Using orthodontic retainers after orthodontic treatment is fundamental. Orthodontics involves moving the bone that surrounds the teeth and the periodontal ligaments. This means that the teeth have more mobility when removing the metal plates (brackets or braces).
At this point, retainers come into play, helping to fix and consolidate the new dental position. So, to maintain your braces’ progress, you must understand what using retainers entails. This information is for you.
Orthodontic Retainers: Preserving Your Smile
Orthodontic retainers are custom-made devices designed to prevent dental displacement. Specifically, they:
- Assist in consolidating the corrections of the periodontal tissue obtained through orthodontics.
- Favor the dental pressures exerted during food chewing.
- In the long term, they also help control the natural movement of teeth during growth, preventing improper shifts.
The Importance of Using Retainers After Braces
Would it surprise you to hear that teeth have a memory? In dentistry, this expression refers to the tendency of the elastic fibers surrounding the tooth to return to their initial position.
When using retainers after braces is not recommended, there is a risk of losing the corrections made. Furthermore, any deviation that occurs can harm your oral health.
Moving structures around the teeth can be understood as the active part of orthodontics. The next stage involves using orthodontic retainers to ensure that the results obtained are long-lasting and successful.
Types of Dental Retainers
Two types of retainers are helpful and recommended based on oral needs: those that are permanently placed and those that are removable. Let’s discuss them:
Permanent Placement Retainers (Lingual)
These consist of a thin wire attached to the inner surface of the teeth. The grip extends from one canine tooth to another, and its function is to apply retention force 24 hours a day.
Advantages: They are almost imperceptible and do not affect speech, making them quite aesthetic. Additionally, being fixed, the patient will remember to wear them again.
Disadvantages: Cleaning them requires patience and can be tricky with dental floss. They may cause discomfort or minor cuts on the tongue.
Removable Placement Retainers
As the name suggests, this support type can be removed anytime. Due to their ease of removal and placement, patients find them comfortable when eating and cleaning their teeth. There are two types:
- Traditional Wire Retainers (Hawley): These retainers consist of a foldable wire that goes across the front surface of the teeth. They are inserted into the mouth with a plastic or acrylic section.
- Advantages: Their size is adjustable, and they are easy to clean. They allow natural contact between the teeth and last a long time with proper care.
- Disadvantages: They are very visible, making them less aesthetically pleasing.
- Clear Plastic Retainers (Essix): These orthodontic retainers are worn for specific hours per day. They are made of molded transparent plastic.
- Advantages: They are almost invisible.
- Disadvantages: They wear out quickly and require continuous replacement. They can trap liquid between the teeth, making interior cleaning challenging.
The choice of retainer type depends on your oral needs and, especially, the orthodontist’s recommendations.
Using Retainers: Establishing a Routine
Your doctor will always prescribe the most appropriate duration and usage routine. Removable retainers must usually be worn for 10 to 12 hours a day. If your daily activities make it challenging to meet this number of hours, seek medical guidance. Your doctor will advise you on the minimum time required.
Remember to attend your follow-up appointments to ensure you use the device correctly. During these check-ups, your doctor can confirm or modify your routine instructions.
How Long Should You Use Retainers After Braces?
Most patients ask, “How long should I wear my retainer? For years?” Each patient will receive an answer tailored to their oral requirements. Ideally, each patient should receive an individualized dental health plan. Every experience is different and does not set a general rule.
Benefits of Regular Retainer Use
Among the benefits of regularly using retainers, we can mention:
- Preserving dental harmony and alignment.
- Preventing new shifts.
- Ensuring the success of orthodontic treatment.
- Improving and/or perfecting periodontal stability.
Did you know orthodontic relapse can occur even with straight and stable teeth? This is due to growth, chewing effort, and wear. Your orthodontist might recommend using retainers for a lifetime.
Tips for Cleaning and Caring for Retainers
Cleaning fixed retainers is done during daily oral brushing. Pass your brush carefully over the wire, paying attention to areas where food residues accumulate.
In the case of removable retainers, cleaning is done with a toothbrush, mild soap, and preferably warm water. You can also soak them once or twice a week. When you’re not using them, keep them in their respective case.
How Often Should You Use Your Retainer?
Initially, the doctor will prescribe uninterrupted use for a few weeks, several months, or even a year. Each specialist sets their criteria. After this initial period, the teeth will continue to move. Therefore, you will continue to wear them, perhaps only at night.
In the future, retainers will lose their shape and rigidity. At this point, you should consult your doctor to replace them and maintain their functionality.
Why Retainers Are Important After Braces
After a successful orthodontic treatment, retainers will be your best allies. Using them will save the time and money you invested in your treatment.
Choosing the suitable retainer for your oral needs and maintaining the best usage practices is in your hands.
Don’t Neglect Your Smile
Without a doubt, orthodontic retainers are vital elements that, in the long term, allow you to maintain dental harmony. A professional should strictly guide their placement.
Feel free to reach out to us if you are seeking specialized attention. At International X Dental, we can provide you with a comprehensive evaluation and determine the most suitable orthodontic treatment.
