Retainers in Little Rock & Jacksonville, AR

After you or your child have completed orthodontic treatment, you should proceed to a retainer to protect your results. A retainer protects the time and monetary investment that was put into your treatment by holding your teeth in place while your jaw and gums stabilize. To address the demands of our patients, Ashcraft Orthodontics in Little Rock and Jacksonville, AR offers many high-quality retainer choices, like a removable or fixed retainer. Following the conclusion of your orthodontic treatment, Dr. Michael Ashcraft will explain your options, as well as the type of retainer that is most likely to fit your lifestyle. Schedule a consultation at our Little Rock or Jacksonville, AR facilities to learn more about our retainer options. 

Ashcraft Orthodontics provides our patients with three types of retainers, which are chosen based on each individual patient's requirements: 

• Clear Retainer: This retainer feels and looks similar to clear aligners, like Invisalign. This practical and discreet option is easy to remove and clean.

• Hawley Retainer: The Hawley retainer can be taken in and out of the mouth freely and is made of smooth wire, clasps, and plastic materials. This retainer is the most commonly used type. 

• Fixed Retainer: A fixed retainer is cemented into the mouth behind the front teeth and cannot be removed. It may be attached to individual teeth or to either side of the arch.

A retainer is suggested for everyone when they complete an orthodontic therapy. Although your teeth are set in their proper position with the orthodontic treatment, a retainer can help to keep them in place while the remainder of your mouth adapts. A retainer is excellent for younger patients who are still waiting for all of their permanent teeth to come in and whose jawbones are not fully formed.

You should begin wearing a retainer immediately following the conclusion of your orthodontic treatment. A member of our team will obtain digital impressions of your upper and lower arches and send the detailed images to a lab where your custom retainer will be created. As soon as your retainer is returned around 1 – 2 weeks later, we'll schedule an office visit. At this appointment, Dr. Ashcraft will ensure your retainer fits comfortably before you leave. He can also talk to you about when to use your retainer and how to care for and clean it.

The length of time you will need to wear your retainer will vary according to a number of factors. It is usually recommended that you use your retainer until all of your permanent teeth come in and your jaw is finished developing (usually around 20 – 25 years old). However, certain factors could require longer use. With good maintenance and routine inspections, your retainer should last for many years. In time, as standard wear and tear occur, your retainer might have to be repaired or replaced. Meanwhile, you need to practice daily cleaning and proper care of your retainer. In the event that your retainer has been lost or damaged, contact our office to have a new one created.

The cost of your retainer will likely be included in the overall price of your orthodontic care. During your initial consultation, Dr. Ashcraft will inform you of whether there's an additional expense for your retainer. He or a member of his team can discuss your retainer options and the price estimates of each. If you are using dental insurance, we'll contact your insurer to obtain the extent of your coverage, then determine your out-of-pocket portion. Ashcraft Orthodontics accepts several payments, such as low-interest financing and CareCredit®.

Help keep your teeth in their new correct position following your orthodontic therapy with the help of a custom removable or fixed retainer from Ashcraft Orthodontics. Continuous use of a retainer may help prevent the need for additional orthodontic treatment later down the road. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ashcraft at our office in Little Rock or Jacksonville, AR to find out more about the advantages of retainers.