Preserving a beautifully aligned smile requires care beyond orthodontic treatment. At Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of Decatur, our dentists provide retainers in Decatur, Georgia, to ensure that your smile remains straight and stable for years to come. After braces or aligner therapy, your teeth are still at risk of shifting. A retainer acts as a safeguard, keeping everything in place while the surrounding tissues adapt to the new alignment.
Dr. Shauna H. Gammage, Dr. Jamila J. Jenkins and Dr. Leah Asher work with each patient to design custom retainers that are both effective and comfortable. Our approach is always personalized, considering your lifestyle, orthodontic history and long-term goals.
Why Retainers Are Essential After Orthodontics
Teeth naturally want to return to their original position once pressure from braces or aligners is removed. This movement, known as relapse, can happen gradually or quickly. Wearing a retainer helps prevent this, ensuring that the investment you made in your smile is protected.
Benefits of wearing a custom retainer include:
- Holding teeth in their corrected positions
- Supporting bone and soft tissue stability
- Preventing relapse and need for retreatment
- Maintaining bite alignment and facial balance
- Preserving the appearance of your smile
Our dentists will help determine which is most appropriate for your unique needs. We use advanced digital scanning tools for a precise fit, eliminating the need for uncomfortable traditional impressions.
Comfort, Convenience and Long-Term Support
The retention phase is just as important as the active orthodontic phase. Our team ensures that your retainer fits comfortably and functions as intended. During your visit, we will show you how to wear and care for your appliance properly and answer any questions you may have.
If you lose or damage your retainer, we can create a replacement quickly to help you avoid unwanted shifting. Routine check-ins allow us to monitor retention progress and make adjustments if needed.
We believe that ongoing support is key to long-term success. From your first fitting to future maintenance, our office is here to make the retention process smooth and stress-free.
Call our dentists and team today at 770-593-2202 to learn more about retainers in Decatur, Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers
Can I eat with a retainer in?
Removable retainers should be taken out when eating to prevent damage. Fixed retainers remain in place but require special cleaning.
What happens if I lose my retainer?
Contact our office right away. A replacement should be made quickly to avoid teeth shifting out of alignment.
Are retainers comfortable to wear?
Yes. Most patients adjust quickly. Our dentists and team ensure your retainer is well-fitted for comfort and stability.