Menu
Retainers are essential to preserving the progress made during your braces or Invisalign treatment. Over time, teeth naturally shift and undergo positional changes. By wearing retainers as directed following treatment, you can effectively maintain the results and prevent them from reverting to their original positions.
Drs. Mike and Emily, and the experienced team at Orthodontic Specialists, have successfully enhanced over 13,000 smiles. That kind of expertise empowers us to not only provide you with exceptional orthodontic treatment, but also guide you in maintaining a stunning smile for years to come.
Imagine this– you’ve successfully completed your treatment and achieved that stunning, perfectly aligned smile! It’s an incredible accomplishment, and that means your treatment is complete, right? Not really!! There is one more vital step to guarantee lasting results: wearing a retainer.
Wearing an orthodontic retainer, whether bonded or removable, is essential for maintaining your beautiful new smile even after the main treatment is finished. The retainer is an important tool in keeping your teeth aligned as your gums, teeth, and supporting bone continue to heal and readjust. By securely holding your teeth in place, the retainer guarantees the long-term stability of your perfectly straight smile.
Now, let’s talk about removable retainers. These orthodontic devices, such as the popular Hawley retainer featuring a wire and plastic configuration, or the wire-free Trutain/Essix retainer with its clear appearance, are specifically tailored to perfectly fit your teeth. The advantage of these retainers is their ability to be easily removed for eating and brushing your teeth. However, it’s important to keep in mind that despite their flexibility, a certain level of commitment is necessary to maintain the integrity of your beautifully aligned smile.
When you think of “Hawley retainers”, you can envision the classic wire or metal retainers. These retainers are made with a durable combination of metal wire and acrylic plastic, allowing them to securely fit on both your upper and lower teeth. While they may be more noticeable compared to other options, their strength and durability makes them an excellent choice. Another perk is that they are removable, meaning you can effortlessly enjoy meals and indulge in sweet beverages. As an added bonus, some Hawley retainers can even be customized with your favorite color or pattern!
Essix and Vivera retainers are two excellent options for clear, plastic removable retainers that seamlessly enhance your smile.
Whether you opt for Essix or Vivera, both retainers are ideal for preserving your flawless smile after treatment.
Have you ever heard about bonded retainers, incorrectly known as “permanent” retainers? A bonded retainer is a fixed retainer that remains in place. Featuring a metal wire, it’s attached to your teeth using a bonding agent, similar to glue, and is not meant to be removed on your own. Bonded retainers can be challenging to keep clean due to the inability to easily floss between the teeth.
Maintaining the smile you’ve always wanted is a lifelong dedication, and at Orthodontic Specialists we’re here to help you throughout the entire process. Whether you have questions about retainers after being a patient, are just starting your orthodontic treatment journey, or need a new or repaired retainer, our team is prepared to offer personalized solutions.
We would love to discuss your retainer treatment and are happy to offer a complimentary consultation at either of our offices in Munster or St. John, IN. Together, we’ll guarantee the long-lasting preservation of your beautiful and vibrant smile.
The duration of retainer wear can vary from person to person. Initially, for about the first 4 months, your orthodontist will likely recommend for you to wear your retainer both day and night. Once your teeth have settled, it is advised to continue wearing your retainer at night for a lifetime.
Permanent retainers are generally worn for many years, with occasional repairs or replacements indicated due to wear and tear.
Hawley retainers typically last many years with proper home maintenance and care.
Essix retainers typically last 6 months to a year but can last longer depending on how well you take care of them.
Vivera retainers last anywhere from 3 months to several years, depending upon the patient’s habits (such as grinding (bruxism) or clenching their teeth while awake or sleeping.
Bonded retainers can last many years with proper maintenance and care.
Caring for retainers is critical to their longevity and effectiveness. Whether they are removable or bonded, proper retainer care involves thorough daily cleaning with a toothbrush and toothpaste, using warm but not hot water to prevent the plastic from warping. When figuring out how to clean retainers, especially clear retainers, it’s essential to ensure no food debris is stuck to avoid plaque build-up and discoloration.
Furthermore, orthodontic retainer care includes keeping the device in a designated case when not in use and avoiding exposure to heat. Different cleaning and care methods are needed depending on the type of retainer you have. Our team will instruct you on how to clean your retainer effectively, and how to maintain its proper functioning, but here are a few general guidelines to follow.
Cleaning bonded retainers is a bit more complex due to the added small spaces which may harbor bacteria. Proper orthodontic retainer care requires you to brush all around your retainers from different angles using gentle pressure to avoid causing damage. If this proves challenging with a regular toothbrush, interdental brushes designed for reaching small gaps can be beneficial.
Flossing around the bonded retainer at least once a day is also crucial. Tools like floss threaders, floss picks, or water flossers can help reach tight spaces under the retainer wire. It is also advised to avoid hard or chewy foods to prevent breakages. In addition to home care, more frequent professional dental cleanings can help monitor and manage plaque and bacteria. If any issue arises with your retainer, make sure to contact us promptly to avoid any harm to your health or teeth.
Cleaning removable retainers is a straightforward process due to their removable nature. To ensure proper cleaning, it is essential to brush your retainer with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush as soon as it is removed from your mouth, before any debris hardens. Furthermore, it is advised to brush your teeth after meals to maintain retainer cleanliness. For a more thorough clean, a gentle scrub with mild dish soap can be employed, keeping in mind that toothpaste should be avoided due to its potential to scratch the retainer’s surface.
While caring for your retainer, there are certain practices to avoid. These include the use of hot or boiling water, which can warp the retainer, washing it in a dishwasher or washing machine, and soaking it for prolonged periods, especially for Hawley retainers which are prone to corrosion. Also, remember to clean your retainer case regularly.
If your removable retainer gets lost or broken, it’s crucial to contact your orthodontist immediately. They can assist you in fixing the existing retainer or aid in obtaining a replacement. The process varies depending on the type of your removable retainer.
On the other hand, if your bonded retainer breaks, it’s vital to get in touch with your orthodontist right away. Since only an orthodontist can remove a bonded retainer, any damage could potentially harm both your retainer and your teeth and gums.
Remember, delaying contact with your orthodontist could allow your teeth to shift back to their original misalignment. Do not procrastinate in seeking a repair or replacement.
Rest assured, the lisp you may experience initially is not permanent. Over time, your tongue and lips will adapt to the presence of your retainers. Although your lips might feel slightly larger due to the plastic on your teeth, this sensation will lessen. Some individuals may also experience dry mouth; in this case, we advise increasing your water intake while wearing your retainers.
The frequency of retainer replacement largely depends on your individual usage and care. If you handle your retainers roughly, they may need to be replaced annually. Additionally, any alterations in your mouth such as fillings, crowns, or extractions might render your retainer unfitting. Should such changes occur, it’s important that you contact your orthodontist promptly to arrange for a new retainer.
If you tend to grind your teeth heavily, you might need a nightguard, which is often covered by insurance plans and can be provided by your general dentist. Nightguards are crafted from hard acrylic, making them more resilient than standard Essix retainers. Once you have your nightguard, it can be worn instead of your retainer, allowing you to maintain teeth alignment while simultaneously protecting your teeth from grinding.
Should you neglect to wear your retainers as recommended, your teeth might shift back towards their initial position. This is why consistent use of your retainers is critical. In fact, we consider retention to be the most significant phase of your overall orthodontic treatment.