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How to «retain» a brand new smile

September 25, 2017
How to «retain» a brand new smile

Orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners will create a beautiful smile, but wearing retainers afterwards is what maintains and protects the smile into the future. Retainers are key to maintaining the success of orthodontic treatment over the long term. In fact, wearing retainers is equally as important as the orthodontic treatment itself!

What is a retainer orthodontic?

A retainer is an orthodontic device that is designed to help teeth «retain» their new position. Teeth move throughout our life and without a retainer, the teeth will shift again.

A retainer is designed to keep the teeth where the previous braces/aligner treatment moved them.  To properly maintain the results your investment deserves it must be worn according to the guidelines set by your orthodontist.

But let’s face it – getting into the habit of wearing a retainer correctly and keeping it safe can be a challenge! Here’s all you need to know about the importance of retainers, alongside some tips for use and safekeeping.

The importance of a retainer

In a nutshell, they are custom-made orthodontic appliances that are designed to hold the teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment. If they are not worn as instructed by your orthodontist, the teeth will very rapidly begin to go crooked again.

It is vitally important to understand that it takes time for a mouth to ‘learn’ the new positioning of their teeth once braces are removed. While some minor changes to the bite and tooth alignment post-treatment are normal, wearing a retainer for as long as your orthodontist recommends is the best way to ensure their teeth stay healthy and straight for years to come.teeth retainer

Different types of retainers for teeth

Retainers can be fixed onto the teeth or be removable. There are various types of retainers that may be suggested for patients when they are ready to move on from braces.

1. Permanent

A permanent or fixed retainer is a wire that is glued to the inside of the teeth to help prevent the teeth from shifting over time. They are similar to lingual braces in their appearance.

2. Removable

Removable retainers come in two main types, plates or clear retainers. These need to be taken out for eating, cleaning, and sport. A plate retainer is also commonly known as a wire retainer. It consists of a moulded acrylic base that is custom-fitted to the roof of the mouth. This type of retainer has been around for decades and continues to be a reliable option after braces.
Clear retainers are essentially a very thin clear mouthguard. They are made from a clear plastic that is created from a mould of the teeth once braces are removed. You shouldn’t feel any discomfort or pressure from the retainer if worn correctly and consistently.

How long does it take for retainers to straighten teeth?

Some patients are recommended a permanent fixed orthodontic retainer (a thin wire placed behind the front upper and/or lower teeth that it is completely invisible), while others are encouraged to wear their removable plastic orthodontic retainer for as long as possible.

Some individuals may wear their removable retainer one or two nights a week long term, whereas others may need to wear their retainer nightly or every other night.

Faces, teeth and jaws are guaranteed to change as we age, but every person is unique. Therefore, only your orthodontist will be able to advise which type of retainer is right for you and how often and for how long you should be wearing it.

Tips for living with a removable retainer
  1. Keep it safe

    When the retainer is not being worn, it should always be kept safe in its container so it won’t be damaged or lost. Wrapping it in a napkin or tissue isn’t a good idea as it’s more likely to get lost or accidentally thrown away.

  2. Clean it regularly

    Retainers are exposed to the same bacteria and plaque as the rest of your mouth. Like teeth, they need to be cleaned (or at least rinsed) after every meal. Ensure your child cleans their retainer as they would their teeth, with a gentle brush. Retainers can also be soaked with a cleanser tablet or mouthwash to keep them fresh and germ-free – ask your orthodontist for a recommendation as to which brands are best to use.

  3. Protect it from damage

    Retainers are mostly plastic, and the two most common ways they can be damaged are from heat and from physical abuse. Retainers shouldn’t be placed in hot water, the dishwasher, washing machine, direct sunlight or near a heat source – they’ll easily warp. Caring for a retainer properly will ensure it lasts the distance!

  4. Know when to remove it

    Retainers should always be removed before eating and toothbrushing as well as when swimming or playing sports.

  5. Schedule regular retainer check-ups

    And if the retainer starts to lose shape or isn’t fitting correctly, call your orthodontist immediately.

retainer braces

Tips for living with a fixed retainer
  1. Focus on hygiene

    A fixed retainer can be a food/plaque trap, therefore it should be brushed twice daily, and flossed at least once daily. Your orthodontist will demonstrate how to do this properly on the day when the fixed retainer is fitted.

  2. Protect it from damage

    Just like braces, fixed retainers can break if you chew something hard, or if you pick it with your finger nails, toothpicks etc. Therefore, be mindful what you eat, and if possible, avoid foods that could potentially break or distort the retainer wire.

  3. Call your orthodontist if something does not feel right

    If the fixed retainer feels loose, or if you can feel something sharp, contact your orthodontist immediately.

  4. Have it checked regularly

    It is important to see your orthodontist for regular retainer checks. If you are no longer under the care of your orthodontist, then it’s important you see your dentist for your regular six-monthly dental check-ups. Your orthodontist or dentist will be able to tell you if the fixed retainer is still functional, or if it needs to be repaired.

Although it can be tempting to neglect this final step, it’s important to understand the importance of wearing a retainer once braces are removed. Wearing a retainer and caring for it properly will help ensure you keep your beautiful new smile for the rest of your life!

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