FAQ
Do I Need a Retainer After My Braces Are Removed?
Yes. Retainers are an essential part of the retention phase of orthodontic treatment. After your braces or clear aligners are removed, your teeth naturally want to shift back toward their original positions. Wearing a retainer helps preserve your new smile and protects the time, effort, and investment you’ve made in your orthodontic treatment.
Retainers are custom-made for each patient and are available in two primary types:
- Removable retainers
- Bonded (fixed) retainers
After an initial period of full-time wear, removable retainers are typically worn only while sleeping. Bonded retainers consist of a thin wire permanently attached to the back of your front teeth. Although often referred to as “permanent retainers,” they may require occasional maintenance or repairs. With proper care and good oral hygiene, they commonly last around 10 years or longer.
Your orthodontist will help determine which type of retainer is best suited to your needs.
Which Is Better: A Removable or Permanent Retainer?
Both removable and bonded retainers are designed to keep your teeth properly aligned after orthodontic treatment, and each offers unique advantages.
Removable Retainers
Benefits:
- Easy to remove for eating and brushing
- Simpler to keep both the retainer and your teeth clean
- Typically only worn at night after the initial retention period
Things to Consider:
- Must be worn consistently to be effective
- Can be misplaced or forgotten
Bonded (Permanent) Retainers
Benefits:
- Always working without relying on patient compliance
- Hidden behind the front teeth
- Comfortable and convenient for many patients
Things to Consider:
- Require special flossing techniques, such as a floss threader or water flosser
- May occasionally require repair or replacement
Your orthodontist can recommend the best option based on your smile and treatment goals. If you ever have questions about caring for your retainer, don’t hesitate to contact our office.
What Is the Best Age for a First Orthodontic Appointment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7.
An early evaluation allows orthodontists to monitor jaw development, tooth eruption, and bite alignment while your child’s mouth is still growing. Early screening – often called Phase One Treatment – helps identify potential concerns before they become more significant.
Common issues that may be detected include:
- Harmful oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing)
- Missing, extra, or impacted teeth
- Crowding or spacing concerns
- Protruding teeth or deep bites
- Jaw growth discrepancies
- Crossbites or underbites
- Jaw joint (TMJ) concerns
Common Early Treatment Options
Depending on your child’s needs, treatment may include:
- Selective removal of baby teeth
- Orthodontic appliances, such as expanders or limited braces
- Removable appliances, including headgear or functional appliances
- Monitoring growth with periodic reevaluations (“watch and wait”)
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early intervention may help:
- Reduce the need for permanent tooth extractions
- Eliminate harmful oral habits
- Guide healthy jaw growth and facial development
- Improve confidence and self-esteem
- Reduce the length, complexity, and cost of future treatment
You don’t need to wait until a certain age if you have concerns about your child’s teeth or jaw development. If something doesn’t seem right, schedule an orthodontic evaluation so we can determine the best course of action.
Is It Worth Getting Braces as an Adult?
Absolutely. Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children and teenagers. Many adults enjoy life-changing results from braces or clear aligners well into their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond.
At Saini Orthodontics, we’ve successfully treated patients of all ages—including individuals in their 80s and 90s.
Common Reasons Adults Seek Orthodontic Treatment
- Teeth have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment
- Jaw misalignment affecting speaking, chewing, or swallowing
- Jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ/TMD) issues
- Crowded, overlapping, or crooked teeth that make oral hygiene more difficult
- A desire for a healthier, more confident smile
Treatment Options for Adults
Adults often have many of the same treatment options as younger patients, including:
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Clear aligners, such as Invisalign®, for appropriate cases
- Orthognathic (jaw) surgery for complex bite concerns
No matter your age, you deserve a healthy smile you’re proud to share. Contact our office to schedule an evaluation and learn which treatment option is right for you.
What Is the Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?
Dentists and orthodontists are both licensed dental professionals, but they have different areas of expertise.
A general dentist focuses on maintaining your overall oral health through services such as:
- Routine dental exams
- Professional cleanings
- Fillings
- Preventive care
- Diagnosing cavities and gum disease
An orthodontist specializes in correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws using treatments such as:
- Braces
- Clear aligners
- Retainers
- Other orthodontic appliances
A helpful comparison is the relationship between a family physician and a medical specialist. Your dentist provides ongoing general oral healthcare, while an orthodontist focuses on correcting bite and alignment issues requiring specialized training.
Patients may be referred by their dentist or schedule an orthodontic consultation directly.
Is an Orthodontist More Qualified Than a Dentist?
Orthodontists receive additional specialized education beyond dental school.
Both dentists and orthodontists complete:
- Three to four years of undergraduate education
- Three to four years of accredited dental school
After earning their dental degree, orthodontists complete an additional two to three years of full-time orthodontic residency training, totaling approximately 3,700 hours of specialized education, according to the American Dental Association.
Both professions must successfully pass state licensing examinations before practicing.
This additional training allows orthodontists to diagnose and treat complex bite, jaw, and tooth alignment concerns.
What Is the Difference Between a Licensed Orthodontist and a Board-Certified Orthodontist?
Every practicing orthodontist is licensed—but not every orthodontist is board certified.
State licensure confirms an orthodontist has completed the required education, residency, and licensing examinations necessary to practice.
Board certification is an additional voluntary credential awarded by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO).
To become board certified, orthodontists must:
- Successfully complete comprehensive written and clinical examinations
- Renew their certification every ten years by demonstrating continued excellence and staying current with advances in orthodontic care
Board certification reflects a commitment to providing exceptional care using the latest research, technology, and treatment techniques.
At Saini Orthodontics, board-certified orthodontists Dr. Raj Saini and Dr. Tarun “Ty” Saini perform the majority of clinical treatment, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of orthodontic care in a welcoming, patient-focused environment.
