Orthodontics
Braces and Retainers
Braces and Retainers Explained
Braces and retainers work together to straighten teeth and keep them in their corrected positions for life. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to gradually and precisely guide teeth into proper alignment, correcting issues like crowding, gaps, crooked teeth, and bite problems. They remain one of the most effective and reliable orthodontic treatments available, especially for complex cases. At Nova Dental Care of Chantilly, we provide braces for teens and adults, along with the retainers and follow-up care that protect your results once treatment is complete. Straightening teeth is about more than appearance: properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, function better when chewing, and reduce uneven wear and strain on the jaw. Once braces come off, retainers take over the essential job of holding teeth in their new positions, because teeth naturally tend to drift back over time without retention. We also provide ongoing post-orthodontic maintenance to monitor your bite and alignment and address any minor shifting early. Whether you are starting orthodontic treatment, finishing it, or replacing a lost retainer, we guide you through every stage so your investment in a straighter smile lasts. Below are the components of orthodontic treatment and retention we provide.
Braces and Retainers Approach
At Nova Dental Care of Chantilly, we see orthodontics as a journey with two equally important halves: moving teeth into place and keeping them there. We plan treatment around your goals and lifestyle, explain realistic timelines, and keep you comfortable at every adjustment. Just as importantly, we treat retention as essential rather than optional, because the results are only as lasting as the care that follows. We make sure you leave with the right retainer and a clear plan to protect your smile for the long term.
Four simple steps, every time.
From the moment you sit down to the moment you leave, here's what a routine cleaning and exam looks like at our Chantilly office.
Plan
We evaluate your teeth and bite with exams, X-rays, and scans, then map out a treatment plan with a realistic timeline and the expected result.
Place
Brackets are bonded to your teeth and connected with a wire that applies gentle, steady pressure to begin guiding teeth toward proper alignment
Adjust
At regular visits we adjust the wires to keep teeth moving on plan, monitoring progress and keeping you comfortable throughout treatment.
Retain
Once teeth are aligned, braces come off and a custom retainer holds them in place. We set a wear schedule and monitor your bite long-term.