Posted on May 24, 2019
Your braces are finally off and your teeth look amazing. You find yourself smiling, even when no one is around. You can’t help it. And then the doctors at Harnick Orthodontics remind you of that one little device you’re supposed to wear every night – your retainer. Retainers are custom trays designed to keep your teeth from shifting. Now, I know what you’re thinking, do you really need to wear it every night? Both Dr. David Harnick and Dr. Kari Harnick say the answer is yes. Wearing your retainer is important for keeping your teeth in their correct position. There are two types of retainers, bonded retainers and removable retainers.
Bonded retainers are glued to your teeth with a wire that connects them across the bridge of your mouth. Once you receive your retainers from Harnick Orthodontics, it’s important to have your dentist check your retainer each time you go for a visit. After all, it’s not uncommon for the glue and wires to become loose. If they come loose, the teeth can start shifting immediately so please call in a timely manner.
Removable retainers come in two types, Hawley and Essix. Hawley retainers have an acrylic piece that is molded to the roof of your mouth with base wires that wrap around the front of your teeth. Essix retainers use a single piece of clear plastic that’s been molded to your bite so that it can easily fit over your teeth. Invisalign also offers retainers for when you’ve finished your treatment. They’re called Vivera and are similar to Essix retainers.
Harnick Orthodontics wants to make sure you know keeping your retainers clean is also important. To clean your retainer, soak the retainers in a denture cleaner during the day and rinse well before use. To protect your retainer from any accidents it is best to keep it in its case when you’re not wearing it.
"Dear Patients,
I am writing to share an important update about our practice. After much thought and consideration, I have made the very difficult decision to consolidate our two locations into one main office at Montgomery Pkwy. This was not a decision I made lightly, as I know how important convenience and continuity are for our patients and families.
Please know that my patients remain my top priority, and I want to ensure that no one feels left without support during this transition. To help with this, I worked out an arrangement with the new owner of the Golf Course Rd. office that will allow me to continue seeing patients there for a period of time after the transition.
Appointments at the Golf Course office will be limited.
Preference will be given to patients who began treatment at the Golf Course location.
Over time, most patients will transition fully to our Montgomery Pkwy office.
This arrangement was made with you in mind—to provide continuity of care and make the transition as smooth as possible.
I want to thank you for trusting us with your orthodontic care. I am committed to seeing you through your treatment and look forward to continuing your journey at our Montgomery Pkwy location.
If you have any questions about scheduling or the transition, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office.
With gratitude,
Kari Harnick Graeber DDS, MS
Harnick Orthodontics"
