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The Importance of Retainers: Why They Are a Lifelong Commitment

By November 16, 2021March 29th, 2024Invisalign, Walt Ortho Information, What's New

Why do orthodontists require patients to use retainers? For retention! We’ve worked so hard on helping you achieve your new healthy, beautiful smile and we want it to stay that way! 

At Walt Orthodontics, we’re happy to share more details about what types of retainers are available, how they work and why we use them. This way you’ll know exactly what to expect when your braces come off and it’s time for yours!

What Is A Retainer?

A retainer is an orthodontic appliance that helps keep your teeth in their proper alignment. It prevents your teeth from shifting out of their proper position after your braces come off.

 

Who Needs Retainers?

Everyone who has had orthodontic treatment requires retainers. It makes no difference if the treatment was braces or Invisalign. For some people, their teeth aren’t prone to shifting that much after treatment is complete. For others, their teeth may shift significantly. Because we cannot predict if teeth will shift or not, we provide everyone with retainers. Ultimately, however, retainer wear is the responsibility of the patient to manage long term.


What Types Of Retainers Are Available?

There are a range of retainer options, but the most common are lingual (behind the teeth) and removable.

The right type of retainer should fit comfortably on your teeth but still allow you to speak clearly and easily without any restrictions.

Dr. Walt will recommend a specific type of retainer based on your treatment plan and individual needs.

 

Why Is It Important To Wear Retainers Every Single Day?

Your orthodontic treatment doesn’t end when your braces come off. Retainers are a key component of the plan! They help prevent your teeth from shifting, which naturally occurs over time. This happens with daily wear and tear as well as age. Your teeth won’t drastically shift in one night. However, if you don’t wear your retainers every day – the daily movements add up and you could be right back to where you started – with braces or Invisalign! 

 

Achieve and Retain Your Smile With Us! 

Dr. Walt and our team take pride in helping patients achieve their best possible smiles – and keep them! We’re here to build beautiful healthy smiles for life. At Walt Orthodontics, you can count on us for personalized treatment plans, compassionate care, and experience you can depend on. 

Call us now or book an appointment online to get started on your smile journey.

In-Person Consultation

Use our handy online scheduler below to choose the date and time that works best for your initial complimentary consultation appointment!

Please note that while initial orthodontic consultations are complimentary, if you recently completed orthodontic treatment or currently are in active appliances with another provider, seeking a replacement/repair for a retainer, or looking to schedule a second consult after your initial one there is a fee for the consultation. Please contact us for more information.

Alternatively, please contact our office directly by phone/text if you are trying to book multiple consultations at the same time or are seeking consultation further out than 12 weeks.

Please note – If none of the available times on our online scheduler work for you we do have other consultation times available. Please contact us directly for more information.

Virtual Consultation

Skip the office visit and have your free consultation from the comfort of your home. The start to your beautiful smile is just a few photos and clicks away.

Virtual Consultation

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When it comes to financing there’s no one size fits all solution. Likewise, there is no singular solution when it comes to financing. At LendCare, we get that and go deeper to understand your unique story and offer flexible options that work best for you, given your current financial situation. That means you get affordable financing, even if your credit is anything but top-tier.

Walt Orthodontics is pleased to offer interest-free payments up to 30 months. If you require payments over 30 months we are happy to offer the LendCare solution.

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DR. WALT’S DECISION TO BECOME AN ORTHODONTIST WAS INSPIRED BY HIS OWN DIRECT PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

Dr. Walt received his dental (DDS) degree from the University of Western Ontario, graduating first in his class and receiving the Gold Medal as well as numerous awards recognizing his scholastic and clinical achievements, leadership and character. He then completed his orthodontic training at the University of Colorado, where he received both his Specialty Certificate and Master of Science Degree. During his residency, he was awarded the Rocky Mountain Orthodontics Scholarship for overall excellence.

After graduating from residency and opening Walt Orthodontics in 2013, Dr. Walt committed himself to applying his traditional orthodontic education into the digital world to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience. He currently serves as a Faculty Member, Key Opinion Leader, and Advisory Board Member for Align Technology which involves traveling around the world to teach other orthodontists about Invisalign. Being at the forefront of digital orthodontics, Dr. Walt was invited to be the first orthodontist in Canada to use custom LightForce braces. He also serves as an Orthodontic Coach/Mentor for other orthodontists looking to improve their knowledge of digital orthodontics.

In addition to practicing orthodontics, Dr. Walt is a “die-hard” Blue Jays fan and enjoys working out in his spare time.

DR. GROSSMAN STRIVES TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST STANDARD OF ORTHODONTIC CARE FOR HER PATIENTS.

Dr. Stephanie Grossman pursued her dental degree in sunny South Florida at Nova Southeastern University. She graduated with honours, at the top of her class, and was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honour Society. She then completed her orthodontic training at the University of Detroit Mercy, where she received both a Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree. She is both a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada.

Dr. Grossman strives to provide the highest standard of orthodontic care for her patients. She attends numerous hours of continuing education and utilizes the latest advancements in orthodontics. Dr. Grossman is licensed to practice in both the United States and Canada.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Grossman enjoys spending time with her friends and family and traveling the world. She is a self-proclaimed foodie and loves trying new restaurants!

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