Essential for Long-Lasting Results
Orthodontic retainers play a crucial role in preserving the benefits of your orthodontic treatment. By following your retainer regimen, you ensure that your smile remains beautiful and straight for years to come. Here’s what you need to know about retaining your smile post-treatment.
Why Are Retainers Important?
Once your braces are removed, retainers stabilize your dental correction. The bone and soft tissues around your teeth need several months to stabilize. Wearing your retainers as instructed is essential to prevent any undesirable movement of your teeth, which could lead to the need for re-treatment.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
Removable Retainers
Teeth can shift throughout your life, so wearing retainers indefinitely is recommended. Initially, you should wear your retainers as much as possible for the first year after braces are removed.
After this period, you can switch to nighttime wear. Regular check-ups every six to nine months, along with X-rays every 18 months, will help monitor your teeth and wisdom teeth. Once a plan is decided for your wisdom teeth, continue wearing your retainer at least one night per week to maintain your beautiful smile.
Hawley Retainer
This traditional retainer is made from acrylic and stainless steel wires, providing a durable and effective option.
Vivera Retainer
Designed by Invisalign, the retainers are made from clear, durable plastic and are nearly invisible, for a discreet and comfortable fit.
Caring for Your Removable Retainers
- Clean Regularly:Â Brush your retainer gently with a toothbrush and mild soap to remove plaque. Using a denture cleaning solution like Efferdent can help eliminate plaque and tartar. Rinse thoroughly to remove any cleanser residue.
- Avoid Heat: Retainers are made from thermoplastic material that can warp with excessive heat. Keep them away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards, or other hot environments (above 115°F or 46°C).
- Proper Storage:Â To protect your retainer, always store it in its case when not in use. Avoid leaving it where pets can access it, as they may chew on it.
- Replacement:Â Your initial treatment contract includes one set of retainers post-braces. Replacement will incur a charge if retainers are lost or damaged due to neglect. For loose or broken retainers, contact our office immediately.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
Fixed retainers are designed to stay in place permanently. They should only be removed if they cause issues with gum or bone health. We use pure titanium wires as our permanent retainers on the backside of the top and bottom front teeth which offers the patient the least toxic, cleanest, healthiest option for retention.
If problems arise, your family dentist will need to replace the fixed retainer with a removable one, which should then be worn as prescribed. Your family dentist should monitor this wire regularly during six-month checkups to maintain your oral health.
Our goal at Marc Allen Orthodontics is to ensure your smile stays healthy and stunning for a lifetime. Your cooperation with wearing and caring for your retainers is vital to achieving this goal. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
