Post-Orthodontic Care Options: Retainers

Maintaining the position of the teeth after orthodontic treatment requires the use of dental retainers. Read on to learn about the different types of retainers available. As soon as the braces or aligners come off, your teeth will begin repositioning themselves to where they were before treatment. To avoid relapse, you should use retainers. They are unique to each patient's mouth and ensure that your smile will look great and remain well-aligned for several years to come.

The different types of retainers after orthodontic treatment

An imprint of the patient's teeth in their present position (post orthodontic treatment) is needed to create a retainer. Plaster impressions or molds of the teeth are then made to replicate their precise form and position. It all depends on the kind of retainer option the orthodontist recommends — the retainer may be created in the dental office in as little as 30 minutes or in a dental lab using the mold. The latter takes about a week.

Retainers come in a variety of forms, each serving a specific purpose. During a consultation with the orthodontist, they will go over all of the choices and help patients choose the ideal retainer for their situation.

Clear retainer

Clear retainers are the most popular form of retainer. After completing orthodontic treatment, the retainers are generally created the same day. The plaster cast of the teeth is produced using a plastic substance. The creation process means getting a replacement is also just as convenient.

Hawley retainers

Previously, Hawley retainers were a frequent post-orthodontic treatment option. The retainer consists of a wire attached to the front of the teeth, and an acrylic substance is used for the palate. A Hawley retainer is identical to a clear retainer in terms of functionality, but it is more obvious.

Fixed retainers

The orthodontist bonds a thin wire to the rear side of the front teeth to produce fixed or bonded retainers. It is called a fixed retainer because it is only removable by the orthodontist, not the patient. Parents of young patients may find fixed retainers appealing since they are pleasing and cannot be misplaced, but they might be more time-consuming to care for and maintain.

Keeping the retainers in top shape

After completing orthodontic treatment, patients will be required to wear a retainer consistently. They should be taken off only while eating, drinking, or engaging in physical activity. Periodically, the orthodontist will check the retainer wear to see whether it has settled in. After that, the retainers can be worn solely at night when sleeping.

Use warm (not hot) soapy water and a soft sponge to clean removable retainers. Brush and floss the bonded retainers regularly. Keep the detachable retainers in a secure, dry location in a protective case.