Retainers are helpful in holding your teeth in place. They are customized to your mouth and ensure that the results of your orthodontic treatment are maintained. While retainers may feel like an inconvenience after your orthodontic treatment, they are necessary to ensure your results last. Below you will find a helpful guide to retainers after braces.
Guide to Retainers After Braces
For those who have had orthodontic treatment, maintaining your results is crucial. Without it, our teeth can shift and you may need treatment again. Avoid the hassle and follow this guide on retainers after your brace’s treatment.
Types of Retainers
There are three different types of retainers. It’s important to follow the instructions of your orthodontist in Downtown LA in terms of when and how long to wear them.
Bonded Retainer:
A bonded retainer is attached to your teeth. It is used after your braces are removed to keep your teeth in place for the first few months post-treatment. Despite having a retainer attached to your teeth, you’ll need to brush and use a floss threader to clean this type of retainer.
Hawley Retainer:
A Hawley retainer is made of wire and removable. It can be easily taken out when you eat and clean it. It is less discreet than a clear retainer which is why many prefer the latter.
Clear Retainer:
A clear retainer, also referred to as a “molded retainer,” and is also removable. It is designed to fit your teeth perfectly after you get your braces removed. While this type of retainer looks like Invisalign, as it is clear, it’s not the same. It is meant to keep your teeth in place, not more or adjust them.
Duration of Retainer Treatment
The amount of time you wear your retainer depends on what type you have, in addition to your unique dental issues. For those who have a bonded retainer, it’s not removable so you’ll wear it at all times. However, other retainers should also be worn full time (20 to 22 hours each day) for 4 to 9 months after you get your braces removed. In fact, you should only take out your retainer when you are eating or drinking something (besides plain water). This can help maximize its effectiveness. After the first few months post-braces. and with the clearance of your orthodontist, you can reduce the amount of time you wear your retainer. In most cases, you’ll only need to wear it at night.
Cleaning Your Retainers
Making sure your retainers in Los Angeles are clean is integral to your oral health. If you have a removable retainer, soak it in lukewarm water when you aren’t wearing it. Rinsing your retainer when it is still moist can help reduce the risk of food hardening on it. While retainers are durable, it is important to use care when handling them.
In addition to soaking your retainer, you should also clean it once a day (at least). You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush (not the same one you use to brush your teeth) with toothpaste to clean your retainer. Talk with your orthodontist about their product recommendations to ensure they will work well with your retainer.
Consequences of Not Wearing Retainers
As you age your teeth will move. For those who have had braces, the only way to stop your teeth from slowly moving is to wear your retainer. Your retainer can help you preserve your results with very little effort. When your teeth shift back to where they were before braces it’s referred to as relapsing. Avoiding this can save you time and money as you’ll likely need braces treatment again within 10 years.
