SERVICES

Orthodontics

Supporting a Lifetime of Healthy Alignment

Keep Your Smile with Retainers & Space Maintainers

After the hard work of orthodontic treatment, maintaining your beautiful, straight smile is crucial. At Smiles Dental Spa, Dr. Shirley Zhao provides expert care and durable appliances designed to keep your smile aligned and healthy long after braces or aligner therapy ends. Our personalized approach ensures you get the right orthodontic retainers and dental retainers and space maintainers to protect your investment and support your child’s oral development.

Your Trusted Tracy Dentist

Since 2013

Retainers play a vital role in orthodontics by stabilizing teeth in their new positions after braces or Invisalign.

The Importance of Retainers

Retainers play a vital role in orthodontics by stabilizing teeth in their new positions after braces or Invisalign. Teeth naturally have a tendency to shift back to their original places—the period after active orthodontic treatment is critical as bone and gums adjust to the new alignment. Our experienced Tracy dentist carefully monitors both baby teeth and permanent teeth throughout this phase. Practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, helps maintain results and overall oral health.

Maintaining Alignment After Orthodontic Treatment

How Retainers Work

Custom-made to comfortably fit your mouth, orthodontic retainers hold your teeth steady while your jawbone hardens around them in the correct position. This prevents relapse, maintaining your hard-earned results for a lifetime.

Dr. Zhao will highly recommend the best type of retainer for your unique treatment plan and lifestyle. For children who have lost a baby tooth, she may also include space maintainers to preserve proper spacing until the permanent teeth erupt. Patients typically wear retainers full-time at first, then transition to nighttime wear for ongoing maintenance.

Types of Retainers

Clear Retainers (Essix)

Transparent, removable plastic retainers that fit snugly over your teeth. Discreet, easy to clean, and ideal for patients seeking a low-profile option, including those with artificial teeth.

Hawley Retainers:

Made with a durable plastic base and metal wire, adjustable and long-lasting. They allow your bite to settle and provide a customizable fit.

Fixed Retainers

Thin wires bonded permanently to the back of your front teeth, offering continuous support without needing to remember wear time. Patients must maintain careful hygiene to prevent plaque buildup, especially around artificial teeth.

Guiding Proper Tooth Development in Children

Space Maintainers: Protecting Growing Smiles

When a child has lost a primary tooth too early, neighboring teeth can drift into the empty space, disrupting the alignment of a permanent tooth. Space maintainers—including removable space maintainers and fixed space maintainers—hold open the gap until the permanent tooth erupts properly.

Using a space maintainer helps prevent crowded teeth, misalignment, and the need for more extensive orthodontic care later. At Smiles Dental Spa, our team, including experienced pediatric dentists, closely monitors your child’s tooth development and fits space maintainers when needed. These appliances hold the space until the tooth is ready or guide growth until an artificial tooth becomes necessary.

Simple Daily Habits for Long-Lasting Results

Caring for Your Retainers and Space Maintainers

Proper oral hygiene is essential for retainers and space maintainers to function well and stay comfortable:

Maintaining your appliances protects your investment and ensures your smile stays healthy and aligned.

Comfortable and Compassionate Care

Why Choose Smiles Dental Spa for Orthodontic Follow-Up?

We actively support your smile maintenance journey, ensuring orthodontic success long after braces are removed with expert guidance and follow-up care.

Compassionate Care

A caring, communicative approach with every visit

Advanced Technology

Advanced technology for accurate, safe diagnostics

Flexible Scheduling

Flexible scheduling for busy lifestyles

Family & Cosmetic Experise

Expertise in both family dental care and cosmetic dentistry procedures

Convenient Location

Convenient location with easy parking

Testimonials

Hear From Our Patients

We thrive on patient feedback! See what your neighbors in Tracy have to say about their experience, and if you have a moment, please leave us a review—we appreciate you taking the time!

Visit Us Today

Schedule an Appointment for Retainers and Space Maintainers

Maintain the stability and appearance of your newly aligned smile. Contact Smiles Dental Spa to schedule an appointment for dental retainers and space maintainers with Dr. Shirley Zhao.
Contact our office at (209) 585-1475 or conveniently schedule your appointment online through NexHealth. Visit us at 1431 N Tracy Blvd, Tracy, CA 95376—trusted care tailored for your family.

Location

1431 N Tracy Blvd
Tracy, CA 95376