The day your braces come off is an exciting day, but it’s not the end of your orthodontic journey. You’ve put in the hard work, and now it’s time to ensure that it doesn’t go to waste.
At the end of your treatment time, you’ll receive your retainer, which will now help maintain the straightness of your new smile.
Why do you need a retainer?
A retainer has an important job and it’s right in its name. Your retainer will retain your smile in its new location. After your braces come off, your teeth will want to shift back to their original places. Your retainer works to hold them where they should be while the rest of your mouth gets used to the work that has just happened during your time in braces. While the ligaments adjust and the bone regrows, the retainer makes sure your teeth can’t relapse.
What kinds of retainers are there?
There are three main types of retainers.
Fixed retainer – These are used for patients who have the highest possibility of a relapse. They are permanently bonded behind the teeth, so they are always in place. They are ideal for long-term retention, and because they’re placed behind the teeth, they are invisible to others.
Hawley retainer – Hawley retainers are probably what you picture when you think of a retainer. These consist of an acrylic piece attached to a wire. The acrylic sits on the palate and the wire goes around the teeth, holding them in place. They can be adjusted if needed.
Clear retainer – Clear retainers are becoming much more popular, especially after clear aligner treatment. They are designed just like a clear aligner, so they are virtually invisible and will fit snugly over your teeth. Clear retainers are custom molded to fit over your new smile.
Retainer FAQ
What type of retainer will I have? That will be determined by you and your orthodontist. If your orthodontist thinks you may have a higher possibility of relapse, a fixed retainer may be used on either the upper and/or lower teeth.
How long will I need to wear my retainer? Every smile is different, so retainer wear can be slightly different from patient to patient. Most patients will wear their retainers around the clock for the first several months as their mouths adjust. Then, most will be able to switch to wearing the retainer at night only. It is recommended to wear your retainer for life to ensure that your smile always stays in place.
What happens if I lose or break my retainer? If you lose or break your retainer, call our office right away so we can get you a new one. We don’t want you to go any longer than necessary without wearing it, so we’ll get you fit for a new one.
What should I do if I forget to wear my retainer? Sometimes life happens, and everyone may forget to wear their retainer from time to time. If it’s only been a short time since you last wore it, simply wear it as normal. If it has been a longer time, you might find that it doesn’t fit anymore. If this happens, call our office so we can get you fit for a new one.
How do I care for my retainer? Taking proper care of your retainer is important to ensure it is always in proper working order. Here are some tips:
Always put your retainer in a case when it isn’t in your mouth. This will help prevent you from accidentally throwing it away or losing it.
Keep your retainer clean. If not cleaned properly, it can harbor bacteria that can harm your smile. Gently clean your retainer using a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, anti-bacterial soap. You can also soak it in an effervescent cleaner to remove any leftover residue.
Always remove your retainer before eating or drinking anything but water. To ensure you don’t damage your retainer, you should always remove it before eating. If you have a clear retainer, remove it before drinking anything but water as some liquids could stain the retainer.
Remember, your success is up to you. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions, ensuring you wear your retainer as directed and care for it as prescribed.
Chelian Orthodontics is here to help you with each step of your orthodontic journey. If you ever have questions about your retainer wear or need to be fit for a new one, give us a call or fill out our appointment request form. We offer retainer replacement and repair, even if you had your braces done at another orthodontic office. If you need a new impression, we can take it and create your new retainer right here in our Nashua or Beverly offices.
