Getting orthodontic care can boost your dental health and give you the confidence to flash that smile you’ve always wanted. However, keep in mind that you still have some work to do in order to ensure that you don’t regress after completing your therapy. Once you’ve finished with braces or Invisalign, the final stage in your orthodontic treatment is to use a retainer. In this article, we’ll discuss some information that you have to know should your orthodontic treatment be completed.
What are retainers?
A retainer, in its most basic definition, is an orthodontic appliance that is individually fabricated for each patient. After your active orthodontic treatment is complete, you will transition to this device, which may be constructed of acrylic or wire.
How do retainers work?
Regular retainer use helps stop teeth from shifting back to their natural locations over time. Relapse refers to the gradual return of teeth to their original positions after orthodontic treatment has been completed. This is because, without any sort of force keeping them in place, your teeth will gradually begin to “remember” their original positions in the mouth and move back to fill them.
Furthermore, teeth wander as part of the natural aging process, and a retainer can reduce this movement. That’s why you have to constantly wear them even if it’s a little hassle. Remember that when weighed against the alternative of having to go through the ordeal of getting braces again, the retention device is a little annoyance to endure.
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Different Types of Dental Retainers
There are essentially two different kinds of retainers. Both of them help keep your teeth in their new locations. The two varieties are as follows:
Fixed Retainers
Some people call this type of retainer a “bonded retainer” since it won’t come out of your mouth. It is made out of a metal wire that is bonded to the biting surface of your back teeth. Patients with a significant gap in their top front teeth may find these to be a helpful solution. Although permanent retainers are quite effective at preventing tooth movement, they may be more difficult to clean than detachable ones. If you need to wear your retainer after orthodontic treatment, all the time, you should consider getting a bonded retainer.
Removable Retainers
Unlike fixed braces, you may remove these retainers for cleaning and eating. As a result, you may more easily maintain good oral hygiene when using this type of retainer.
There are two types of removable retainers available in the market: the Hawley retainers and the clear retainers. Most people think of a Hawley retainer when they hear the word “retainer.” It consists of a wire that fits around your teeth and an acrylic piece that sits against the roof or bottom of your mouth, depending on the arch being treated. On the other hand, the clear retainers, also known as Essix, are fabricated from clear plastic similar to what they use in Invisalign treatment.. The Essix retainer is custom-fit to your mouth and is far more discreet than the conventional wire retainers. Removable retainers might make brushing your teeth easier, but you still need to remember to wear them every day. It’s also important to keep track of where you put them and be gentle with them because they’re fragile and easy to lose or break.
Orthodontic Retainer Maintenance
Whether your retainer is permanent or removable, good dental care is essential to keep your teeth healthy and your retainer in good shape. Here are some tips on how to take care of it:
- Remember to clean around your fixed retainer when you brush and floss. It is just as vital to keep up with your oral hygiene routine while wearing the wire as it would be when wearing braces. Every time you wash your teeth, be sure to give it a gentle scrub using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste.
- You may store your retainer safely in the case that comes with every set. Avoid the risk of losing your retainer by always carrying your case with you.
- Take out your retainer before you consume anything other than water. It’s because there’s a greater chance of tooth decay if moisture and sweets get trapped between your retainer and teeth.
How long should you use a retainer?
There is no simple answer to the question of how long you should wear your retainer. Your orthodontist may recommend that you wear your retainer 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the first three to six months after you have your braces removed.
The majority of dentists then recommend sleeping with a retainer for the following several years. Three years after they remove your braces, you should continue to wear your retainer at least twice a week to ensure that your teeth remain in the correct position. Also remember that you should see your dentist before making any major adjustments to your current oral care plan.
Takeaway
It’s amazing how quickly your teeth may start moving back to where they were. It may take as little as a few days in the first year following therapy. This drifting will persist unless you consistently use a retainer. So don’t forget to wear your retainers, always!