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Orthodontists in Denver CO - Desktop logo
  • Our Practice
    • About Our Practice
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Dr. Speaks
    • Meet Our Team
    • Community Involvement
    • Holiday Contest
    • Office Tour
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      • Braces for Teens
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      • Clear Aligners for Adults
      • Clear Aligner FAQ
    • Orthodontics
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      • Life With Braces
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Technology
      • Orthodontics FAQ
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      • Surgical Orthodontics
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Types Of Retainers

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  • Types Of Retainers

We all know that one day those braces will come off. At that time, your
orthodontist creates your new retainer. The retainer is an important part
of the teeth-straightening process. If you do not wear the retainer prescribed
by your orthodontist, your teeth go back to their earlier placement. Your
teeth will line up exactly as they looked before you got braces. Your
teeth are held in place by periodontal ligaments. It takes a long time
for the periodontal ligaments to adjust when the teeth are straightened.
Therefore, orthodontists create retainers to keep your teeth straight,
in perfect alignment.

Basically, your orthodontist has a choice of three different types of retainers.
As a patient, this is not something you get to choose. The orthodontist
chooses the best retainer for each patient. Some of the retainers are
removable and others are permanently attached. Retainers which are permanently
attached, can only be removed by an orthodontist. The orthodontist creates
the retainer the day your braces are removed. Through the use of plaster
impressions and x-rays, the orthodontist determines which retainer works
best for each patient.

There are three basic types of retainers. The Hawley retainer is the most
common retainer, preferred by many orthodontists. Molded to fit your mouth,
the retainer has a piece of wire used to keep your teeth in perfect alignment.
The acrylic retainer is easily removed. It can easily be altered or customized;
just incase those perfectly aligned teeth start to move out of alignment.
This is the most common retainer, preferred by many orthodontists.

The clear plastic retainer is often the first choice for some patients.
If you grind your teeth, your orthodontist will probably not choose this
retainer. This clear plastic retainer is not as durable as the acrylic
Hawley retainer. However, this clear plastic retainer is often preferred
by many patients. This type of retainer is nearly invisible; so no one
will be able to notice you are wearing a retainer.

The third type of retainer is a bonded or fixed retainer. This type of
metal retainer is permanently bonded to your teeth. However, this retainer
is not visible, as it is placed behind your teeth. This retainer is typically
used on the bottom front teeth. The bottom front teeth commonly move back
to their original position. Those bottom front teeth need a little more
help; that is why we use the fixed retainer.

patient testimonials

Our patients are stoked about their new smiles

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Delina G.
I was nervous about getting braces as an adult, but my experience with Speaks was excellent. The 2 ½ years went by quickly. Dr. Speaks and the staff were clear about the timeline and what I needed to do to ensure a good outcome. I got my braces off last year, a few days before my 30th birthday, and I’m still very happy with the results!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your experience at Speaks Orthodontics was positive and that you’re thrilled with your results. Enjoy your beautiful smile!
Melissa C.
My experience from start to finish with my orthodontic treatment at Speaks Orthodontics has been wonderful. Having to go back into orthodontics in your 30s isn’t ideal, but the team here made it smooth and comfortable. The free consultation was detailed and unhurried. The office is clean and comfortable. Every staff member is kind and helpful. Dr. Speaks’ bedside manner is top-notch, and not only did I get my teeth alignment fixed, he also helped me with evening my gumline out with a laser gingivectomy as part of my treatment. I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking for orthodontic treatment.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Melissa! We're thrilled to hear that your experience with our team and Dr. Speaks exceeded your expectations. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to seeing you again!
LaPhonso S.
Loved my experience with Dr. Speaks and their team. All the the staff were super friendly and made me feel like they actually cared when I would go in. Had braces and got them off sooner than I expected and very happy with my results!! Highly recommend Speaks Orthodontics!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, LaPhonso! We're delighted to hear about your positive experience with our team and your satisfaction with the results. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
shareen M.
They have been so amazing with their follow up to all my questions. So much patience!!
Thank you
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Shareen! We're glad to hear that our team has been helpful and patient in addressing your questions. Your satisfaction is our priority!
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3141 Irving St. #201
Denver, CO 80211

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  • 3141 Irving St. #201
    Denver, CO 80211
  • 303.292.1780
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