Many Carlsbad people could improve their smile with braces, yet only a portion are currently undergoing treatment. A common reason Carlsbad people delay or forego orthodontic treatment is because they believe it is a difficult, costly process requiring traditional metal braces.

Metal braces are not needed for every tooth alignment issue, however. An orthodontic appliance known as a spring retainer is often a great solution for people who need minimal adjustment to correct alignment (and do not have an overbite or underbite).¹

Spring retainers are removable, less noticeable, and less costly than conventional braces. Unlike traditional retainers which are designed to maintain alignment and prevent further shifting, spring retainers can move teeth 1-2 mm in the desired direction. They are often recommended for Carlsbad orthodontic patients who neglected to wear their retainer after undergoing orthodontic treatment to have their teeth corrected.

Creating a spring retainer is relatively manageable: an orthodontics lab forms a mold of the teeth based on the desired end result. Spring retainers are most often used for the front teeth and incisors but can sometimes be expanded to include other teeth as well.²

At La Costa Dental Excellence, we offer a variety of orthodontic options. If you would like your teeth corrected, call us at 760-633-3033 to schedule an orthodontic consultation.

We also offer the full spectrum of cosmetic dental procedures including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges, and cosmetic bonding.

¹ ‘Straight Talk on Braces,’ Highbeam Business, January 5, 2008, https://business.highbeam.com/3559/article-1G1-127058688/straight-talk-braces.htm, accessed on Oct 19, 2011

² ‘Spring Retainers,’ 1-800-Dentist, November 10, 2008, https://www.1800dentist.com/dental-encyclopedia/spring-retainers, accessed on October 19, 2011