Orthodontic Retention

Make the most of your hard work and maintain your smile in tip-top shape!

In the end, all of your metal braces have been removed and your teeth are perfectly straight and gorgeous. However, you still have a long way to go on your orthodontic adventure. Wearing a retainer will ensure that your teeth stay in the greatest shape possible and that your results are long-term. Teeth shifting may be prevented or at least minimized with the use of retainers. A retainer is a post-braces device that helps maintain a straight set of teeth while the surrounding tissues adapt to the new position of teeth.

Types of Retainers

Each retainer is unique and may be removed or permanently attached.

An acrylic arch connected to a metal wire is what is normally seen in traditional detachable retainers. As required, the metal wires may be changed to complete the therapy and to move the front teeth a little more.
Essix retainers, or aligner-style retainers, appear like transparent aligners and are a more attractive alternative to wire retainers. You may wear this transparent retainer from canine to canine or across the whole arch of your teeth (clip-on retainer). It’s made from a mold of your teeth after they’ve been straightened.
With a fixed retainer, you’ll have metal wires that are glued to your teeth. Even though the device isn’t needed for more than a year following wisdom teeth extractions, it’s often left in place indefinitely.

Pros and Cons

Removable retainers may be taken out for eating and sanitary purposes.
Keep your removable retainer in the case anytime you remove it to eat or brush since it is easy to lose.
If you don’t want to keep track of it or worry about how many hours a day it must be worn, a fixed retainer is ideal.
To eliminate tartar from teeth with permanent retainers, flossing is a bit more involved. For those who use fixed retainers, floss threaders are typically required to get dental floss between the retainer and teeth.

Retainer Instructions

Retainers

Until otherwise instructed by your orthodontist, make sure you’re wearing your retainer at all times.
Make sure your retainer is out of the way while you’re eating! (The majority of misplaced appliances are found in school cafeterias and restaurants.)
Using a toothbrush and toothpaste, properly clean the retainer once a day. Warm, but not hot, water should be used in this situation. Plaque and smells may be eliminated by brushing retainers. It is possible to use orthodontic appliance cleansers like Efferdent®, however, this should not be considered a substitute for cleaning your teeth after each meal.
If you’re not wearing your retainer, make sure it’s in its case at all times. Pets love to gnaw on them.
At first, speaking may be tough for you. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to become acclimated to it quicker.
Take special care with your retainers since they are fragile. Call us immediately if your retainer is lost or damaged.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns concerning your retainer. Do not attempt to make any adjustments to it by yourself.
When you go to the orthodontist, always carry your retainer with you.
Although replacing retainers is costly, they may last for a very long time if cared for properly!
Remove your retainer if you intend to swim.
Make sure your retainers aren’t in contact with anything that may become heated, such as hot vehicle dashboards, pockets, or the washing machine.