Can I Skip Braces for a Retainer?

young woman covers her mouth with both hands to hide her braces

As an orthodontic practice, we are used to patients asking for the fastest orthodontic treatment possible. We understand—you want to be able to show off your new, symmetrical smile as soon as you can! However, there are a lot of factors that are involved in planning orthodontic treatment, and sometimes a patient’s treatment time can end up being longer than expected for many reasons.

Retainers are most often used to keep teeth in alignment once orthodontic treatment has been completed. Without a retainer, the teeth will begin shifting back to their original positions, usually faster than patients realize. In some cases, patients can utilize retainers instead of undergoing orthodontic treatment. However, this is usually only the case for patients who have very minor orthodontic issues, like small gaps in between their teeth. During your orthodontic consultation, we can assess your teeth and provide a personalized recommendation for what we believe will work best for your smile.

Additional Treatment Options

In the event that a retainer cannot be used to provide you with the results you want, our office provides a variety of other orthodontic treatment options that may end up being an excellent fit for you. If you want the shortest treatment possible, for example, our accelerated orthodontics may offer the ultra-quick results that you are looking for. If straightening your teeth discreetly is a high priority for you, clear aligner therapy can straighten your teeth effectively without the use of noticeable metal braces.

We Will Help You Decide the Best Option

Not sure which option is right for your smile? Please contact our office and schedule a consultation with our team. Stroope Orthodontics provides a truly wide range of orthodontic treatment options, and our qualified dental team can review your preferences, needs, budget, lifestyle, and oral health to help you decide on the perfect orthodontic treatment option. Give our office a call or send us a message through our contact form, and someone in our office will find a convenient time for you to come visit us!

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