Retainers: How to Keep Your Orthodontic Results
Why Retainers Are Your Post-Braces Best Friend
After the brackets come off or the last Invisalign aligner is used, your orthodontic journey isn’t quite finished. The next critical phase is retention, which involves using retainers to ensure the beautiful results achieved during treatment last a lifetime. Retainers are essential tools in maintaining the alignment of your teeth post-orthodontic treatment. Here at SBK Orthodontics in Dexter, we emphasize the importance of this phase to all our patients, explaining how retainers work and why they are crucial for preserving the investment made in your smile.
Why Retainers Are Necessary
Teeth have a tendency to move throughout our lives, whether due to growth, aging, or changes in our oral health. After orthodontic treatment, teeth are especially prone to shift back towards their original positions, a process known as relapse. Retainers are designed to prevent this, ensuring that your teeth stay aligned as your mouth and jaw continue to stabilize after treatment. Consistent wear of your retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist in Dexter is vital for maintaining your new smile.
Types of Retainers
At SBK Orthodontics, we provide various types of retainers, each tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of our patients. Understanding the different types can help you decide which is best suited for your lifestyle and dental care routine:
- Hawley Retainers: Made of metal wires and durable acrylic, Hawley retainers are custom-fitted to sit comfortably in the roof of your mouth while keeping your teeth in place. These retainers are adjustable, which means they can be slightly modified by your orthodontist in Dexter to correct minor tooth movements that may occur over time.
- Clear Plastic Retainers: Similar to Invisalign aligners, these retainers are made from clear plastic and fit snugly over your teeth. They are virtually invisible, offering an aesthetic advantage. They are also easy to wear and clean but may need to be replaced periodically due to wear and tear.
- Fixed Retainers: Also known as permanent or bonded retainers, these consist of a thin wire bonded behind the teeth, usually the lower front teeth. They are great for those who might forget to wear a removable retainer regularly, as they continuously maintain teeth alignment without any extra effort from the patient.
Caring for Your Retainers
Proper care of your retainers is just as important as wearing them. Here are some tips to ensure your retainers remain effective and hygienic:
- Clean Regularly: Just like your teeth, your retainers need regular cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria. For Hawley and clear plastic retainers, brush them gently with toothpaste and a toothbrush. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic. For fixed retainers, careful flossing is essential, and a floss threader can be a helpful tool.
- Storage: When not in use, store your removable retainers in their case. This protects them from damage and loss. Never wrap your retainer in a napkin during meals; many retainers are lost or accidentally thrown away this way.
- Avoid Heat: High temperatures can deform your retainers, especially the plastic ones. Keep them away from hot car dashboards, washing machines, and dishwashers.
- Regular Checkups: Visit your orthodontist in Dexter regularly to ensure your retainers are still fitting well and performing their job. These visits are also an opportunity to replace worn-out retainers, which is crucial to maintaining your orthodontic results.
Long-Term Success with Retainers
The key to long-term success with retainers is consistency. Wearing your retainers as directed by your orthodontist at SBK Orthodontics in Dexter is crucial. Initially, you may be advised to wear them full-time, only removing them to eat and clean your teeth. Over time, you may transition to wearing them only at night. However, the exact schedule can vary based on individual treatment plans, so it’s important to follow the specific instructions given to you.
Remember, retention is a lifelong commitment to your smile. Just like any other part of your health routine, it requires attention and diligence. At SBK Orthodontics in Dexter, we are committed to helping you maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment and ensure your smile stays straight and beautiful for years to come.
Protect Your Smile’s Future
Retainers are a fundamental aspect of the orthodontic process, designed to keep your teeth aligned and your smile perfect after treatment. By understanding the types of retainers available and how to care for them properly, you can protect the investment you’ve made in your smile. If you have questions about retainers or need a consultation, contact us at SBK Orthodontics in Dexter. Let us help you keep your smile looking its best for a lifetime.
