Retainers
Very simply, retainers are used after orthodontic treatment to help keep teeth straight in alignment with their new position. Without retainers, teeth may shift back into misalignment. The benefits of orthodontic treatment will last a lifetime if you keep these important patient responsibilities in mind:
Lost Your Retainer?
No problem. We can help.
Your teeth could start to shift after you’ve finished treatment if you don’t wear a retainer. Let’s make sure your smile that you’ve always wanted lasts forever.
Contact us to order a new retainer.
How Retainers are Worn
Because teeth can continue to move throughout life, we feel that individuals who have undergone orthodontic therapy should wear retainers indefinitely. Most patients start by wearing their retainers all the time, including sleeping for up to one year following the removal of braces, then switch to nighttime only. Talk to Dr. Chen for the retainer protocol that he recommends for you.
After approximately one year, the patient can wear the retainer just at night or as Dr. Chen has prescribed specifically for you.. This is to allow the wisdom teeth to develop without ruining the patient’s beautiful smile. Dr. Andrew Chen may see you periodically to make recommendations on the wisdom teeth and an X-ray may be taken to evaluate their position.
Can a retainer straighten teeth?
The simple answer is “no.” Retainers are designed to maintain straight teeth, not get them straight.
Fixed retainers (bonded wire) vs removable retainers
This type of metal wire retainer, when selected, is bonded behind the teeth so that is can keep the teeth straight but can not be seen. This is done for both the upper teeth and the lower teeth. This style of retainer is recommended to remain on the teeth for as long as it can be kept clean. A fixed wire retainer will protect the teeth as the patient gets older without the worry of losing retainers.
However, if your family dentist says you are not keeping it clean or if it is beginning to cause gum or bone problems, then a change is required. The fixed retainer should be removed from both the upper teeth and the upper and lower teeth together. Then, replace it with a removable plastic retainer.
The removable retainer should then be worn as Dr. Chen prescribes.
How to Care for Retainers
- 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 can rise
- Retainers should be kept in their 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.
- Clean before and after placement in the 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.
Because retainers are worn for years, they will need periodic replacement. Your original treatment contract includes the cost of 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, contact our office immediately.
Habits or conditions that may require alternative retention
If any of these conditions exist, then we must consider an alternative appliance for retention…
- Mouth breathing
- Clenching and/or grinding of teeth (muscle hyperactivity)
- Tongue thrusting, low tongue posture or abnormal tongue posture
- Lip sucking
- Pen or pencil biting
- An open bite prior to treatment
In these cases where there is an oral habit involved, you may need to be referred to a myofunctional therapist or oral facial pain specialist to help combat the effects of these types of habits.
Our goal is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential in order to achieve this worthy goal!
Mouthguards
As the name implies, these appliances are designed to guard and protect the teeth, jaw, and brain during sports. For example, in any contact sport, there is the possibility of receiving a blow to the mouth. When this happens, a mouthguard helps protect the teeth and absorbs some of the energy helping to protect the jaw and helping to reduce the shock to the brain – which can lead to a concussion. Let us know your needs. We offer a braces compatible mouthguard during your orthodontic treatment
How to care for a mouthguard
The biggest issue for mouthguards is fit and cleanliness. If we provide the mouthguard then its fit is assured. However, it is the responsibility of the user to keep the mouthguard clean and hygienic. Usually, a gentle washing in warm water is sufficient.
We can create custom mouthguards
For atheletes not currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, we can create custom-designed mouthguards for you to show your team spirit! Make an appointment today to begin the process.
Retainers and mouthguards are removable appliances
Once the most active orthodontic treatment and appliances are removed, the patient will receive retainers to stabilize the dental correction. Because the bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth are stabilizing 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 movement of the teeth, which could necessitate re-treatment.
A mouthguard, on the other hand, is worn only during the sports activity and removed when not playing.
Why does my removable retainer or mouthguard smell?
If your retainer or mouthguard smells, it is a hygiene problem. The appliance needs a thorough cleaning and sanitizing. But remember, do not put these appliances through the dishwasher or other harsh cleaning systems. Doing so may destroy the retainer or the mouthguard.
Dental examinations and cleanings
All patients who have completed treatment should continue with proper oral hygiene procedures at home, which includes thorough brushing and flossing techniques, and should see their general dentist at least every six months for cleanings.