It’s essential to wear your retainers consistently to maintain the benefits of orthodontic treatment over time. This will help preserve your beautiful, straight smile for years to come. As a patient, you have important responsibilities after treatment, which are outlined below to guide you.
After your braces or other orthodontic appliances are removed, you will need to wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions. It’s important to wear your retainers as directed, as the bone and soft tissues around your teeth will take several months to fully stabilize. Not wearing your retainers as instructed may cause your teeth to shift back, which could require additional treatment.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
Removable Retainers
Because teeth can continue to shift throughout life, we recommend that individuals who have undergone orthodontic therapy wear retainers indefinitely. Initially, you should wear them as much as possible for the first year after your braces are removed.
After approximately a year, you can start using your retainer mainly at night. This will enable your wisdom teeth to grow in safely while maintaining your lovely smile. Regular check-ups with Dr. Kim Young every six to nine months will help keep an eye on the progress of your wisdom teeth and may involve getting X-rays every 1.5 years.
After your wisdom teeth have been evaluated and a course of action has been determined, it’s important to wear your retainer at least once a week. This is crucial because as you age, the muscles surrounding your teeth tighten and exert pressure, which can lead to shifting or crowding.
Hawley Retainer
A traditional retainer made of acrylic and stainless steel wires, providing durability and a custom fit.
Clear Retainer
Crafted from clear plastic, it resembles a clear aligner like Invisalign, offering a discreet option.
How to Care for Removable Retainers
- Cleaning: Clean your retainer before and after use. Due to the porous nature of the material, plaque can accumulate. Gently scrub with a toothbrush and mild liquid soap. A denture cleaning solution, such as Efferdent, is also effective for removing plaque and tartar. Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning to eliminate any residue.
- Heat Sensitivity: Keep your retainer away from heat sources like heaters, dishwashers, or car dashboards, as excessive heat can distort the material.
- Storage: When not in use, store your retainer in its case to protect it from damage. Additionally, keep it out of reach of pets, who may chew on it.
- Replacement: Over time, retainers may need replacing. Your original treatment contract covers one set of retainers after braces removal. If lost or damaged due to neglect, a replacement fee may apply. If your retainers become loose or break, contact our office immediately.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
The fixed wire should ideally stay in place indefinitely unless your family dentist indicates that it is not being maintained properly and may cause gum or bone issues. In such cases, it can be removed and replaced with a removable retainer, which should be worn as directed by Dr. Young. This wire helps protect your teeth as you age and as facial muscles become tighter, so it’s important to have it checked during your six-month dental check-ups. Our top priority is to assist you in maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile for a lifetime. Your compliance with wearing retainers as directed is crucial for achieving this goal and ensuring that your orthodontic treatment continues to produce long-lasting results.