The Basics of Owning a Retainer
When it comes to retainers, there is a lot of information out there that can skew your perception of them. As your Shelby Township dentists, we want to help clear the air so that you have all the facts you need about your retainer. In this blog post, we’ll cover topics such as how long you should wear your retainer and proper cleaning practices. If you have a few questions about retainers, this read is for you.
What is a Retainer?
A retainer helps retain your teeth’s new alignment after they’ve been positioned from metal braces or Invisalign®. Retainers do not align teeth or correct improper alignment, they just help maintain proper positioning.
The name makes a lot of sense now, right?
A retainer is a necessary step after traditional metal braces or Invisalign. Otherwise, all the time and patience of your alignment therapy could be lost. Your teeth will want to slowly return to their old positions so retainers help prevent that. If you happen to not wear your retainer for a day and a half, don’t panic, just be sure to continue wearing it during scheduled times. Any minimal shifts in that period won’t have solidified yet, so in that case, the retainer will still work to keep your teeth where you want them.
Are There Different Kinds of Retainers?
Yes! Not everyone will have the same type of retainer as some are better for different oral treatments. These are the most common retainers:
- The Essix (Clear) Retainer: This piece fits over your teeth like a shell. It’s clear so you can barely notice it!
- The Hawley Retainer: These retainers have an acrylic palate piece that rests in your mouth with a metal wire that wraps around your teeth. For those needing a , there are a lot of color options you can choose from to make it more personal to you.
- The Bonded Retainer: This is a piece that doesn’t get removed from your mouth unless your dentist is changing it. The bonded retainer is a metal bar that gets secured with a dental glue to the back of your teeth to help hold it in place.
As your local dental practice, we’ll make sure you get a retainer that fits your needs best so that you can stay smiling for a lifetime.
Do I Need to Clean My Retainer?
Yes, you do. You need to clean your retainer regularly just like you do your teeth. Think about it…if a retainer sits in your mouth it’s going to collect the same things that build up on your teeth: plaque and tartar.
Be sure to clean your retainer every night in a cleaning solution like Efferdent and also use a to gently brush the retainer. This helps ensure that the mouthpiece is sanitary and won’t put you at risk for things like gum disease or other oral hygiene concerns.
How Long Will I Have to Wear a Retainer?
A retainer is something you’ll have to wear for life. Otherwise, your teeth will shift back to their original state. But, the amount of time each day you have to wear your retainer may vary.
For the first few months to a year after your orthodontic treatment, you’ll have to wear your retainer around the clock except when eating, brushing, or flossing. Depending on your treatment, after one year you may only have to wear a retainer at night.
It’s important to wear your retainer as scheduled to prevent your teeth from displacement. If you lose or break your retainer you should contact us immediately to get a new one. For patients who went through an orthodontic treatment within the last year, more than a day without your retainer may mean some pain when putting it back in. Any time longer than a day and a half and we recommend contacting us to see if you need to come in for an oral checkup. This is to make sure your teeth haven’t shifted too much, which may require further treatment.
When Should I Get My Retainer Adjusted or Changed?
Getting your retainer adjusted is no big deal. It’s a common occurrence that happens to many people so don’t worry too much if your retainer is no longer fitting right. Just be sure to come in and see us as soon as you notice the change to avoid any unwanted pain or discomfort, and to ensure that your teeth are behaving the way they should.
As your family dental practice, we recommend getting a new retainer every year to ensure healthy sanitation practices and to make any micro-adjustments as needed with your teeth.
Want More Dental Information?
If you’re looking for more information on oral health, head over to our blog page where we post tons of content. If you’re in need of Invisalign braces or a new retainer, feel free to request an appointment online or by phone at (586) 799-4240 so we can help provide you with the smile you want. Our dentists in Shelby Township, MI, are here to make more smiles happen.
