Handle Your Retainer with Care

Kelly Orthodontics

Like most patients at Kelly Orthodontics, you are probably counting down the days until you get your braces off. It’s no question that when that day comes, it will be exciting. But…it is important to remember that just because your braces have been removed, that doesn’t mean your orthodontic treatment is over.

Retainers will need to be worn following the removal of your braces to prevent the teeth from shifting. It is vital to follow Dr. Kelly’s instructions carefully after you have had your orthodontic treatment completed to ensure long-standing results.

Unfortunately, braces do not guarantee that your orthodontic treatment results will be permanent. In fact, teeth have a natural tendency to move back into their original place after the forces holding them have been removed. Without a retainer, it is likely that the teeth will go back to their prior misalignment shortly after having your braces removed. A retainer helps to keep your teeth aligned until they have set firmly into place.

Retainer use will continue indefinitely. The amount of time that you must spend wearing your retainer will depend on how long it has been since you had your braces removed. In most situations, you will be required to wear your retainer as often as possible for the first 3 to 6 months after your braces have been removed. After this, it is recommended that you wear your retainer nightly for the next 1 to 3 years. Failing to wear your retainer for a day or two won’t cause significant issues but failing to wear your retainer for extended periods of time will cause your teeth to move out of alignment.

There two main types of retainers and our team will discuss the best solution for retaining the alignment of your teeth with you.

Removable Retainers – These are retainers that you can remove and store when they are not in your mouth. This kind of retainer is often much easier to keep clean, because you can remove your retainer whenever you eat or brush your teeth. Removable retainers allow you to be more efficient with your oral hygiene routine. However, the main drawback to removable retainers is that you must remember to wear it according to Dr. Kelly’s specifications. Removable retainers are also easier to lose and damage, because they can be taken out of your mouth and misplaced.

Fixed Retainers - A fixed retainer is adhered to the teeth in much the same way as your braces. Fixed retainers consist of a thin wire that is positioned and bonded to the back surface of your teeth. Fixed retainers effective at keeping the teeth in place, but they can be more difficult to keep clean.

It is important to keep your retainer clean and in good condition. Remember to rinse your removable retainer in cold water before and after use. If you have a fixed retainer, you will need to follow the same processes to clean it as you did with braces. Store your removable retainer in a plastic case whenever it is not in your mouth. You will also need to wash your retainer with a specialized cleaner every few months.

At Kelly Orthodontics, we are passionate about your smile. To learn more about how to keep your smile straight and beautiful, visit our website or give one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members a call.

 

 

Affordable Orthodontic Care

Kelly Orthodontics

If you recently learned that orthodontic treatment is in your or your child’s future, remain calm and rest assured that Kelly Orthodontics will help you each step of the way.

Dr. Dan Kelly and his team are aware that people have finite budgets. Juggling expenses is a fact of life. Our office is accustomed to working with families and individuals to make orthodontic care affordable and budget friendly.

First…make an appointment with our St. Charles, Illinois office. New patient exams are always complimentary. During this initial exam, a comprehensive clinical examination will be performed to determine the need for orthodontic treatment. If Dr. Kelly feels treatment is necessary, he will explain appropriate recommendations and answer any questions you may have. One of the things that make Kelly Orthodontics unique is that the doctor performs this initial examination himself. We feel that this personalized approach makes our office very approachable and responsive to your questions.

It may be a pleasant surprise to learn how truly affordable orthodontic care is today. Monthly payments can be no more than the cost of your mobile phone plan…but the benefits last a lot longer. At the end of the day, orthodontic care is a lifetime investment in your or your child’s health and appearance, and payment plans make care quite manageable.

Do you have insurance to help pay for treatment? For your convenience, we assist you by verifying insurance coverage and submitting insurance claims pertaining to charges for care rendered in our office. Orthodontic insurance differs from general dental insurance in that each insured individual has a lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services. This benefit is paid as a percentage of the orthodontic fee and can offset the total treatment cost. We can even help you strategize how to maximize your benefits so you can minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

How can you afford braces without insurance? When it comes to paying for braces, you have options.

Choose a low-cost option. At Kelly Orthodontics, we offer affordable braces. Meaning, we have braces that require fewer office visits and braces that are made with more cost-effective materials. These more affordable options will help reduce the cost of your treatment overall.

Ask for a payment plan. We offer several payment programs including interest-free financing, prepayment discounts, and extended third party financing. We also have a multiple family member discount policy. These types of plans help tremendously when investing in affordable braces for you or your child.

Use your Flexible Spending Account. Even if your dental plan does not cover orthodontics, your employer might offer a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). The money you put into this account is not taxed, which means your dollars will go further. Contribute the maximum amount and use these funds to pay for expenses not covered by insurance, including braces.

Though orthodontics can come with a higher price tag, you do have many options to help you pay for your or your child’s orthodontic care. Start by having a conversation with Dr. Dan Kelly…then begin your journey toward an improved smile.