Custom Dental Retainers in Brentwood, CA

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we often tell our patients that the most important day of orthodontic treatment is the day the braces come off or the last Invisalign tray is finished. This is because teeth have a natural “memory” and will begin to shift back to their original positions if they aren’t held in place.

Dr. Thuc Luu provides custom-fitted dental retainers to ensure your beautiful, straight smile lasts a lifetime. Whether you just finished orthodontics or need to replace an old, worn-out retainer, we offer the most durable and comfortable options available in Brentwood.

Why Are Retainers Necessary?

Orthodontic treatment moves teeth by remodeling the bone and ligaments surrounding them. Once the active pressure of braces or aligners is removed, it takes time for the bone to harden and “set” around the new positions.

• Preventing Orthodontic Relapse: Without a retainer, teeth naturally tend to “drift” back toward their crowded or crooked state.
• Managing Minor Shifting: If you had braces years ago and noticed slight movement, a new retainer can often prevent further shifting.
• Bite Stabilization: Retainers help your upper and lower teeth maintain their new, healthy bite relationship.
• Trusted Resource: Learn more about post-orthodontic retention from the American Association of Orthodontists.

Types of Retainers Available at Fairview Dental

We offer three main types of retainers, depending on your lifestyle and the specific needs of your smile:

1. Clear Plastic Retainers (Essix or Vivera®)

These look very similar to Invisalign trays. They are made of clear, medical-grade plastic and fit snugly over your teeth.

• Pros: Virtually invisible, comfortable, and covers the entire biting surface to prevent wear from grinding.
• Best For: Most patients who want a discreet way to keep their teeth straight.

2. Hawley Retainers (Traditional)

This is the classic retainer made of a metal wire connected to an acrylic base that fits against the roof of your mouth or inside your lower teeth.

• Pros: Highly durable, adjustable by the dentist, and allows the teeth to touch naturally.
• Best For: Patients who need a very sturdy option or those who have specific bite requirements.

3. Fixed (Bonded) Retainers

A thin, custom-fitted wire is permanently bonded to the back of your front teeth (usually the lower ones).

• Pros: You never have to worry about forgetting to wear it or losing it.
• Best For: Patients with a high risk of relapse in the front teeth.
• Note: These require extra diligence with flossing using floss threaders.

The Retainer Process at Our Brentwood Office

Getting a new retainer at Fairview Dental is quick and easy:

1. Digital Impressions: We use our advanced 3D scanner to take a “digital map” of your teeth. This is far more accurate and comfortable than the old-fashioned “goop” molds.
2. Custom Fabrication: Your scan is used to create a 3D model, upon which your retainer is custom-molded for a perfect, “snap-on” fit.
3. Fitting and Adjustment: Dr. Luu will check the fit to ensure there are no pressure points and that your bite feels natural.

How to Care for Your Retainer

A well-cared-for retainer can last for several years. Follow these simple rules:

• “If it’s not in your face, it’s in the case”: Most retainers are lost when wrapped in a napkin at a restaurant and thrown away.
• Clean Gently: Brush your retainer daily with a soft toothbrush and mild clear liquid soap. Avoid toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and dull the plastic.
• Keep Cool: Never leave your retainer in a hot car or wash it in boiling water, as the heat can warp the plastic.
• Pets Love Retainers: Keep your retainer case out of reach of dogs—they are frequently attracted to the scent and may chew the appliance.

Why Choose Fairview Dental Brentwood?

Dr. Thuc Luu treats the retention phase with the same level of detail as active treatment.

• 3D Accuracy: Our digital scanning ensures your retainer fits exactly as it should, preventing even the smallest amounts of shifting.
• Rapid Replacement: If you lose your retainer, we can quickly pull up your digital files and have a new one made, often without needing a new impression.
• Long-Term Monitoring: We check the fit of your retainer during your regular 6-month cleaning appointments to ensure it is still doing its job.

Don’t Let Your Smile Shift

Whether you just finished treatment or your old retainer has cracked or disappeared, don’t wait to act. Teeth can shift in as little as 24 hours without support.

Contact us today at (925) 240-7253 or visit our office in the Shops at Fairview to schedule an evaluation.