Dental retainers are removable dental appliances that fit over a person’s upper or lower teeth. They keep one’s teeth in their proper alignment, often as a follow-up to braces.
After teeth straightening treatments such as braces, a person’s teeth must be kept in place. A dentist or orthodontist may suggest using a retainer to achieve this.
The tooth retainers come into play essential role in keeping teeth straight and healthy in the long term. They maintain the position of the teeth after orthodontic treatment and allow the bone that holds the person’s teeth to heal.
Read on to learn more about why people use retainers, how to use them, and how to care for them.
A retainer is a custom dental appliance that is molded to the shape of a person’s mouth. Orthodontists
Without the use of a retainer, a person’s teeth can return to their previous alignment.
An orthodontist may prescribe one of the following types of retainers:
- Permanent retainers: These are attached to the teeth, so a person cannot remove them. People may prefer these retainers because they are not noticeable, but they can be uncomfortable.
- Hawley Retainers: These retainers are made of wire attached to plastic (or acrylic) that molds to a person’s mouth. Because they are removable, they are convenient and easy to clean.
- Transparent retainers: These are custom retainers that are made using an exact replica of the person’s teeth. They are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice.
People who have their teeth aligned with braces use retainers. They are usually the final phase of orthodontic teeth straightening procedures and ensure that the teeth remain in their new position.
Although some people may think that orthodontic work is complete when the braces are removed, wearing retainers for the prescribed period of time is essential. Failure to follow the guidance of one’s dentist or orthodontist could negate the function of one’s nails.
Once a person has a retainer, they will return to their orthodontist regularly for checkups. The orthodontist will make any necessary adjustments, such as bending or cutting wires for comfort.
The length of time a person wears a retainer depends on the specific course of treatment.
Sometimes, an orthodontist will place a permanent retainer on a person’s teeth. They may leave it in place indefinitely, or they may replace it with a removable retainer after some time.
Alternatively, they may decide to give a person a removable retainer. According to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists, they may recommend that a person wear this removable retainer almost 24 hours a day for the first 4-6 months.
However, many orthodontists recommend that people wear their removable retainer at all times for at least 9 months, according to a 2010 survey.
After the initial period of continuous wear, a person may only use their retainer at night.
A person’s dentist or orthodontist will tell them how long they should wear the retainer. This will likely be for 12 months or more.
It is important to always follow the advice of your dentist or orthodontist. If a person has any problem with their retainer, they should contact them immediately.
People should get it following precautions to ensure effective use of their retainers:
- Wear the retainers as directed by your orthodontist.
- Do not chew gum while wearing the retainers and do not chew on the retainers.
- Be careful when removing retainers from the mouth. Use both index fingers at the gum line to do this.
- Keep the retainers in their specific case.
- Consult a dentist or orthodontist if retainers feel uncomfortable.
Maintaining your cleaning accessories is important for overall oral health. A person should ask their dentist or orthodontist for cleaning instructions specific to their retainers.
Cleaning instructions may vary depending on the type of retainer a person has. For example, cleaning instructions for removable retainers may include brush the retainer thoroughly with a toothbrush and toothpaste before and after use.
However, cleaning a permanent retainer can be more difficult. People with bonded retainers should brush them as part of their regular dental hygiene and may want to use floss threads to make flossing easier.
Proper cleaning reduces the risk of gingivitis and tooth decay.
Check out eight tips for cleaning a retainer here.
There are one variety of orthodontic treatments available. Each one addresses a person’s individual orthodontic needs and preferences.
After an orthodontist evaluates someone’s teeth, the first step usually involves determining their problems and analyzing how their teeth might change over time. The orthodontist can take x-rays, create plaster casts, and photograph the person’s teeth. This allows them to create a customized treatment plan.
Some treatments use appliances that correct the position of a person’s teeth. These may include:
- Fixed Braces: With these, an orthodontist glues a bracket to the front of each tooth and connects it with wire.
- Removable Braces: These may suit minor alignment corrections.
- Functional devices: These are plastic braces that fit around the upper and lower teeth. They either come together or are designed to work in conjunction.
A person may also need to use headgear in addition to their other orthodontic appliances as part of their treatment plan. They usually wear this headdress at night.
Retainers play an essential role in keeping a person’s teeth permanently in place after orthodontic treatment. Retainers come in fixed or removable versions, and people often use them after braces.
Typically, people wear their fittings full-time for 4-6 months. Also, most dentists recommend that you wear retainers at least every night for the rest of your life. This prevents the teeth from shifting out of position. However, each treatment plan is unique, so people should always refer to their dentist or orthodontist’s instructions.
Keeping the retainer clean is essential to maintaining oral health. If a person has problems with their retainer or if they lose or damage it, they should contact an orthodontist as soon as possible.
