Now that you or your child’s braces or Invisalign are finally off, you think your orthodontic treatment is over because your teeth alignment has improved. However, that is untrue, and straightening your teeth using these dental appliances is only half of this life-changing battle. The other half is about keeping your teeth in their new alignment and ensuring your smile remains appealing for the longest time possible.
That is where crucial dental appliances known as dental retainers could be helpful. Hearing that you should wear dental retainers after your braces come off can be unfortunate, but once you see your new smile and understand the importance of wearing these appliances, wearing them will not seem like a big deal.
Here at The Hawthorne Dentist, we enjoy and love seeing our patients’ faces light up after a successful orthodontic treatment. Completing your active phase of orthodontic treatment calls for a celebration in our clinic, but we understand the work does not stop there. The next step is helping you retain your radiant smile using dental retainers.
Understanding What Dental Retainers Are and What They Do to Your Teeth
A teeth retainer is a tailor-made dental appliance you wear on your teeth once your braces or Invisalign come off to help retain your teeth in their new correct position. Usually, your dentist can use any of the following materials to make your dental retainers:
- Acrylic
- Polyurethane
- Metal
- Plastic
The materials your dentist will use will depend on your preferences and cosmetic goals. A dental retainer is firm enough to prevent your newly aligned teeth from shifting to their original position. While your teeth will appear well-aligned once your braces come off, they are not perfectly firm in this new position. This will not occur until your gums, muscles, and bones are used to this new change.
Your daily habits, like biting and chewing, could apply enough force to move your teeth back to their previous position. Shifting teeth could also cause malocclusion, meaning your teeth on the upper jaw do not perfectly align with those on the lower jaw. Once your braces come off, you cannot prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original misaligned position.
That is where wearing dental retainers becomes vital to help keep your teeth in their new aligned position. In other words, braces help straighten your teeth, but dental retainers are necessary to keep them that way. Once your braces or Invisalign come off, a dentist or orthodontist can help customize and fit your retainers.
Benefits of Wearing Dental Retainers
After completing your active phase of orthodontic treatment, wearing dental retainers is a decision you cannot regret. Below are some of the benefits of wearing dental retainers:
Helps Prevents Relapse
By constantly wearing dental aligners, as advised by your dentist, you can help prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original misaligned position, preserving the functionality and aesthetics of your smile.
Helps Stabilize Your Teeth and Bite
Like braces or aligners, dental retainers exert gentle force on teeth, helping stabilize teeth and a new bite. Your oral structures’ long-term health depends on this stability because it helps prevent crowding or misalignment problems from reoccurring.
Enhanced Dental and Oral Health
Dental retainers help you maintain your dental health by helping keep your teeth in their correct alignment and preventing relapse. Generally speaking, well-aligned teeth are easy to floss and brush to remove food particles and plaque stuck on the surface of your teeth, reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities.
You Will Enjoy Customized Comfort
Your dentist will customize your dental retainers to fit the contours of your unique teeth, offering you a personalized and comfortable fit. Regardless of the type you choose, dental retainers can help retain your smile after completing your active phase of orthodontic treatment without compromising your comfort.
Treatment Plans are Flexible
Another advantage of wearing dental retainers is the flexibility and adjustability of the treatment plan. Whether your dentist requires you to wear your retainers full-time during the first few days or specific periods, the treatment plan he/she will recommend can fit seamlessly into your unique needs and lifestyle.
Types of Dental Retainers You Ought to Know
Depending on the condition of your teeth, your orthodontist or dentist could recommend wearing a particular type of retainer. Below are two main types of dental retainers your orthodontist could recommend:
Fixed Retainers
Also known as permanent retainers, they consist of a braided or solid wire that sits and blends with the inside of the front teeth on the upper or lower jaw. To fix the retainer on your teeth, your dentist will cement its wires in place, like braces. Since these wires will stretch across several teeth, your usual dental and oral hygiene will require extra effort, particularly when flossing your teeth.
As the name suggests, fixed retainers provide the continuous support your teeth need without needing removal, ensuring consistent alignment. Your orthodontist is more likely to recommend fixed retainers if he/she believes your teeth are more likely to shift to their original alignment.
Since fixed retainers cannot come off unless you remove them, they can help retain your teeth in the newly aligned position for the appealing smile you deserve. While they are the most common option for teens, an orthodontist could also recommend a fixed retainer to an adult if he/she believes the patient is unlikely to wear his/her retainers.
While it could take a few days to adapt to wearing them, fixed retainers are inconspicuous, and you can care for them as you would with braces. Ensure you consult your orthodontist when they become loose on your teeth for readjustment and proper fitting.
Removable Retainers
While removable dental retainers can go in and out of your mouth as you wish, they work best when you wear them, as advised by your orthodontist. For instance, you can remove them when you want to eat or brush your teeth, but have them back in your teeth as soon as possible. Below are different types of removable retainers that your dentist could recommend:
- Hawley Retainers
When they hear about dental retainers, many probably think of Hawley or traditional retainers. These dental appliances feature a plastic or acrylic base custom-made to rest on the bottom or roof of your mouth. Then, a wire wraps around your front teeth, firmly keeping them in their newly aligned position.
While they are visible, Hawley retainers are less conspicuous than metal braces. If minor tooth corrections are necessary, your orthodontist can adjust your Hawley retainers to maintain your appealing smile. Since you can remove them whenever you want, Hawley retainers are convenient and simple to clean, keeping cavities and other oral health issues at bay.
If your dentist recommends Hawley retainers, you should follow the instructions to ensure they are well cared for:
- Soak your retainers in a denture cleaner at least twice or thrice every week to help kill bacteria and freshen them up
- Gently brush your retainers using a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove bacteria and food debris
- Store your retainers in their case when you are not wearing them
- Keep your retainers away from hot water or heat to protect their shape
- Essix Retainers
Also known as clear retainers, Essix retainers are tailor-made using an exact impression or replica of your teeth. Like Hawley retainers, Essix retainers are plastic-made but have no wires. These removable aligners are a popular choice for most patients because they are less visible than traditional wire retainers.
Also, Essix retainers do not impact your speech, meaning you can speak like anyone else. If your dentist recommends or you choose clear retainers, proper oral and dental hygiene is vital to increase their durability. Here are tips on how to care for your Essix dental retainers:
- Rinse your retainers thoroughly before you insert them back into your teeth
- Rinse your retainers with cold water every time you take them out of your teeth
- Store your retainers safely in a plastic case if you are not wearing them
- Only use lukewarm or cool water on your retainers
- Gently brush your retainers with a soft-bristled toothbrush after every meal
- Never place your retainers on a heated surface or in hot water
- Wash your retainers with the recommended specialized cleaner at least once every month
These two types of removable retainers help maintain your smile after your braces come off. However, to achieve the desired results, you must remember to wear them regularly as your orthodontist or dentist recommends. You should also be mindful of where you place them to avoid misplacing them.
Steps to Expect When Acquiring Your Dental Retainers
After completing your active phase of orthodontic treatment, wearing a retainer is a phase you cannot overlook if you want to maintain your newly aligned smile. Here are the steps to expect when acquiring dental retainers:
- Post-Treatment Evaluation
Once you complete your active phase of orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will thoroughly evaluate teeth and jaws to see the achieved results and the appropriate course of action for post-orthodontic treatment care. The assessment will consider several factors, such as:
- Your general oral health
- The severity and complexity of your unique case
- The extent of the teeth alignment achieved
- Treatment Plan Review
Your orthodontist will discuss the post-orthodontic treatment plan with you, particularly the advantages of wearing dental retainers to help retain the newly aligned smile. During the discussion, your orthodontist will introduce you to various dental retainers, their benefits, and how each fits your unique preferences and needs.
- Taking of Digital Scans and Impressions
To create your custom dental retainer, your orthodontist will employ digital scanning technology or take impressions of your teeth. Digital scans give the dentist a 3D model of teeth and oral structures. On the other hand, to create an impression of your teeth, your dentist will use moldable material, also known as dental putty, to capture your teeth’ alignment and contours.
- Craftsmanship and Customization
The digital scans and impressions act as the blueprint for the dentist or his/her lab technician to craft your unique custom retainers.
- Material Selection
Your orthodontist could use various materials, including metal, plastic, and acrylic, to make your retainers. When choosing the ideal material, your orthodontist will consider several factors, including comfort, visibility, and durability. Your lifestyle and preferences could help your dentist determine the ideal retainer material.
- Fitting Appointment
Your dentist will let you know when your retainers are ready to schedule a dental visit to fit the appliances on your teeth. During this dental session, your orthodontist will fit your custom retainers on your teeth and ensure they are firm and secure. If they are loose on teeth, your dentist will make the necessary adjustments to ensure your comfort and optimal effectiveness during the treatment duration.
- Education on Dental Retainer Care
After fitting your dental retainers, a reliable orthodontist will give you fundamental insight and education on caring for them for optimal results and increased durability. The education will also cover how long you must wear retainers and possible signs of issues to watch out for during your post-orthodontic treatment duration.
- Periodic Check-Ups
Regular or routine check-ups with your orthodontist are vital to monitor the condition of your teeth and the progress of the dental retainers. During these periodic check-ups, your dentist will make essential adjustments and address any emerging oral or dental health issues since your last appointment.
Potential Risks and Issues Associated With Wearing Retainers and How to Address Them
Dental retainers are essential for maintaining the ideal tooth alignment that orthodontic treatment has achieved. However, like other dental appliances, wearing retainers has some risks you must know about and how to rectify when they emerge. Examples of these risks and their solutions include:
Oral Hygiene Challenges
Dental retainers create an additional surface where bacteria and plaque can accumulate, increasing the odds of developing gum disease or cavities. That is particularly true if your dentist recommends wearing permanent dental retainers. Maintaining a stringent oral and dental hygiene routine is advisable to address this concern, including flossing and brushing your teeth after every meal.
Allergic Reactions
While it does not occur to everyone, some patients could experience allergic reactions due to the material used to make retainers. Some symptoms that most people experience due to allergic reactions include swelling, redness, and irritation of their mouth’s soft tissues, like the tongue and gums.
If you detect any of the above symptoms of allergic reactions, you should consult a reliable orthodontist as soon as possible. Your dentist can recommend alternative adjustments or retainer materials to address this issue.
Bacteria Buildup
Dental retainers can create an excellent breeding environment for bacteria when you fail to clean them properly. Aside from putting you at risk of cavities and gum disease, this buildup of bacteria could also cause bad breath, also known as halitosis. To avoid this issue, cleaning your teeth daily using an antibiotic mouthwash and a soft-bristled toothbrush is advisable.
Accidental Loss or Damage of Your Retainers
A dental retainer is a delicate appliance that can easily be misplaced or damaged if you fail to handle it carefully. To prevent these issues, ensure your retainers are in protective cases when not in your mouth.
Also, you should be vigilant of pets because they can be enticed by retainers and bite them. If you lose or damage your retainers, you should speak with your orthodontist as soon as possible to prevent unnecessary disruption of your orthodontic treatment plan.
If you have permanent retainers, meaning you cannot remove them whenever you want to eat, you should avoid hard foods that can damage them. Examples of these foods include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Hard and crunchy foods, like nuts
- Sticky foods, like candy
- Sweetened beverages, like soda, because they contain sugars that bacteria in your mouth feast on
Compliance Issues
Wearing your retainers constantly is vital for the success of the treatment. When you fail or refuse to adhere to the recommended wear schedule, your newly aligned teeth could shift to their original misaligned position. To avoid these issues, you should speak with your orthodontist whenever you face any compliance issue to help figure out the best solution for your unique case.
Soreness or Discomfort
It is not unusual to experience soreness or discomfort when wearing dental retainers, particularly after adjustments. However, if the soreness or discomfort persists, you should consult your dentist or orthodontist immediately.
How to Clean Your Dental Retainers
Other than brushing your retainers regularly, here are other tips you can consider to ensure these dental appliances are clean:
- Carry Water On The Go
While water will not clean your dental retainers, staying hydrated can help prevent dry mouth and bacteria overgrowth. Keeping your dental retainers moist can also help prevent breakages. If your retainers feel dirty, swishing water in your mouth can help.
- Rinse your Retainers With Warm Water After Removing Them
Rinse your retainers using warm water to keep bacteria and cavities at bay after brushing them.
- Use a Dental Retainer Cleaner
Some manufacturers make dental retainer cleaners. These could be helpful and affordable if you do not desire or have time to create your own solution. Remember the instructions on the packaging when cleaning your retainers using a retainer cleaner. Some retainer cleaner types require overnight soaking or the use of a sonic cleaning machine.
Here are some signs that your dental retainers require an extensive cleaning:
- Your retainer appears hazy
- Your retainer tastes or smells bad
- Your retainer has white spots on its surface
- Your retainer has a film on its surface
- More than a week has passed since you last cleaned your retainers
White or black spots on your retainers could be due to plaque buildup. In that situation, extensive cleaning of the retainer is necessary because the bacteria on the plaque build-up, damage them and put you at risk of cavities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Retainers
Here are questions and answers to the most common and frequent questions people ask about dental retainers:
- Can I Chew or Eat With the Removable Retainers on My Teeth?
Removing your dental retainers whenever you want to eat is advisable to avoid breaking them. That is true even if the food you are eating is soft.
- Is Switching Between Different Retainer Types a Wise Idea?
You can switch between various types of dental retainers, but you should do so under the professional guidance of a reliable orthodontist. Your dentist or orthodontist will suggest the best retainer type for your particular dental problem because each type has a distinct function.
- How Long Will I Have to Stay With My Dental Retainers?
The exact duration you need to wear your retainers after completing your active phase of orthodontic treatment could vary based on various factors, like the complexity or severity of your unique dental condition and a person’s biology.
In most cases, your orthodontist will recommend wearing your retainers consistently day and night for the first four (4) to six (6) months. After that, the orthodontist could require you to wear your retainers nightly (part-time) for the rest of your life.
- How Much Do Dental Retainers Cost?
Depending on the material used, dental retainers could range between $250 and $500. Other factors that could influence the cost of your retainers include:
- The orthodontist you choose
- The customization required
- Whether you have dental insurance
Ensure you check with your insurance provider to know whether your policy covers orthodontic retainers. Some insurance policies could provide coverage for the partial or full cost of your dental retainer costs.
Find a Credible Orthodontist Near Me
Braces or Invisalign will give you a straight smile, but you will need dental retainers to make this smile last throughout your lifetime. Wearing dental retainers is a vital phase of your teeth straightening process that helps maintain your teeth in their newly aligned position in your mouth.
We invite you to call our seasoned orthodontist at The Hawthorne Dentist at 310-775-2557 if you have recently completed your active phase of orthodontic treatment or are planning to begin one. We will help you customize your dental retainers to address your unique teeth misalignment issues and achieve the appealing smile you deserve.
