If you diligently wear your retainers, the benefits of orthodontic treatment can last a lifetime. At Torres Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of retainer wear to ensure your smile remains beautiful and straight for years. Below are the key responsibilities and guidelines for post-treatment care.
Patient Responsibilities Post-Treatment
Once the active orthodontic appliances are removed, you will receive retainers to stabilize your dental correction. The bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth will take several months to solidify, making it crucial to wear your retainers as instructed.
Neglecting to wear them can result in undesirable teeth movement, potentially requiring re-treatment.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
Removable Retainers
Because teeth can shift over time, we advise wearing retainers indefinitely. In the beginning, it’s best to wear your retainers as much as possible for the first year after getting your braces removed. After that, you can switch to wearing them only at night.
It’s important to have regular check-ups every six to nine months to monitor your progress and receive any necessary recommendations. As you get older, wearing your retainer one night per week will help maintain your smile.
Hawley Retainer
Traditional retainer made of acrylic and stainless steel wires.
Clear Retainer
Made of clear plastic, resembling such as clear aligners.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
A fixed retainer is a wire bonded to your teeth to keep them in place permanently. This wire should stay on indefinitely unless your dentist advises otherwise due to gum or bone issues. If removed, it should be replaced with a removable retainer, worn as prescribed. Regular monitoring during dental check-ups is essential.
How to Care for Removable Retainers
- Cleaning: Clean your retainer before and after use. Plaque tends to cling to the porous material, so scrub it gently with a toothbrush and mild liquid soap. Denture cleaning solutions like Efferdent can also help remove plaque and tartar. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
- Heat Sensitivity: Keep retainers away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards, or any place where temperatures exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Proper Storage: Always store your retainer in its case when not in use.
- Pet Safety: Keep retainers away from pets, as they might chew on them.
- Replacement: Retainers need periodic replacement due to wear and tear. Your treatment contract includes one set of retainers after braces removal. Lost or damaged retainers due to neglect will incur a replacement charge. Contact our office immediately if your retainers become loose or break.
Habits or Conditions Requiring Stronger Retention
- Mouth Breathing
- Clenching and/or Grinding of Teeth (Muscle Hyperactivity)
- Tongue Thrusting, Low Tongue Posture, or Abnormal Tongue Posture
- Playing a Musical Instrument with a Reed
- Lip Sucking
- Pen or Pencil Biting
- Spacing Between the Teeth Prior to Treatment
- Severely Rotated Teeth
Our objective is to maintain your beautiful and healthy smile for a lifetime, and your cooperation is crucial in achieving this goal.
