A Complete Guide To Retainers: Types, Benefits, & Care Tips
After achieving your desired smile with Invisalign®, maintaining that perfect alignment with retainers becomes a priority. One common question we often receive is: ‘Will I need a retainer after braces?’ The answer, more than often not, is yes. Retainers play a crucial role in preserving a straighter smile, effortlessly. Wearing a retainer ensures your teeth stay in aligned position and protects the investment you made in orthodontic treatment.
At 41 South Bar, we’ve put together our guide to retainers, covering their purpose, usage, and more. Find the answers to the most commonly asked questions about orthodontic retainers to ensure you have all the information you need.
What Is A Retainer?
A retainer is a type of orthodontic device used after braces or Invisalign treatment to maintain teeth alignment. It prevents “relapse,” where teeth shift back to their original positions. Orthodontic treatment applies pressure to teeth; retainers maintain this pressure post-treatment. They’re custom-made and should be worn as prescribed to avoid additional treatments further down the line.
What Are The Different Types Of Orthodontic Retainers?
Retainers generally come in two types: permanent and removable. Our 41 South Bar Banbury Orthodontist will be able to suggest the most suitable option for you at the end of treatment.
- Permanent retainers: Thin wires attached behind your teeth, invisible to others. They are usually kept in place for several years (depending on the severity of teeth misalignment), maintaining your smile’s alignment.
- Removable retainers: They are typically clear plastic that fits over your teeth. While popular for being nearly invisible, they require diligence in wearing and maintenance.
Permanent or fixed retainers are ideal if you prefer not to remove your retainer frequently for eating or brushing, ensuring your smile stays in place.
Why Are Retainers Important After Having Braces?
Retainers are crucial because even after braces are removed, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original positions. Without a retainer, the results achieved with braces may not be permanent.
How Long Should I Wear My Retainer After Getting Braces Off?
The duration of wearing your retainer depends on your orthodontist’s instructions. The duration can vary from person to person as each case is unique and requires individualised assessment.
- For patients with severe misalignments, consistent retainer wear for about 6 months is often advised to maintain the corrected alignment and prevent teeth from shifting back.
- Some individuals may require 24-hour retainer wear for up to 4 months, while others may be instructed to wear their retainers full-time for a more extended period, typically ranging from 8 to 10 months.
For tailored guidance based on your specific situation, and to ensure the best outcome for your orthodontic treatment, we encourage you to speak directly with our dental team of experts.
How Should I Care For My Retainer?
Proper care for your retainer involves regular cleaning to remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque buildup.
- For permanent retainers, ensure thorough cleaning to remove food particles between the wire and teeth. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintenance.
- For removable retainers, always store them in their case to prevent loss or damage. Avoid wrapping them in tissues or napkins.
Tips To Properly Care For Your Retainer:
1. Use a soft bristle brush with dishwashing liquid and water.
2. Avoid toothpaste to prevent scratching the surface of the retainer.
3. Avoid placing it in boiling water or using microwaves or dishwashers.
4. Do not eat or drink anything while wearing the retainer to prevent staining, especially for clear retainers.
Do Retainers Straighten Teeth?
Retainers are crucial for maintaining the corrected alignment achieved through procedures like braces or Invisalign®. While they don’t actively straighten teeth, they provide consistent pressure to prevent teeth from reverting to their original positions, ensuring long-term orthodontic results.
How Do Retainers Contribute To Dental Health?
Retainers help ensure regular oral health checks and prevent the natural shifting of teeth over time. They also promote:
- Easier cleaning
- Improved hygiene
- Reduce the risk of dental issues such as decay and gum disease
For more information, read our article ‘5 tips to maintain great oral health.’
What Are The Long-Term Benefits Of Retainers?
After you’ve invested so much to get your dream smile with Invisalign® at our Banbury dentist, it’s crucial to maintain alignment for long-term oral health and confidence. Wearing your retainers offers a range of benefits, including:
- Prevent teeth shifting: Retainers help maintain the structural integrity of your teeth, preventing them from reverting to their original crooked shape, especially during the crucial first month after treatment.
- Improve oral hygiene: Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of bacterial buildup and potential dental issues like infections, cavities, and chronic problems.
- Assist breathing and speech: Proper teeth alignment supports breathing and speech, addressing issues that may have been unnoticed before orthodontic treatment.
- Stabilise your bite: After braces, the soft tissue and bone around your teeth need time to adapt. Retainers help stabilise your bite and minimise the likelihood of relapse or teeth shifting.
- Maintain space for new teeth: Retainers ensure that there’s enough space in the jaw for new teeth like wisdom teeth, preventing overcrowding or shifting.
- Long-term health benefits: It’s important to remember that oral health affects overall health. The health benefits of wearing retainers extend beyond just maintaining alignment; they contribute to overall oral health and well-being in the years to come. Preventing diabetes, speech impairments, snoring, heavy breathing, and improving chewing.
For further information, take a look at our article ‘Invisalign® orthodontist Banbury-your frequently asked questions’.
Maintain Your Dental Health With Our Top Tips:
Our team of Banbury orthodontists is here to share some essential advice for optimal dental care.
- Floss daily: Regular flossing is crucial for dental health, especially after orthodontic treatment, to prevent decay and maintain cleanliness. Read our article ‘Dental flossing, why it’s essential for great oral health’ for more information.
- Follow the Orthodontist’s recommendations: Adhering closely to your orthodontist’s instructions, especially during the crucial first 30 days after braces removal, can shorten the duration of retainer wear.
- Encourage consistent retainer wear: Retainers help maintain optimal dental health by keeping your teeth aligned and straight. As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” While remembering to wear retainers can be challenging, developing habits, or using reminders can effectively help maintain alignment.
Get In Touch With Our Private Dentist In Banbury For Your Orthodontic Treatment
When it comes to orthodontic treatments, your affordable private dentist in Banbury can meet all your needs. At 41 South Bar, we take pride in our patients and strive to deliver professional Invisalign treatment to everyone who visits us. If you have any further questions about the procedure itself, please feel free to ask our dental team prior to your consultation. You can find some recent examples of our work in our case studies section too.