Can I Wear a Retainer Instead of Braces?

At Advanced Orthodontic Care, we are committed to providing you with the best possible orthodontic solutions to your bite and jaw alignment problems. Often, this means traditional metal braces. But we understand that you might be interested in avoiding braces if possible.

Many Denver-area patients in this situation ask us about retainers. Traditionally, retainers are used after braces to keep your bite and jaw in their proper position. However, in some limited cases, a retainer can be worn in place of braces.

Retainers are often worn by patients who have:

  • Small gaps between teeth that are not severe enough for braces
  • A “tongue thrust”
  • Tooth grinding
  • Other symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder

Wearing a retainer requires commitment and dedication. You’ll need to clean it every day, soak it in warm water overnight and protect it from bending and cracking. But a retainer can prove an exceptionally effective solution in certain situations.

Our experienced orthodontists can evaluate the state of your teeth and bite alignment to determine if a retainer is appropriate for you.

If you live in or around Denver, Colorado and you have questions about braces or other orthodontic options, please call Advanced Orthodontic Care today at 303-331-0222 for a consultation.

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