Retainers after Braces

For people with a misaligned bite or crooked teeth, braces can straighten and align their smile.

Braces are placed on teeth by an orthodontist, which is a dentist who specializes in correcting irregularities of the teeth.

In the beginning, your orthodontist will conduct an exam of your teeth and gums, take impressions of your teeth, take photos of your face and teeth and order X-rays of your mouth and head.

The braces will then be placed on your teeth by your orthodontist. Periodically, you will return to see your orthodontist who will gently tighten the braces a little bit to move your teeth in the correct direction.

After the braces straighten your teeth and your orthodontist removes them, your choppers should look straight. However, teeth have a natural inclination to go back to where they were (crooked) before you had your braces put on. If that were to happen, then you would have wasted a lot of time and money on braces.

That’s why your orthodontist will have you fitted for a retainer, which you will need to wear regularly.

A retainer is a piece of plastic and metal that is custom-made for each person, after his or her braces are taken off. Each retainer is designed to fit each unique mouth; that’s why your orthodontist will make a mold of your newly straightened teeth to create a retainer.

Your retainer will help your teeth stay set in their new positions. Children and adults who have had braces both need to wear their retainers. Children and teens are especially vulnerable to shifting teeth because their bodies are still growing. The retainer helps to control this shifting, which happens naturally. 

Visit our website to learn more about the retainers or call 702-838-0707 to make an appointment today. Our experienced orthodontists will make sure that your comfort is their priority. Start on the road to straighter teeth today!

The Cost of Braces

Orthodontics have changed over the years. Treatments no longer rely on oversized metal headgear or unsightly shiny brackets over the teeth. And the good news is they're also cheaper than they used to be. Here's a brief example of the cost of modern braces:

   - Traditional braces: $5,000-7,500. This is the typical range of the complete cost for basic metal braces with brackets.

   - Lingual braces: $6,000-10,000. Lingual braces are worn behind the teeth and are hidden from view when smiling. These cost more than traditional braces due to customization requirements.

   - Invisalign treatment: $3,500-5,000. Invisalign is growing in popularity and dropping in price. This is a great choice if you want to disguise your orthodontics treatment. They're also often considered to be more comfortable than traditional braces.

Las Vegas Orthodontist Answers Frequently Asked Questions

What will my braces look like?
Ugly braces are a thing of the past. Today, braces can be made in a variety of styles, so you’ll have a lot of options to choose from. Whether you want them to be colorful and vibrant or clear and subtle, your orthodontist can find you the braces you’re looking for. If you don’t like any of the designs, you can always make them invisible with transparent braces. Braces can even be worn behind your teeth and hidden from sight.

Can all adults wear braces?
In many cases, orthodontic treatment is still a possibility for adult patients. Unfortunately, some adults have receded gumlines or shallow roots, which make braces impossible to wear. It is always best to consult your orthodontist to be sure.

Are there orthodontists that specialize on adult patients?
Yes, there are specialists in adult orthodontics. However, all orthodontists that are board-certified have been trained in treating adult patients. Just be sure that your orthodontist takes his or her time with your braces. The average teenager needs to get their braces tightened every 2-4 weeks, while adult patients should only have their braces tightened every 3-6 weeks.


For further questions regarding A Free Orthodontics Consultation please call (702) 463- 7400.

Adult Orthodontics and How It Differs From Teenage Orthodontic Treatments

There are some minor differences with Adult Orthodontics and Teenage Orthodontic Treatments.

A major difference is the length of treatment. The older the person the longer it takes to heal and the more an orthodontist needs to take time and slowly let your mouth heal between tightening appointments.

As a teenager the jaw is apt to adjust easier so that everything fits. When growth stops, then the jaw becomes harder and difficult to adjust.

Orthodontic treatment for adults is very successful and there are many clear braces options that patients can discuss during their orthodontist visits.


For further questions regarding Adult Orthodontics please call (702) 463- 7400.

Las Vegas Adult Orthodontics

Desert Orthodontics orthodontist Dr. Kate T. Nguyen discusses braces for adults in this video.



Dr. Nguyen discusses misconceptions about adult orthodontics, the benefits of having orthodontics done as an adult and the advantages of modern-day orthodontics.

For further questions about Adult Orthodontics, please call (702) 463-7400 or visit BracesLasVegas.com.