At the point when you’re required to wear a retainer, the success of your orthodontic treatment in Vancouver is at its most vulnerable. Retainers are removable, and that means that if they’re uncomfortable or if the patient doesn’t make a habit of wearing them, it’s easy for time to pass and all that hard work creating a great smile will be for nothing.
Don’t risk having to go back for more work or have the results of your orthodontic treatment be a less-than-perfect smile. Use your retainer consistently and just as your dentist or orthodontist instructs you to.
The Role of a Retainer
It may seem obvious, but a retainer’s role is not that different from braces. A retainer can be made of formed plastic that is shaped to the soft palette and finished with metal wires that hold the teeth in place. A retainer can also be more like a mouthguard, but much thinner and almost invisible. Retainers are personalized and customized so that they fit your mouth and encourage your teeth to move or stay in place as you want them to.
Inconsistency will Cause Problems
If you don’t use your retainer as instructed by your dentist or orthodontist, you risk losing the smile you’re hoping for. Our teeth are not firmly set in place, which should be obvious based on the way that an orthodontist can help move them so they look the way you want them to. But just because you’ve moved them in the direction you’d like them to go, doesn’t mean they’re going to stay there just yet.
This is why retainers are used. Your dentist or orthodontist has determined that you need to wear a retainer to get that perfect smile. Be consistent and wear it as directed and you’ll get there.
Hello! I’m Dr. Kevin Lee, a certified orthodontic specialist at PacificWest Dental Group, proudly serving the vibrant communities of Vancouver and Surrey. My journey into orthodontics began back in high school. As a teenager wearing braces, I became fascinated by the intricate blend of art, engineering, and biology that defines this field. This early experience ignited a passion that has guided me throughout my career.
I pursued my academic journey at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 2006, followed by a Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2011. After a year-long residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, I returned to UBC to complete a combined Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology and a Diploma in Orthodontics in 2015. That same year, I achieved certification from both the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and the American Board of Orthodontics.
With over a decade of clinical experience, I remain deeply committed to staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements. At PacificWest Dental Group, we prioritize personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring comfort and care every step of the way. Our goal is to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Outside the clinic, I enjoy engaging with our community and staying active. Whether it’s through local events or outdoor activities, I believe in building strong relationships both inside and outside the office. I look forward to meeting you and working together to create a beautiful, confident smile.
Services we provide:
-Invisalign
-Braces
-Lingual Braces
-Digital treatment planning
-TMJ and headpain treatment
-Laser Therapy
-Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
-Dysport Cosmetic Injectables