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If you’re utterly confused about retainers and which one to choose then this blog post has got you covered!
Here we will discuss the different types of retainers available, the benefits of wearing them, and tips on how to care for them.
Whether you’re considering getting braces or have recently had them removed, learning more about dental retainers is key in keeping your teeth healthy and looking great long-term.
So let’s dive in and get started!
What Are Dental Retainers?
Simply put, a dental retainer is a device designed to help maintain the alignment of your teeth after orthodontic treatment.
They come in a variety of styles, from fixed dental appliances that you wear all the time, to removable ones that can be taken out at night or for cleaning.
Dental retainers have been used for hundreds of years to help people achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles.
The best type of retainer for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences - it's important to consult with your orthodontist before making any decisions about what type of retainer is right for you.
Most orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer after braces or other treatments for up to one year to ensure that the teeth stay in their new position permanently. With proper care, many dental retainers can last up to five years or more!
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
Removable retainers are a popular orthodontic device used to keep teeth in their desired position following braces. Retainers come in two main varieties – Hawley and Essix. However, we listed a few more here.
1. Hawley Retainers
These are the most traditional type of removable retainer, made from metal wires and acrylic material. These retainers typically have a wire that wraps around each tooth, allowing for minor adjustments to the bite if needed over time.
They also often feature clasps at the front of the mouth, which makes them easier to remove for cleaning or other purposes.
Hawley retainers tend to be more visible than other types of removable retainers, but they can also provide some degree of comfort due to their custom fit and adjustable nature.
2. Essix Retainers
These are clear plastic moulds that fit tightly over all or part of your teeth to hold them in place after braces come off.
These orthodontic retainers don’t require any adjustment or customization like Hawley retainers do, meaning they’re usually cheaper and take less time up-front when being made by an orthodontist or dental provider.
They’re also nearly invisible due to their transparent nature, making them much more discreet than other types of removable retainer systems such as Hawley ones.
However, Essix retainers may not offer as much flexibility for fixing minor bite issues down the line since they’re moulded directly from your existing teeth' shape/formation.
3. Clear Retainers
It is an essential part of post-brace care, helping ensure your teeth stay straight even after your treatment is complete!
Depending on what type you choose (Hawley vs Essix), you could experience different levels of visibility and flexibility concerning possible future adjustments when needed.
So it's important to discuss these options with your orthodontist before choosing one so you can make an informed decision about what will work best for you long-term!
4. Fixed Retainers
These retainers are a form of orthodontic appliance used to prevent the teeth and jaw from shifting after braces have been removed. They are usually made of metal wires that wrap around the back of the teeth, keeping them in place.
Fixed retainers may also be referred to as bonded retainers or lingual arch wires depending on the type being applied.
Fixed retainers are often recommended for patients who have undergone extensive orthodontic treatment, such as braces, or other tooth-alignment procedures.
The retainer is placed behind your top and/or bottom front teeth to keep them from shifting out of alignment following treatment.
Fixed retainers can provide additional stability for a period of up to two years with regular check-ups by an orthodontist.
After that time frame, you will likely need another retainer or another form of stabilizing appliance like a removable retainer or even a permanent fixed retainer if necessary.
It is important to keep your fixed retainer clean to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid cavities and gum disease.
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once daily, and seeing your dentist regularly are all necessary steps when using this type of device.
You should also avoid eating sticky foods which can cause build-up around the wire and make it difficult for you to clean properly.
If cared for properly, fixed retainers can last anywhere from three months up to two years before needing replacement or repair due to normal wear and tear over time.
Benefits of Wearing a Retainer
Firstly, if you’ve recently had braces or any other type of orthodontic treatment, wearing a retainer is essential to ensure your teeth stay straight and healthy.
The retainer helps to keep your teeth from moving back into their original positions after the braces have been removed.
Secondly, wearing a retainer can help prevent dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease since it covers the backs of the teeth and prevents food particles from getting stuck between them.
Thirdly, retainers are also effective at helping to reduce snoring because they hold the jaw in place while you sleep. This helps open up the airway and allows more oxygen to flow through, which reduces snoring.
In conclusion, there are many benefits to wearing a retainer that extend far beyond simply keeping your smile looking great!
Not only does it help maintain the results of orthodontic treatments long-term, but it also protects against dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Pros and Cons of Using a Dental Retainer
Wearing a dental retainer can be an important part of maintaining your oral health. Retainers are custom-made for each individual person and fit snugly over their teeth to keep them in the desired position.
There are many benefits associated with wearing a retainer, but there are also some potential drawbacks that should be considered before choosing one.
The primary benefit of using a retainer is that it helps maintain your orthodontic results after you’ve completed treatment. By wearing the retainer, your teeth will remain in their corrected positions without any further movement or shifting.
This helps ensure that your smile remains straight and healthy for years to come. Additionally, retainers can be used to treat mild cases of misalignment or teeth crowding without needing braces or other orthodontic treatments.
However, there are some downsides to wearing a dental retainer as well. The most common issue is discomfort from the constant pressure on the teeth and gums from the appliance pressing against them.
It may also take some time to get used to how it feels when speaking or eating while wearing the device, which may cause soreness and irritation at first.
Additionally, retainers need regular cleaning to prevent bacteria build-up and bad breath caused by food particles being trapped between them and your teeth.
Ultimately, whether or not you choose to wear a dental retainer depends on your specific needs and situation.
If you have recently finished orthodontic treatment then it’s likely worth considering getting one so that you can maintain your new smile for many years into the future!
However, if you don't require any orthodontic work then it might not be necessary for you to invest in one - make sure you consult with your dentist beforehand!
Tips for Caring for Your Retainer
Taking care of your retainer is key to keeping it in good condition and making sure it works correctly.
You should always brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth, preferably with a toothbrush and water. This will help to keep bacteria from building up, which can lead to bad breath or even tooth decay.
You must also soak your retainer overnight in a denture cleaner or special cleaning solution designed for retainers at least once a week.
This will prevent plaque buildup and ensure that the retainer remains clean and fresh-smelling without having to brush it every time you put it back in your mouth.
Whenever you are not wearing your retainer, make sure that you store it in its case when not in use so that dust or dirt doesn’t collect on the appliance while it is out of your mouth.
The case should also be washed regularly with soap and water to keep bacteria away from the device itself.
It’s best if you avoid keeping the case near places where there is moisture such as bathrooms or sinks since this could result in damage which would require the replacement of the entire device instead of just parts like wires or clasps due to rusting from too much humidity exposure.
Lastly, make sure that you check for any signs of wear and tear on your retainers such as loose clasps or broken wires monthly.
These issues can affect how well the device fits into your mouth as well as how effective its job is at straightening teeth over time if left unchecked for long periods without repair being done by an orthodontist who specializes specifically in retainer repairs...
If there are any changes concerning fitment then take action immediately by visiting an orthodontist right away. So that they may assess what needs repairing and provide suggestions on what steps should be taken moving forward.
With regards to continuing treatment using the current device or replacing it entirely depending on the severity of damage found during the examination process conducted by specialists themselves.
Maintaining a beautiful, straight smile after orthodontic treatment is possible with the help of dental retainers.
They come in a variety of styles, from fixed to removable types and can provide long-term stability for your teeth if worn regularly.
With proper care and attention, dental retainers can last for several years - so make sure to follow your orthodontist’s instructions on wearing them consistently and caring for them properly!
