The benefits of orthodontic treatment will last a lifetime if you wear your retainers. We encourage wearing retainers for as long and as often as possible. We want your smile to stay beautiful and straight for years to come! To make sure that happens, you have important responsibilities as a patient post-treatment, which are outlined below.
Once the active orthodontic appliances are removed, the patient will receive retainers to stabilize the dental correction. Because the bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth solidify and stabilize for several months after braces are removed, it is imperative that the retainers are worn as instructed. Failure to wear the retainers may result in undesirable tooth movement, which could lead to needing re-treatment.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
Removable Retainers
Because teeth can continue to move throughout life, we recommend that individuals who have undergone orthodontic therapy should wear retainers indefinitely. A patient should wear retainers as much as possible for one year following the removal of braces.
Around one year post-treatment, the patient may transition to wearing the orthodontic retainer solely at night. This allows wisdom teeth to develop without affecting the smile. Dr. Andrew Taylor will schedule check-ups every six to nine months to assess wisdom teeth progress, with X-rays taken every one and a half years.
Once your wisdom teeth have been evaluated and a course of action has been decided upon, wear your orthodontic retainer at least one night per week. As you get older, the muscles that surround your teeth will get tighter and place pressure on them, causing them to move or crowd.
Hawley Retainer
Traditional retainer is made of acrylic and stainless steel wires.
Clear Retainer
Made of clear plastic and looks like a clear aligner, such as Invisalign.
How to Care for Removable Retainers
Clean your retainer before and after placing it in your mouth. Because the material used for fabrication is slightly porous, plaque tends to cling to the surfaces. Gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush and a mild liquid soap will remove the plaque. A denture cleaning solution, such as Efferdent, will aid in the removal of plaque and tartar. Be sure to rinse the retainers thoroughly after cleaning to remove any cleanser residue.
- Retainers are made of a thermoplastic material that is sensitive to excessive heat, so they should be kept away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards, or any place where the temperatures exceed 115 degrees (Fº).
- Retainers should be kept in the proper retainer case when they are not in the patient’s mouth.
- Keep away from any family pets, as they like to chew on them.
Because retainers are worn for years, they will need periodic replacement. Your original treatment contract includes one set of retainers after the braces are removed. If the retainers are lost or damaged due to neglect, there will be a charge for replacement. If the retainers become loose or break, don’t hesitate to contact our office immediately.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
This wire is intended to remain in place indefinitely. However, if your family dentist observes inadequate hygiene leading to gum or bone issues, please have the wire removed and replace it with a removable retainer, as prescribed by Dr. Andrew Taylor. The fixed wire serves to safeguard teeth as facial muscles tighten with age. Regular monitoring by your family dentist during six-month checkups is recommended.
Our goal is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential to achieving this goal.
