The Role of Retainers in Maintaining Your Perfect Smile

Successfully completing your orthodontic treatment is an important milestone. If you want to maintain your new and confident smile, you’ll likely need to wear a retainer. In this guide, we’ll take through the dos and don’ts of retainers, including which kind to get and how to care for it long term.

What is a Retainer?

Once you take your braces off, your teeth may eventually move back to a different position without proper maintenance. To keep the progress you made, it’s important to get fitted for a retainer shortly after getting your braces removed. A retainer is a custom-made orthodontic device designed to hold your teeth in place and stabilize their new position.

Types of Retainers

There are two main types of retainers: fixed and removable. Fixed, or permanent, retainers are bonded to the mouth with a glue-like substance and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable retainers are typically either made of acrylic and wires (Hawley retainers) or clear plastic that fits snugly over the teeth. While clear plastic retainers are less noticeable than traditional Hawley retainers, they may need to be replaced more frequently.

The Role of Retainers in Maintaining Your New Smile

Retainers prevent teeth from gradually shifting over time, giving the teeth and bone time to stabilize after orthodontic treatment. They also help maintain the position of your bite, which prevents future problems from developing from misalignment. While retainers can feel like an extra step you need to take after treatment, the long-term results are worth it. Remember, you’ve already invested the time to achieve your ideal smile, so make sure you preserve your results for as long as possible by wearing and caring for your retainer. Below are the best ways to ensure your retainer stays in good condition.

Clean Your Retainer

It’s important to clean your retainer daily to avoid bacteria growth & to maintain proper oral hygiene. For fixed retainers, brush and floss around them carefully to reduce plaque buildup and remove food particles. For removable retainers, clean daily with a very soft toothbrush and gentle toothpaste. You can also soak the retainer in a mixture of warm water and regular mild dish soap. 

Store Your Retainer Properly

When not in use, store the retainer in its case in a memorable location (if not careful, retainers can very easily be misplaced). Keep retainers away from heat sources, such as heaters or very hot water, which can warp the plastic. If you have pets, such as dogs, be sure to keep your retainer out of their reach, as they make tempting chew toys.

Visit Your Las Vegas Orthodontist for Adjustments 

It’s important to visit your orthodontist for check-ups and necessary adjustments. They will instruct you as to when to wear your retainer, for how long, and how to take care of it. At first, you may need to wear your retainer 24 hours a day (except when eating), but eventually, you may be able to transition to only nighttime wear. It’s important to closely follow directions from your orthodontist, as inconsistent wear can impact your teeth’s positioning and the effectiveness of the retainer.

Conclusion

If you need orthodontic care, reach out to our experienced and professional team for a consultation. We’re here to ensure you have a smooth, enjoyable dental experience and achieve the smile of your dreams. Contact us directly for more information today.