Orthodontic Appliances – Enfield, CT

Types of Orthodontic Appliances

Removable Retainers

Retainers are used to help newly shifted teeth stay in place after the braces come off. Without them, the teeth would actually start to drift back into their original positions. Our retainers consist of a thin plastic appliance that is removable and easy to clean and maintain.

Fixed Retainers

Fixed retainers usually involve a small metal bar being bonded to the back of the teeth in order to prevent them from moving after an orthodontic treatment has finished. These can only be removed by Dr. Cordes, and a patient will need to take special care to brush and floss around the retainer in order to prevent a buildup of plaque.

Palatal Expander

Many children have a narrow hard palate, which can lead to teeth crowding by making it difficult for the upper adult teeth to come in; this can hamper breathing as well. A palatal expander is used to correct these issues by doing exactly what its name indicates—expanding the palate. A small metal bar is positioned within the mouth using loops that go around the molars on either side of the jaw, and it is slowly lengthened over time to encourage the bone to grow and widen.

Learn More About Palatal Expanders

Thumb Crib

Thumb sucking is adorable when babies do it, but when a child’s teeth start coming in, this habit can lead to all kinds of issues that take serious orthodontic care to correct. If you have a particularly willful child who just won’t stop despite your best efforts, we can place a thumb crib in their mouth. This will painlessly prevent them from sucking their thumb without inhibiting their ability to speak or eat. Over the course of a few weeks, they will naturally break the habit, and the crib can be removed.

Retainer Basics:

• Right after you get a retainer, you should wear it as much as possible, only taking it out to eat or brush your teeth.
• If a retainer feels tighter than normal, this likely means that your teeth are starting to move again, which means you should try to wear it more often.
• You should rinse your mouth and retainer after every meal, and at the end of the day, be sure to clean it with a soft-bristled tooth brush and some water to remove any leftover food particles.
• If your retainer isn’t in your mouth, be sure to place it in a plastic case so it doesn’t get lost or accidentally fall on the floor.
• Pets often love to play with retainers, so be sure to keep them away from your furry friends!
• Don’t wash or soak your retainer in hot water, as this can cause it to warp and lose its shape.
• Whenever you come to see Dr. Cordes for a follow-up appointment, be sure to bring your retainer with you.
• If your retainer needs to be adjusted or repaired, be sure to call our orthodontic office. Trying to do this yourself may lead to it breaking!
• Our retainers are designed to last for many years, so do your best not to lose them, as they can be expensive to replace.