Clear Plastic Retainers in Charles County, MD

What is a Clear Plastic Retainer?

Clear plastic retainers, sometimes called Essix retainers, are made of durable, clear plastic and provide the advantage of being invisible while worn. These retainers are similar to Invisalign® in look and feel, but they are designed to last for a year or longer, so typically they are made of thicker plastic and feel somewhat bulkier than Invisalign®.

What is the Benefit of Wearing a Clear Plastic Retainer?

The most significant benefit of a clear plastic retainer is the fact that it is nearly invisible.

Can I Trade in My Regular Retainer for a Clear Plastic Retainer?

Retainers are tailored to the individual needs of each patient, and although many patients request clear retainers, not all patients are perfectly suited for them.  Invisalign® patients typically prefer clear retainers because they have already become accustomed to wearing Invisalign®. Clear plastic retainers cover the bite surface of the teeth and therefore may feel bulky and uncomfortable to some patients. Patients who grind their teeth will wear through these retainers very quickly and incur excessively increased costs by replacing them.

How Long Will I Have to Wear a Clear Plastic Retainer?

The retention period of your orthodontic treatment will naturally vary from patient to patient just as all treatment times vary with each individual. Generally, retainers are worn for the same length of time that you wore your braces. This is to allow teeth to stabilize for at least one year following treatment. For patients who had wide gaps between their teeth prior to treatment, the retention period may be extended.

Does Wearing a Clear Plastic Retainer Cause any Type of Discomfort?

Wearing a retainer may cause mild soreness in the jaw and gums after the initial fitting for a day or two in some patients, but normally, wearing a retainer is less uncomfortable than wearing braces.

What Should I Do Next?

Charles County or St. Mary’s County, Maryland residents who want to inquire about clear plastic retainers are encouraged to contact our Waldorf or Leonardtown offices to schedule an appointment for a consultation at Sequence Orthodontics.