Everything You Need To Know About Retainers

Are you considering orthodontic treatment and have questions about retainers? Don’t worry; you’ve come to the right place. Retainers are an important part of any orthodontic treatment plan, so knowing how to properly use and care for them is important.

In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about retainers, from their importance to how to care for them properly.

What are retainers?

Retainers are orthodontic appliances used to hold your teeth in their correct position after you’ve had braces or Invisalign. They help maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment and prevent your teeth from shifting out of place.

They are custom-made to fit your mouth and are either removable or fixed in place.

The most common types of retainers are Hawley retainers, clear/invisible retainers, and Essix retainers. Hawley retainers feature metal wires and plastic and are highly customizable.

Clear/invisible retainers feature a thin plastic and are almost invisible when worn. Essix retainers look similar to clear aligners but are often thinner.

Reasons Why Retainers Are Important?

1. Retainers help maintain your new smile: Retainers are an important part of orthodontics. They help keep your teeth in their new positions, allowing them to stay straight and aligned even after your braces come off.

2. Retainers can help correct minor orthodontic issues: A retainer can help correct these problems by gently applying pressure to the teeth to move them back into proper alignment.

3. Retainers can improve the health of your mouth: Because retainers keep your teeth properly aligned, they can help reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. By keeping your teeth and gums healthy, retainers can also improve your overall oral health.

4. Retainers help keep your jaw healthy: When your teeth are properly aligned, they can support the jaw better and allow it to function more efficiently. It helps reduce tension and stress on the jaw joints, which can lead to long-term health issues such as TMJ disorder.

5. Retainers can fix minor speech issues: If you had braces as a child, you might have experienced some difficulty speaking correctly. A retainer can fix minor speech issues such as lisping, whistling, or mispronouncing certain words.

6. Retainers are comfortable and discreet: Some retainers are made from clear plastic and are virtually invisible when worn. 

Tips for Caring for Your Retainer

1. Brush your retainer every time you brush your teeth. Ensure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, water, and toothpaste to clean it. Avoid using other cleaning solutions, such as bleach or boiling water.

2. Soak your retainer in a dental cleaning solution for about 15 minutes once a week. Follow the directions on the product’s label to ensure proper use.

3. Avoid leaving your retainer in a hot environment such as direct sunlight, inside the car, or near heat sources. Heat can warp the plastic and make it less effective.

4. Remove your retainer before swimming, showering, or participating in contact sports.

5. Store your retainer in a case when it is not in your mouth. It will protect it from being stepped on or crushed by other objects.

6. Check your retainer every six months or when it feels loose. Your orthodontist can make any necessary adjustments to ensure it fits properly and works correctly.

Final Thoughts

At Aloha Orthodontics, we understand the importance of retainers and want to ensure your teeth stay straight and healthy for years.If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your orthodontist in Las Vegas for advice. We are here to help.