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If you or your child has recently finished orthodontic treatment, you have a retainer to wear. Retainers are metal or plastic devices that hold teeth in their new position. You must wear them according to the orthodontist’s directions for treatment to succeed.
What Are Retainers?
An orthodontic retainer is a device worn after treatment with braces. Retainers hold teeth in their new position to keep them from reverting to their former place in your mouth.
If you do not wear your retainer as your orthodontist directs, your teeth will slip back to their original location.
Types of Retainers
There are three primary types of retainers:
Hawley Retainers
Orthodontists create Hawley retainers from plastic and metal wire. The custom retainer fits against the roof of your mouth while the wire rests against your top teeth.
The Hawley retainer is the traditional model, but it has several advantages that make it a great choice. They are easy to custom-fit, they are adjustable, and you can take them out at any time to eat or drink. They are also easy to keep clean.
Fixed Retainers
Orthodontists make fixed retainers from metal and cement them to the back side of the teeth. This retainer holds teeth in the optimal position but is not visible.
One of the biggest pluses of the fixed retainer is that you can’t forget to wear it. However, they are more complicated to clean than removable retainers.
Essix Retainers
These retainers are clear plastic. Wear them all day and night for the first six months, and then you can wear them only at night.
They are easily cleaned but not as durable as Hawley retainers. Many adolescents and adults prefer them because they aren’t visible and don’t interfere with speaking.
Benefits of Orthodontic Retainers
One significant benefit is that retainers preserve your investment in your child’s teeth. After the time you have put into orthodontic treatment, it would be disappointing to see no results.
Retainers protect your oral health since straight teeth are much easier to clean. Crooked teeth can conceal pockets of plaque and cavities.
Wearing a retainer allows the orthodontist to make minor adjustments to your teeth over time, especially if small gaps remain.
Are You a Good Candidate for Orthodontic Retainers?
If you have recently had braces taken off or stopped using Invisalign, you are an excellent candidate for a retainer. Orthodontists provide retainers because these appliances work to keep teeth straight and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a retainer?
Retainers keep teeth in their new places after orthodontic treatment has ended. Without retainers, teeth would drift back to where they were before treatment.
Is a retainer needed after braces?
Yes, retainers are essential to preserving a healthy smile. Retainers protect your investment as well as your oral health.
How long do you wear a retainer?
Follow your orthodontist’s instructions. The general rule is that you should wear the retainer all day and night for the first six months to a year. After that time, you can wear it for 8 to 10 hours at night.
How do you clean a retainer?
The instructions vary by the type of retainer you use:
Hawley Retainers
Always clean your retainer right after you take it out of your mouth. Brush it with lukewarm water after you eat. It’s a good habit to brush your teeth after every meal when you have a retainer.
Once a day, clean your retainer with mild dish soap and lukewarm water. Do not use baking soda or toothpaste since these are abrasive. You might need denture tablets.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers are more challenging to clean than removable retainers. Brush your teeth well after every meal and floss daily using special threaders you can find at any drugstore. You might need an interproximal brush to get into the crevices. These are also available at drugstores.
Essix Retainers
These retainers are more delicate than Hawley retainers. Clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, cold water, and liquid toothpaste or soap every time you eat. Avoid washing them in hot water since you could warp them.
Do you wear your retainer forever?
Today, many orthodontists recommend wearing retainers for life. This advice may not be what children and teens want to hear, but the results are worth it.
Dr. Suzanne Stock helps patients in four convenient locations to get back on track with their orthodontic care. Some services offered include retainers, clear braces, clear brackets, and more.
