Retainers Helena, AL

What Retainers Are And How They Help Your Teeth

Retainers are orthodontic apparatuses crafted from metal and plastic components (or sometimes just plastic or a polymer) made to help hold teeth in their correct position after the removal of an invisible aligner or orthodontic braces. After removing braces, your teeth are more likely to slide back into their original positions, as the gums haven’t firmed back up around the teeth in their new position. Retainers help keep the teeth in place so they can safely settle into the jaw and surrounding soft tissues.

Our Helena retainers are custom-made for each patient, usually after we’ve completed your braces or clear alignment treatment. We examine your teeth on a regular basis to ensure that they’re still in the same, straight position and can adjust the shape of the retainer as necessary or, for our younger patients, as their mouths grow.

We also use retainers for other oral health needs, such as preventing tongue thrust and retrain tongue placement. And, many people find success with this noninvasive treatment of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) or other realignment of the jawbones with the gums. Retainers can also be used for younger children to maintain space for new adult teeth or their wisdom teeth.

Is a retainer right for you? If you’ve undergone tooth realignment with braces or another technique, then a retainer can protect your teeth while they are vulnerable and preserve your healthy smile. Or, if you’re seeking treatment for other types of orthodontic or oral conditions, then a retainer may be a better option than a more invasive procedure, like surgery.

For The Best Retainers, Experience Matters

You may have seen retainers online and considered taking the easy route to straighter teeth. But, a one-size-fits-all orthodontic device isn’t likely to get you very good results. It may be too big, so your teeth won’t be held in place. Or, it may be too tight and cause overcrowding of your just-straightened teeth. We have the experience you need for the perfectly fitting retainer:

• We combine leading-edge technology with traditional methods to fashion a retainer perfectly suited for your mouth
• Our orthodontic team has over 75 years of experience caring for patients like you
• Our family-friendly environment helps children and nervous adults alike feel more at ease
• We’re local! Dr. Backus gives back to the community in many ways, supporting local schools and serving on the board of the Hoover City Schools Foundation

Choose our Helena retainers procedures for a bright smile, straight teeth, and a healthy mouth. Please contact Backus Orthodontics today for an appointment.

Types Of Retainers Cases We Handle

At Backus Orthodontics, we provide Helena, AL retainers to help patients maintain their smiles after orthodontic treatment. Retainers play an essential role in keeping teeth in their new positions and preventing them from shifting back. Many of our patients come to us after braces or clear aligners, and we make it a priority to fit them with retainers that are both comfortable and effective. Because no two smiles are alike, we offer different types of retainers and work with each patient to find the right solution for their needs.

Removable Plastic Retainers

Clear, removable plastic retainers are one of the most popular choices for patients. They look similar to aligner trays and fit snugly over the teeth. Patients often prefer this option because the retainers are discreet and easy to wear during daily activities. When worn as directed, they provide reliable protection against unwanted shifting. They are also great for adults who want to change their smile without drawing attention to their teeth with traditional brace options.

Fixed Or Bonded Retainers

For patients who want a low-maintenance option, a bonded retainer may be recommended. This type is attached to the back of the teeth, making it invisible from the outside. Because it cannot be removed, it continuously holds the teeth in place without the need to remember nightly wear. Patients who have had significant orthodontic treatment often benefit from this choice.

Retention After Braces

Once braces are removed, teeth are most at risk of shifting. A properly fitted retainer helps protect the investment of time and effort that went into orthodontic treatment. We often work closely with patients immediately after their braces come off to design a retention plan that will keep their smile stable.

Retention After Clear Aligners

Just like braces, clear aligner treatment requires follow-up care. Patients who complete their aligner series will need a retainer to prevent relapse. Since they are already accustomed to wearing clear trays, transitioning into a plastic retainer often feels natural and comfortable. When you chat with our Helena retainers team, they will be able to discuss this process more in-depth with you.

Replacement Retainers

If your dog “ate your homework” so to speak, we understand! Life happens, and sometimes retainers are lost, broken, or simply worn out over time. We regularly assist patients who need a replacement to get back on track quickly. Whether it is a removable plastic retainer or a bonded option, we provide solutions that restore the support their smile needs.

Long-Term Retention Plans

Orthodontic stability is a lifelong commitment, and in many cases, retention is necessary well beyond the first year after treatment. We help patients establish long-term retention habits, whether that means continuing with nightly wear or relying on a bonded appliance. Having the right plan in place makes a significant difference in preserving results.

With more than 20 years of family-friendly care, our office has built strong relationships with patients who trust us to look after their smiles. We understand that retention is just as important as active treatment, and we take pride in helping patients protect the results they worked hard to achieve.

Dr. Jeff Backus, a Hoover native, brings both skill and a personal connection to his work. His dedication to providing orthodontic care for families in the area reflects his commitment to the community he calls home. Patients can feel confident that they are receiving care from someone who values their comfort and long-term success.

When it comes to Helena retainers, we believe that experience and attention to detail matter. Every patient deserves a smile that lasts, and our role is to provide the tools and guidance to make that possible.

If you are interested in learning more about how retainers can help protect your smile, we welcome you to contact us at Backus Orthodontics today. Together, we can design a plan that keeps your teeth in place and your smile looking its best for years to come.