Are You a Good Candidate for Retainers Only Treatment?

When patients learn that they may be able to achieve straighter teeth by wearing orthodontic retainers only, as opposed to wearing traditional metal braces for a period of a year or longer, they are delighted by the proposition. After all, who would not prefer to use inconspicuous retainers, especially those that could be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, instead of highly visible, cumbersome wire-and-bracket braces? Why don’t more patients opt for retainers only treatment?

You can bet that more patients would opt for retainers only treatment - if they were suitable candidates for retainers only treatment. Unfortunately, most patients in need of orthodontic correction will not achieve the results they desire, let alone the results they need, using only a retainer. Dr. Kellyn Hodges carefully evaluates retainers only treatment candidates during consultations at her Philadelphia, PA orthodontics practice. In cases in which this conservative treatment is viable, Dr. Hodges will absolutely advise the patient accordingly.

However, she will never compromise the quality of the care she provides; if a patient is unlikely to achieve good results with a given treatment, then she will not recommend that treatment, even if it is less expensive or more convenient for the patient. She has founded her practice on open, honest communication with her patients, and her outstanding success rates evidence this.

Are you potentially a suitable candidate for retainers only treatment? To find out, please schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Hodges today.

About Orthodontic Retainers

The orthodontic retainers used in retainers only treatment are the same used to prevent orthodontic relapse after treatment with braces. Orthodontic relapse refers to the natural tendency of the teeth to return to their original positions before orthodontic treatment. Retainers are used to maintain the results of treatment over time. For several months to a year, the retainer is worn full time; after that, it is worn overnight for several months; then, it is worn once or twice a week, potentially for a lifetime.

As you might imagine, if the teeth are prone to relapse after months of treatment with metal braces, and retainers are intended simply to prevent that relapse, then retainers should not generally be considered a primary orthodontic treatment device. In most cases, they won’t be sufficient to the task.

Candidacy for Retainers Only Treatment

In order to be considered a good candidate for retainers only treatment, therefore, your orthodontic issue must be relatively minor. Retainers only treatment can be used to treat minor cases of malocclusion (i.e., a “bad bite”) and crookedness or to close very small gaps between teeth. It cannot be used to treat extensive problem areas, let alone to perform full mouth correction.

If you are a good candidate for retainers only treatment, Dr. Hodges will happily advise you of such. Dr. Hodges believes in recommending the most conservative treatment available that is likely to produce the best possible results.

Find Out Whether You Are a Good Candidate for Retainers Only Treatment

To learn whether you are a suitable candidate for retainers only treatment, please contact Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics today.