Retainers
Once your braces are removed, retainers hold your teeth in their new positions while
your bone, gums, and muscles adapt to the new positions of your teeth. Retainers are
an important part of your overall treatment and should not be neglected!
Why do I need retainers after braces?
Although teeth tend to shift throughout our lives, teeth really want to move after your braces are removed. Retainers hold the teeth in place to maintain that beautiful smile and great bite you have worked so hard for. During active treatment, bone, teeth, tissues and gums around the teeth move or “remodel” to adapt to the new tooth positions. Retainers keep the teeth from relapsing (moving back) to their original positions.
What are the different types of retainers?
There are two main types of retainers: fixed and removable. Selection of removable retainers or fixed retainers depends on the problems you originally had and the tendency for teeth to move after the braces are removed. Each type has their specific application. Dr Miner will determine which type is best for you.
Removable Wire and Acrylic Retainers
Wire and acrylic retainers are removable custom-made retainers that clasp onto the teeth.
These retainers have a wire on the front of the teeth that holds them in place on the
outside and hard acrylic or plastic that covers the inside of the teeth. They also
have some coverage of the palate for rigidity.
Removable Vacuum-formed Retainers
Vacuum-formed Retainers are often called invisible because they look like Invisalign
aligners. They are removable custom-made retainers that cover the teeth completely
with a clear plastic. Vacuum-formed retainers are less conspicuous and easier to wear
than wire and acrylic retainers.
Fixed/ Permanent Retainers
Fixed retainers are customized wires that are bonded or fixed permanently onto the back
side of your front teeth. Extra care must be taken to brush and floss between teeth
to maintain good oral health. Fixed retainers cannot be removed by the patient and
may need to be kept in place indefinitely. Since lower teeth have the greatest tendency
to move as we mature, we use these retainers frequently for the lower front teeth.
Attaching fixed retainers on upper teeth is more difficult since the lower teeth often
hit behind the upper incisors on closure.
How do I care for my retainer?
Retainers are like any other orthodontic appliance and must be treated with care. We recommend the following tips to enhance the life of your retainer:
- Wear your retainer as we recommend and rinse it especially after eating.
- Clean your vacuum-formed retainer daily by soaking in a denture cleaner in a cup of water. Be sure to rinse your retainer off before putting it back in your mouth. A wire and acrylic retainer can be cleaned with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins because it will distort your retainer.
- Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
- When to see your hygienist, bring you retainer and they can clean it with an ultrasonic cleaner to remove any calculus deposits
- Once we recommend that you wear your retainer less, be sure to keep your retainer in its case to protect it. Never you’re your retainer in a napkin of tissue, because someone else may throw it away. Also, keep your retainer away from dogs and cats because pets love to chew on them!
- Always bring your retainers to your appointments. Retainer replacement is expensive… with proper care they will last for years!
- For your fixed retainer, be sure to floss and brush it well. If your fixed retainer becomes detached from any of the teeth, please call the office immediately.
How long do I have to wear my retainer?
Initially, your retainer needs to be worn all the time. After about 3-6 months, we may recommend that you decrease the daily wearing time. This schedule will vary from patient to patient. Most patients will need to continue some retainer wear indefinitely to maintain the beautiful results. Because teeth continue to move throughout life, we recommend that you continue to wear your retainers as instructed to keep your teeth straight.
