Keep Your Smile Looking Its Best
You’ve worked hard for your beautiful smile, and now that your braces are off, it’s time to preserve those results. While your teeth are now straight and metal-free, your orthodontic journey isn’t quite finished. To maintain your new smile, you’ll need to wear a retainer. Retainers are essential for holding your teeth in their proper alignment while your gums, bone, and muscles adjust to their new positions.
Types of Retainers
Retainers are custom-made and come in two main types: removable or fixed.
Traditional Removable Retainers:
These include a metal wire that wraps around the front teeth and is attached to an acrylic arch that rests on the roof of your mouth. The wire can be adjusted to allow for minor tooth movements if needed.Aligner-Style Retainers (Essix Retainers):
These clear retainers offer a more aesthetic alternative to wire retainers. They are made from a mold of your aligned teeth and may fit over the entire arch or clip on from canine to canine.Fixed Retainers:
These consist of wires bonded behind your bottom and/or top teeth. While often worn for a year or two after wisdom teeth are removed, some patients choose to keep them for life to ensure long-term stability.
Pros and Cons of Retainers
Removable Retainers:
- Easy to take out for eating and cleaning.
- Can be misplaced if not stored in a proper case when not in use.
Fixed Retainers:
- Great for patients who prefer not to track wear time.
- Require extra attention to oral hygiene, especially when flossing, which may need floss threaders to navigate around the wire.
How to Care for Your Retainer
Taking care of your retainer ensures it stays clean and functional. Follow these tips:
- Clean daily: Use a toothbrush and mild liquid soap to gently scrub your retainer. Avoid toothpaste, which can scratch the material.
- Soak periodically: A denture cleaning solution, like Efferdent, can help remove plaque and tartar buildup. Always rinse thoroughly after soaking.
- Avoid heat: Keep your retainer away from heaters, hot water, dishwashers, or car dashboards, as extreme heat can warp it.
- Use the case: Always store your retainer in its proper case when not in use to prevent loss or damage.
- Protect from pets: Dogs and other pets are often tempted to chew on retainers, so keep them out of reach.
Replacement and Repairs
Over time, your retainer may need to be replaced due to normal wear. Your treatment plan includes one set of retainers after your braces are removed, but replacements for lost or damaged retainers will incur additional costs. If your retainer becomes loose or breaks, contact our office immediately for adjustments or repairs.
Wearing and caring for your retainer is a small commitment that ensures the longevity of your orthodontic results. By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a lifetime of smiles!
