Retainers and Nightguards in Crofton, MD
Retainers
Retainers are designed to hold the teeth in place after orthodontic treatment. They can be removable or fixed in place. We offer the following retainer options.
Memotain Fixed Retainer
A fixed retainer is a very thin wire that is bonded onto the tongue side surface of the teeth and provides around-the-clock support for the teeth.
Memotain offers a cutting-edge solution for lingual retainers. Unlike traditional wire retainers shaped by hand, Memotain utilizes 3D printing technology to create a retainer wire tailored to the specific anatomy of your teeth. This innovative approach results in a retainer that is not only thin and strong but also offers several advantages over traditional methods.
One of the key benefits of Memotain is its exceptional accuracy of fit. By using 3D printing, the retainer is precisely customized to your unique dental structure, ensuring a tight and secure adaptation to your teeth. This level of precision promotes optimal retention and helps maintain the desired alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, Memotain minimizes tongue irritation due to its thin and smooth design. The retainer is crafted to be as comfortable as possible, allowing you to adapt to it easily and without discomfort.
Durability is another advantage of Memotain. The 3D-printed construction produces a retainer that is robust and long-lasting, reducing the risk of breakage or deformation. This means you can rely on your Memotain retainer to provide effective retention for an extended period.
In addition to its functional benefits, Memotain retainers are also easier to clean compared to traditional wire fixed retainers. The smooth surface facilitates cleaning, making it simpler to maintain proper oral hygiene. With Memotain, you can enjoy the advantages of an accurately fitted, durable, and comfortable lingual retainer. The use of 3D printing technology enhances the overall performance of the retainer, ensuring optimal retention while minimizing tongue irritation. Experience the benefits of Memotain and enjoy a retainer that offers superior fit, durability, and ease of cleaning.
Essix Clear Removable Retainer
Essix retainers offer a convenient and discreet solution for maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment. Similar to invisible aligners, these thin, plastic trays are custom-molded to fit snugly against your teeth. While aligners are designed to shift teeth into new positions, Essix retainers serve a different purpose. They hold your teeth in place or make slight refinements as the final stage of orthodontic treatment.
Here’s why Essix retainers are becoming increasingly popular:
- Removable Convenience: Unlike permanent wire retainers that are cemented to the backs of your teeth, Essix retainers are removable. This makes brushing, flossing, and overall oral hygiene much easier to maintain. You can take them out when necessary and reinsert them comfortably.
- Virtually Invisible: For patients who are required to wear their retainers during the daytime, Essix retainers provide a virtually invisible option. They are made from clear plastic, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth. This discreet appearance allows you to wear them confidently without drawing attention.
- Full Arch Coverage: Essix retainers cover the full upper and/or lower arches of your teeth, providing comprehensive support to maintain the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment. In contrast, permanent wires are typically adhered only to the front few teeth, offering more limited coverage.
With Essix retainers, you can ensure that your teeth stay in their desired positions while enjoying the flexibility of easy removal and a nearly invisible appearance. They provide a comfortable and effective way to preserve the results of your orthodontic journey.
Hawley Retainer
A Hawley retainer is a type of traditional orthodontic retainer that incorporates a combination of a hard plastic or acrylic plate and a thin metal wire. This retainer is custom-made to fit comfortably in your mouth, with the plastic plate contoured to fit the shape of the roof of your mouth. The metal wire is positioned along the front surface of your upper teeth, providing the necessary support and retention.
Nightguards
How can night guards help protect your teeth?
For those who grind their teeth or clench their jaws while sleeping, also known as bruxism, night guards can be very helpful. Here’s how night guards can help:
- Prevent Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Night guards serve as a safeguard between the top and bottom teeth, stopping them from hitting each other directly. This helps minimize the wear and tear caused by grinding and clenching, which can lead to tooth damage, fractures, and enamel erosion.
- Alleviate Jaw Pain and Tension: Bruxism often leads to jaw pain, soreness, and muscle tension. Night guards provide cushioning and support for the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint), reducing the pressure and stress on the muscles and joints. This can alleviate discomfort and help relax the jaw muscles.
- Minimize Headaches: The excessive force exerted during teeth grinding can lead to headaches, particularly upon waking up. Wearing a night guard can decrease the pressure and stress on the jaw and the muscles nearby, which can lower the occurrence and severity of morning headaches.
- Protect Dental Restorations: If you have dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or veneers, night guards can help protect them from the excessive forces associated with bruxism. The guard acts as a cushioning layer, distributing the pressure and preventing damage to these dental restorations.
- Improve Sleep Quality: Night guards can promote better sleep by reducing disruptive grinding and clenching noises. This can benefit not only the person wearing the guard but also their sleep partner.
- Preserve Gum Tissue and Bone: Continuous grinding can put excessive pressure on the gums and underlying bone, leading to gum recession and potential bone loss. Night guards provide a protective barrier, helping to preserve the health of your gums and supporting bone.
Overall, night guards are a valuable dental appliance that helps protect your teeth, alleviate jaw pain, and improve your overall oral health. If you suspect or have been diagnosed with bruxism, consulting with your dentist can help determine whether a night guard is suitable for you and ensure it is custom-fitted for maximum effectiveness.