Maintaining the benefits of orthodontic treatment requires commitment, mainly through consistently using retainers. At Dr. Blair Orthodontics, we stress the importance of wearing your retainers as often as possible to ensure your smile remains beautiful and straight for years to come. After removing your active orthodontic appliances, you will receive retainers designed to stabilize your dental corrections.
Why Retainers Are Important
After removing braces, the bone and soft tissues surrounding your teeth need time to solidify. Wearing your retainers as instructed is crucial; neglecting this may lead to undesirable tooth movement, possibly requiring re-treatment.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
Removable Retainers
To achieve long-lasting results, it’s recommended that individuals who have completed orthodontic therapy wear their retainers indefinitely.
- Initial Phase: For the six months post-braces, wear your retainers as much as possible.
- Transition Phase: After six months, you may switch to wearing them primarily at night.
Dr. Blair Cohen will monitor retainer fit and wear for one year after treatment is completed. It is important to wear retainers nightly to prevent any relapse.Â
Hawley Retainer
A traditional retainer made of acrylic with stainless steel wires.
Clear Retainer
Crafted from clear plastic, resembling clear aligners like Invisalign®.
How to Care for Removable Retainers
Keeping your retainers in top shape is essential. Follow these care tips:
- Clean Regularly: Brush your retainer with a toothbrush and mild soap before and after use to remove plaque. A denture cleaning solution like Efferdent can also be effective.
- Thorough Rinsing: Always rinse your retainer thoroughly to eliminate any cleaning solution residue.
- Proper Storage: Keep your retainer in its case when not in use to prevent damage or loss.
- Avoid Excess Heat: Retainers are sensitive to heat. Keep them away from heaters, dishwashers, and car dashboards, as temperatures over 115°F (46°C) can warp them.
- Pet Safety: Store retainers in a safe place to protect them from pets that might chew on them.
Since retainers are used for a long time, they may require replacement. Your original treatment contract includes one retainer set after removing your braces. If retainers are lost or damaged due to neglect, there will be a charge for replacements. If they become loose or break, contact our office immediately.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
This wire is designed to remain in place permanently unless your family dentist recommends removal due to cleanliness issues that could lead to gum or bone problems. If this occurs, the wire should be replaced with a removable retainer as prescribed by Dr. Cohen.
The fixed wire serves as protection for your teeth as you age and helps accommodate tightening facial muscles. Regular monitoring by your family dentist during six-month checkups is essential.
At Dr. Blair Orthodontics, we are dedicated to helping you maintain a beautiful and healthy smile for life. We believe that a great smile enhances your appearance and boosts your confidence and overall well-being. Together, we can ensure that your orthodontic journey is successful and rewarding, leading to a smile you can be proud of for years to come.
