Our services
Request an appointment
Reserve your spot with our medical team in just minutes.
Orthodontic Retainers in San Leandro, CA
Congratulations! You’ve completed your orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners, and your smile looks fantastic. But the journey to a lasting, beautiful smile doesn’t end there. At San Leandra Braces, we emphasize the crucial role of retainers in San Leandro, CA, to ensure your teeth remain perfectly aligned for years to come. Retainers are the essential final step to preserve the results of your hard work and investment, preventing your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
The Lifelong Importance of Retainers
After orthodontic treatment, your teeth and the surrounding bone and gum tissues need time to stabilize in their new positions. Without the consistent wear of an orthodontic retainer, your teeth are very likely to shift, potentially undoing all the progress you’ve made. This natural tendency for teeth to move is why wearing your retainer as directed by your San Leandra orthodontist is the single most important factor in maintaining your beautifully straight smile for a lifetime.
Types of Retainers We Offer in San Leandro
We offer a variety of high-quality retainers at San Leandra Braces, tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. Our team will help you choose the best option to maintain your stunning results.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers offer flexibility and are a popular choice for many of our patients in San Leandro. They are designed to be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Hawley Retainers: These traditional retainers feature a durable acrylic base that fits snugly against the roof of your mouth or along the inside of your lower teeth, connected by a custom-fit wire that wraps around the front of your teeth. They are adjustable and very effective.
Clear Plastic Retainers: Often referred to as “Essix retainers,” these are custom-made from clear, thin plastic that fits precisely over your teeth, similar to clear aligners. They are virtually invisible, comfortable, and a discreet way to maintain your new smile.
Permanent Retainers (Fixed or Bonded Retainers)
For patients seeking a constant, worry-free solution, permanent retainers are an excellent option. These consist of a thin, custom-fit wire that is discreetly bonded to the back (tongue-side) of your front teeth.
Benefits: Fixed retainers are virtually invisible, offer continuous retention, and eliminate the concern of forgetting to wear a removable appliance. They are particularly beneficial for maintaining stability in areas prone to shifting.
Ideal Candidates: Often recommended for patients who had significant crowding or spacing in their front teeth, or for those who prefer the convenience of a non-removable solution.
Caring for Your Retainers
Proper care of your retainer is essential for its longevity and effectiveness.
Clean Regularly: Brush your removable retainers daily with a toothbrush and cool water (and mild soap if recommended) to remove plaque and food debris.
Store Safely: Always keep your removable retainer in its protective case when not in your mouth. This prevents damage and loss.
Avoid Heat: Never expose plastic retainers to hot water or high temperatures, as this can distort the material.
Maintain Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss thoroughly, paying extra attention around permanent retainers to keep them clean and free of plaque.
Regular Check-ups: Bring your retainers to your regular check-ups at San Leandra Braces so we can ensure they are fitting correctly and are in good condition.
Why Choose San Leandra Braces for Your Retainer Needs?
At San Leandra Braces, our commitment to your smile extends long after your braces come off. We take pride in providing personalized retainer solutions designed for maximum comfort and effectiveness. Our expert team in San Leandro, CA, will guide you through the selection process, provide clear instructions for wear and care, and be there for any adjustments or concerns you may have, ensuring your beautiful, straight smile lasts a lifetime.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Your dream smile is closer than you think. Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation with our expert San Leandro team to discuss your goals and explore the best treatment options for a healthy, radiant smile.
Questions about appointments
Have questions about scheduling or what to expect? Here are answers to common inquiries to help you feel fully prepared.
Scheduling your first appointment with us is easy! You can call our San Leandro office directly at (510) 568-3322 to speak with our friendly scheduling coordinator. Alternatively, you can fill out the appointment request form on our website anytime. We will contact you during our next business day to find a time that works perfectly for your schedule. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice!
Your first visit is a complimentary, no-obligation consultation designed for you to meet our team and learn about your orthodontic options. This initial appointment at our San Leandro, CA, practice will last about an hour and includes:
A comprehensive oral examination by one of our expert orthodontists.
Digital X-rays and photos to get a complete picture of your dental structure.
A detailed discussion about your smile goals and any concerns you may have.
A personalized presentation of recommended treatment options (such as clear braces, Invisalign®, or traditional braces).
A clear breakdown of treatment timelines, costs, insurance coverage, and our flexible financing options.
Our goal is to ensure you leave with all the information you need to make a confident decision about your smile.
Absolutely. San Leandra Braces is proud to be an in-network provider for most major PPO dental insurance plans. We ask that you bring your insurance information to your first visit so we can verify your orthodontic coverage for you. For any out-of-pocket costs, we offer a variety of flexible, interest-free financing plans to make achieving your dream smile affordable. Our treatment coordinator will be happy to create a payment plan that fits comfortably within your budget.