluate the situation as it evolves and determine on a weekly basis when it is appropriate for us to return to normal orthodontic patient care. We ask for your compassion and understanding at this time as we all work together to keep Hawaii healthy.
Sincerely,
Your Morita Orthodontics Ohana
