The Importance of Retainers and Orthodontic Care
A common misconception about orthodontic care is that once your braces are removed, it's over. However, all teeth shift throughout life; this is especially true after braces are removed. A retainer can be used to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Retainers are also used to close spaces between teeth, move a single tooth that is out of place, and even help some medical problems like tongue thrust, bruxism (grinding your teeth in your sleep) and malocclusion (when the teeth are not positioned properly when the jaws are closed). The most important part of having a retainer is to wear it exactly as your orthodontic specialist instructs.
It is possible that your retainer could cause you to feel some pressure or soreness in your teeth, but this is completely normal. You should not be discouraged from wearing your retainer if it is uncomfortable at first; in fact, a little discomfort is evidence that the retainer is working to stop your teeth from shifting out of position! However, after a period of time, as determined by your orthodontist, you will not have to wear your retainer as often. You may start out wearing it all day and then be instructed to wear it only at night. Whatever your instructions are, it is essential that you follow them exactly.
There are different types of retainers that are used, and after a visit to your orthodontic center, your doctor will determine which kind is right for you. Your retainer can be either removable or attached to your teeth.
- Traditional removable retainers are made of acrylic and wire. The acrylic can be different colors or even have different designs! There are clear plastic overlay retainers that are removable as well. These retainers are less noticeable than the acrylic ones and are often given to patients for night wear to treat bruxism. It is necessary to thoroughly clean your removable retainer every time it is removed. You will receive instruction at your orthodontic center regarding the proper care and cleaning techniques of your specific retainer. It is also very important not to lose your retainer as replacing your retainer can be quite expensive and could extend your treatment time.
- Retainers that are attached to your teeth are called bonded retainers. This type of retainer is used to treat your lower six front teeth. It is important to clean bonded retainers as well. This can be done by carefully brushing and flossing the area after eating.
After consultation at your orthodontic center, your doctor will take molds of your teeth in order to create your perfect retainer. The only way to ensure the alignment of your teeth and your bite do not change is to wear a retainer as designed and directed by your orthodontic specialist. Not wearing your retainer can cause your teeth to freely shift. These shifts could be extreme enough to cause you to need braces, which would cause far more trips to your orthodontist than your retainer would!
It is possible that your retainer could cause you to feel some pressure or soreness in your teeth, but this is completely normal. You should not be discouraged from wearing your retainer if it is uncomfortable at first; in fact, a little discomfort is evidence that the retainer is working to stop your teeth from shifting out of position! However, after a period of time, as determined by your orthodontist, you will not have to wear your retainer as often. You may start out wearing it all day and then be instructed to wear it only at night. Whatever your instructions are, it is essential that you follow them exactly.
There are different types of retainers that are used, and after a visit to your orthodontic center, your doctor will determine which kind is right for you. Your retainer can be either removable or attached to your teeth.
- Traditional removable retainers are made of acrylic and wire. The acrylic can be different colors or even have different designs! There are clear plastic overlay retainers that are removable as well. These retainers are less noticeable than the acrylic ones and are often given to patients for night wear to treat bruxism. It is necessary to thoroughly clean your removable retainer every time it is removed. You will receive instruction at your orthodontic center regarding the proper care and cleaning techniques of your specific retainer. It is also very important not to lose your retainer as replacing your retainer can be quite expensive and could extend your treatment time.
- Retainers that are attached to your teeth are called bonded retainers. This type of retainer is used to treat your lower six front teeth. It is important to clean bonded retainers as well. This can be done by carefully brushing and flossing the area after eating.
After consultation at your orthodontic center, your doctor will take molds of your teeth in order to create your perfect retainer. The only way to ensure the alignment of your teeth and your bite do not change is to wear a retainer as designed and directed by your orthodontic specialist. Not wearing your retainer can cause your teeth to freely shift. These shifts could be extreme enough to cause you to need braces, which would cause far more trips to your orthodontist than your retainer would!