At Westwood Orthodontics, we understand that achieving a straight smile is only part of the orthodontic journey. Maintaining that alignment long after braces or Invisalign treatment is just as important. If you are looking for retainers in Los Angeles, our experienced orthodontic team is here to help you protect your results and enjoy a confident, healthy smile for years to come. Under the expert care of Dr. Lisa Gao and Dr. Ivy Vuong, patients receive customized retainer solutions designed for long-term stability and comfort.
Retainers play a vital role in orthodontic care by keeping teeth in their corrected positions. Without proper retention, teeth can gradually shift over time. At Westwood Orthodontics, we take a personalized and proactive approach to retention, ensuring every patient has a plan that supports lasting results.
Orthodontic treatment works by moving teeth into healthier, more functional positions. Once braces or aligners are removed, the surrounding bone and gum tissue need time to adapt to these changes. During this adjustment period, teeth are especially prone to shifting.
Wearing retainers as directed helps prevent unwanted movement and protects the investment you made in your orthodontic treatment. Retainers also contribute to long-term oral health by keeping teeth properly aligned, which makes daily brushing and flossing more effective.
Some of the key benefits of wearing retainers include:
Our board-certified orthodontists emphasize that consistent retainer use is essential for long-term orthodontic success.
At Westwood Orthodontics,retainers are never one-size-fits-all. Each retainer is custom-designed based on the patient’s unique dental anatomy, treatment history, and lifestyle needs. Using advanced digital scanning technology, our team creates retainers that fit comfortably and provide reliable retention.
This modern approach improves accuracy while eliminating the discomfort of traditional impressions. Whether you have recently completed orthodontic treatment or need a replacement retainer, our team ensures your new retainer supports your smile effectively and comfortably.
Removable retainers are a popular choice for patients who prefer flexibility. These retainers can be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing, making them convenient for daily routines. When worn as instructed, they provide excellent long-term support for maintaining alignment.
Benefits of removable retainers include:
Most patients begin with full-time wear and gradually transition to nighttime use.
Fixed retainers consist of a thin wire bonded to the back of the teeth. This option provides continuous retention without the need to remember daily removal or insertion. Dr. Ivy Vuong often recommends fixed retainers for teeth that are more prone to shifting or for patients who want a low-maintenance solution.
Advantages of fixed retainers include:
Your retainer appointment at Westwood Orthodontics is designed to be efficient and comfortable. The process begins with a digital scan of your teeth, which allows our team to capture precise measurements for an accurate fit.
Once your retainer is fabricated, you will receive detailed instructions on how to wear and care for it. Dr. Lisa Gao or Dr. Ivy Vuong will explain how long you should wear your retainer, how to clean it properly, and how to store it safely when not in use.
Follow-up visits may be scheduled to ensure your retainer continues to fit correctly and that your teeth remain stable over time.
Retention is a long-term commitment, and the duration of retainer wear varies from patient to patient. In most cases, patients wear their retainers full-time immediately after treatment, then transition to nighttime wear after several months.
General retainer guidelines often include:
Our doctors encourage patients to think of retainer wear as a lifelong habit that protects their smile well into the future.
Proper retainer care helps extend its lifespan and ensures it remains effective. Retainers should be cleaned daily using a soft toothbrush and a gentle cleanser. Toothpaste is usually discouraged, as it can scratch the retainer’s surface.
To keep your retainer in good condition, patients should:
These simple habits help prevent damage and maintain a proper fit.
Even with good care, retainers may need to be replaced over time. Common signs that a retainer is no longer effective include cracks, warping, discoloration, or a change in how it fits.
You may need a replacement if you notice:
Replacing a retainer promptly can help prevent further movement and protect your orthodontic results.
Westwood Orthodontics provides retainers in Los Angeles for patients of all ages. Children and teens benefit from guidance that helps them build consistent retainer habits, while adults receive retention plans designed to maintain results from braces or Invisalign.
Our team works closely with families to encourage compliance in younger patients, and focuses on long-term retention strategies tailored to adult lifestyles.
Patients throughout Los Angeles trust Westwood Orthodontics for personalized orthodontic care and lasting results. Our practice combines advanced technology, customized treatment plans, and a patient-focused approach to retention.
With the expertise of Dr. Lisa Gao and Dr. Ivy Vuong, patients receive thoughtful guidance and high-quality retainers designed to keep smiles aligned and healthy for the long term.
A straight smile is an investment worth protecting. With customized retainers and expert orthodontic care, Westwood Orthodontics helps patients maintain their orthodontic results with confidence.
If you are searching for trusted retainers in Los Angeles, our team is ready to support your long-term smile goals and help keep your smile looking its best for years to come. Contact us now to learn more!
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