Orthodontic Retention for Children & Teens in Wellesley, MA

Orthodontic retention is the final and most important phase of orthodontic treatment. After braces or clear aligners are removed, retainers help keep teeth in their new, properly aligned positions while the mouth adjusts.

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Why Should I Choose Orthodontic Retention for My Child?

Teeth naturally want to shift back to their original positions after orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic retention prevents this movement and protects your child’s newly aligned smile.

Parents choose retention to maintain treatment results and avoid the need for future correction. Proper retainer use supports long-term oral health and confidence.

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Pediatric and orthodontic emergency dental care for children in Wellesley MA

Did You Know…

Without proper orthodontic retention, teeth can begin shifting within weeks after braces or aligners are removed.

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You've worked hard for your beautiful smile; keep it that way!

Finally, your braces have been removed and your smile is beautiful, straight, and best of all, metal-free! However, your orthodontic journey isn't quite completed. To keep your smile looking its best, you'll have to wear a retainer to preserve and stabilize your results. Retainers are needed to control or limit potential changes in tooth position. They are used after braces treatment to hold teeth in their correct alignment while the surrounding gums, bone, and muscle adjust to the new positioning of your teeth.

What is the difference between clear braces and clear aligners?

Clear braces are the same as traditional metal braces except that they are clear! Clear braces are a less noticeable alternative to traditional metal braces and provide patients with an equally effective treatment.

Clear aligners are different from clear braces. Clear aligners are pieces of hard plastic that are designed to fit into your mouth like a mouthguard. Clear aligners are great for patients requiring minor orthodontic treatment.

Types of Retainers

  • Traditional removable retainers typically include a metal wire that surrounds the front teeth and is attached to an acrylic arch that sits in the roof of the mouth. The metal wires can be adjusted to finish treatment and continue minor movement of the front teeth as needed.
  • Aligner-style retainers, or Essix retainers, look similar to clear aligners and offer a more aesthetic alternative to wire retainers. This clear retainer may fit over the entire arch of your teeth, or only from canine to canine (clip-on retainer). It is produced from a mold of your newly aligned teeth.
  • Fixed retainers consist of wires bonded behind the bottom and/or top teeth. While the device is usually required no more than a year after wisdom teeth have been extracted, it is often kept in place for life.

Pros and Cons

  • Removable retainers can be taken out for eating and hygiene routines.
  • Removable retainers can get lost easily, so remember to keep yours in the case whenever you remove it to eat or brush.
  • A fixed retainer is great if you don't want to keep track of it, or if you don't want to worry about how many hours per day it must be worn.
  • Teeth with fixed retainers require a little extra attention to remove tartar while flossing. Patients with fixed retainers often must use floss threaders to pass dental floss through the small spaces between the retainer and the teeth.

Conveniently Located Orthodontic Retention Care in Wellesley, MA

Our office is conveniently located in Wellesley, MA, making orthodontic retention visits easy for families. Parents appreciate having continued orthodontic care close to home.

We proudly serve Wellesley and nearby communities in a welcoming, child-friendly environment. Flexible scheduling supports ongoing smile maintenance.

(781) 235-7336 Appointment Request