Retainers are custom-made appliances that fit over your teeth. They are typically made of clear plastic or metal. Retainers are used to keep your teeth in their new, straight position after your braces are removed.
Why Wear a Retainer?
Our teeth continue shifting throughout our lifetimes, so even though you have completed your orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners, your teeth could return to their original misaligned position. When used as directed, retainers prevent this shift from occurring.
Is There More Than One Kind of Retainer?
There are two basic kinds of orthodontic retainers: permanent and removable. Your orthodontist may suggest either kind based on your needs or a combination of the two types.
Removable Retainers: A Closer Look
Removable retainers are a crucial component of post-orthodontic treatment, designed to maintain the results achieved during braces or other orthodontic procedures. They offer flexibility and ease of use compared to their fixed counterparts.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers consist of a clear plastic or acrylic base that fits over the roof of your mouth or behind your lower front teeth. A metal wire extends from this base, encircling the outer surface of your teeth to provide support and stability.
The wire portion of the Hawley retainer acts as a gentle force, preventing your teeth from shifting back to their original alignment. The plastic base helps to distribute this force evenly and comfortably. Hawley retainers are durable, adjustable, and relatively easy to clean. They offer good retention and can be customized to address specific orthodontic needs.
Hawley retainers may be less comfortable than some other types of retainers, especially for those with sensitive gums or palates. They can also be more noticeable than clear retainers.
Essix Retainers
Essix retainers are made entirely of a clear plastic material. They resemble InvisalignⓇ aligners in appearance and fit snugly over your teeth.
Essix retainers apply gentle pressure to your teeth, gradually guiding them back into their desired positions. The clear plastic material makes them virtually invisible when worn. Essix retainers are highly comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. They are also easier to clean and maintain than Hawley retainers.
Essix retainers can be more fragile than Hawley retainers and may require more frequent replacement due to wear and tear.
Permanent Retainers: A Fixed Solution
Permanent retainers, also known as fixed or lingual retainers, are a more permanent option for maintaining tooth alignment. They are custom-fitted wires that are bonded to the inside of the teeth, typically on the lower jaw.
Benefits: Permanent retainers provide a continuous and reliable force to prevent teeth from shifting. They are discreet and require minimal maintenance.
Drawbacks: Once bonded, permanent retainers cannot be removed without professional intervention. If there are any issues or discomfort, adjustments may be necessary.
The decision between removable and permanent retainers depends on various factors, including:
Your Orthodontist’s Recommendation
Your orthodontist is the best person to advise you on the most suitable type of retainer for your specific situation. The severity of your original orthodontic problem: If you had a severe overbite or underbite, a permanent retainer may be recommended to provide more stability. Some people’s teeth are more prone to movement than others. If your teeth have a history of shifting, a permanent retainer may be a better option. If you have difficulty remembering to wear a removable retainer consistently, a permanent retainer may be a more practical choice.
Your Lifestyle and Habits
Your lifestyle and habits can also influence the decision between removable and permanent retainers. If you have difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene, a permanent retainer may be easier to keep clean. If you participate in sports or other activities that could damage a removable retainer, a permanent retainer may be a safer option. Some people may prefer the appearance of a permanent retainer over a removable one.
Your Personal Preferences
Ultimately, your personal preferences should also play a role in your decision. If you are comfortable with the idea of wearing a removable retainer and are confident in your ability to maintain it, that may be the best option for you. However, if you prefer the convenience and stability of a permanent retainer, that may be a better fit.
The goal of both types of retainers is to preserve the results of your orthodontic treatment and ensure a long-lasting, healthy smile.
Why are retainers important?
Retainers are important because they help to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position. This process is called relapse. Relapse can occur even after years of orthodontic treatment. Wearing retainers regularly is the best way to prevent relapse.
How to care for your retainers
Brushing Your Teeth With a Retainer: If you have a fixed retainer, simply brush and floss around it. The wire can accumulate food and plaque the way braces do if not cared for properly.
How to Keep From Losing Your Retainer: Whenever your retainer is not in your mouth, be sure to keep it in its case to prevent loss or damage. Keep retainers in cool places for storage, rather than hot vehicles. If you lose your retainer, call our office immediately to schedule a replacement.
Can You Eat or Drink While Wearing a Retainer: You need to remove your retainer before eating and drinking anything other than cool or room-temperature water. If you have an Essix retainer, you should remove it even when drinking water.
Cleaning a Retainer: You should always avoid drinking hot fluids while wearing your removable retainer. Gently brush your retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste whenever you brush your teeth.
What’s Involved in Getting a Retainer?
Once you’ve completed your braces treatment, we’ll have you return to our office for a follow-up appointment. During your visit, Dr. Hani & Dr. Julian will create a new plan for your care or check in on your long-term plan to ensure that everything is on schedule.
Once your check-up has been completed and you’re ready, we will make detailed impressions of your mouth to use as the mold for your orthodontic retainer, making sure that it fits comfortably and pain-free.
Once your retainer has been made with our state-of-the-art equipment and the highest quality possible materials, you’ll return to the office to receive the retainer. At that time, we will give you instructions for wearing and caring for your new retainer. After that, you’ll continue your regular check-ups so that we can clean and care for your teeth and ensure that your teeth remain straight and beautiful for the rest of your life.
FAQs
I’m having trouble speaking with my retainer. Is this normal?
It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit self-conscious or have trouble speaking clearly at first. Your tongue and mouth muscles need time to adjust to the new appliance. This discomfort typically subsides within a few days. Some people may experience increased salivation, especially during the initial adjustment period. This is a temporary side effect that will resolve as you get used to the retainer.
Can I eat or drink with my retainer in?
It’s crucial to remove your retainer before eating or drinking anything other than water. Food particles can become trapped under the retainer, leading to bad breath, tooth decay, and even gum disease. Avoid beverages that can stain or damage your retainer, such as coffee, tea, and red wine. If you do consume these beverages, rinse your retainer thoroughly with water afterward.
How often should I clean my retainer?
Brush your retainer daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. This will help remove any food debris or bacteria that may have accumulated. Soak your retainer in a denture-cleaning solution at least once a week to eliminate any stubborn stains or bacteria. When not wearing your retainer, store it in a case to protect it from damage and prevent it from getting lost.
My retainer broke. What should I do?
If your retainer breaks, contact your orthodontist immediately. They can advise on whether you need a new retainer or if a temporary fix is possible.
My retainer feels loose. Is this a problem?
If your retainer breaks, contact your orthodontist immediately. They can assess the damage and determine if a repair is possible or if a new retainer is needed. A loose retainer may not be as effective in maintaining your teeth alignment. Contact your orthodontist to have it adjusted or replaced. If you lose your retainer, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. They may be able to provide a replacement or recommend alternative solutions.
I’ve lost my retainer. What are my options?
If you lose your retainer, contact your orthodontist to discuss your options. They may be able to provide a replacement or recommend alternative solutions.