Dental Retainers in San Francisco, CA

Dental Retainers 

At Azure Dental in San Francisco, we offer a range of fixed and removable retainers to fit the needs of our patients after orthodontic treatment. Retainers are an essential part of the alignment process because they ensure your beautiful smile remains straight. To find out more about our retainer options or schedule a consultation, please contact our office in San Francisco, CA, today!

Do I need retainers after orthodontic treatment?

Most orthodontic patients must wear a retainer after treatment to keep teeth in a healthy position. When you complete orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners, your teeth are still susceptible to moving, and retainers stabilize the movement until the bone and teeth have fused. Depending on your individual needs and retainers type, you may be required to wear them full-time or part-time.

There are many different types of retainers, and you can discuss with our dentist which option will best fit your needs.

Types of Retainers

The most common types of retainers are fixed or removable.

Bonded or Fixed Retainers

Bonded retainers are cemented to the backside of your front teeth with a strong adhesive. Using metal wire, the fixed retainers are permanently attached to your teeth. They are a popular retainer for those who do not want a visible retainer or one to remove.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers are the most common type of retainer and can be made with metal wires or clear plastic.

Hawley Retainers

Hawley retainers are a trendy option of removable retainer. This retainer has specially formed teeth impressions for a snug-fitting fit into your mouth. The metal wire and acrylic arch are specifically designed to fit the shape of your mouth and can be adjusted by our dentist to keep teeth in the desired position. In addition, the acrylic arch is customizable in a wide variety of colors.

Clear Retainers

Invisalign and Essix retainers are made of clear plastic and custom-made to perfectly fit your teeth. They are both a type of removable retainer that fits over the entire arch of teeth, and they are similar to the clear aligners you may have worn previously, such as Invisalign.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Retainer

Choosing a retainer option after braces or clear aligners can feel complicated since many possibilities exist. Here we will discuss some of you should consider when selecting a retainer to keep your perfect smile aligned.

Convenience

You want a retainer that fits your lifestyle and needs. Convenience is critical to keep it simple. For example, some patients may prefer a retainer that doesn’t have to be clean or worry about, like a fixed retainer. Other patients may want something removable that they can easily take out when eating or brushing their teeth.

Appearance

Fixed and clear removable retainers are the best options for patients who want a less obvious form of treatment. The metal wires sit behind the teeth with fixed retainers to not be seen. Clear aligner retainers are virtually invisible with their clear plastic structure.

Durability

You want a retainer that is durable and last. You may need a more durable retainer depending on your activities. Hawley retainers are durable due to their custom fit and metal wire construction. Invisalign and Essix retainers are durable due to their custom fit and plastic composition.

Comfort

You want a retainer that is going to be comfortable in your mouth. This is especially important if you will wear it for an extended period. Hawley retainers typically have a very comfortable fit due to their customizability and snug-fitting design. Invisalign and Essix retainers are also very comfortable due to their custom fit and comfortable plastic.

How much do retainers cost in San Francisco, CA?

• The typical Hawley retainer is $150-605.
• Replacement clear retainers such as Invisalign cost around $200-850 per case.
• Permanent or fixed retainers are priced at between $100-800.

Visit Azure Dental in San Francisco, CA, Today!

If you are searching for a dental office that offers orthodontic treatment and retainers, our team at Azure Dental is here to help. Our dentists are experienced in providing a variety of orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign and retainers. We also offer various other services such as general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and more to provide healthy smiles for all of our patients. So give our office a call today at 415-563-3100 to schedule your appointment!