Undoubtedly, seeing a perfectly aligned smile after completing your orthodontic treatment at a Washington Heights dental office is an exciting milestone. But the journey doesn’t end when the braces come off.

While often overlooked, retainers are essential for maintaining those results and ensuring your teeth stay in their new positions. In this article, we’ll explore what retainers are, the different types available, and why they are an absolute must for anyone who’s had braces or aligners.

What Are Retainers?

Retainers are custom-made dental devices designed to keep your teeth in their new, corrected positions after orthodontic treatment. These appliances are usually made from clear plastic, wire, or a combination of both. Often, wearing retainers for the first six months after treatment is a must. Then, you can switch to nighttime-only wear.

Who Needs to Wear a Retainer?

Orthodontists prescribe retainers after braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances have successfully moved the teeth into their desired positions. Teeth may often shift back to their original positions after treatment, a process known as relapse. Moreover, regular habits like grinding and chewing apply force to your teeth and can move them. Retainers help prevent relapse while stabilizing the bite, which allows the surrounding tissues, including gums and bones, to adjust to the new alignment.  

There are other instances in which you might need a retainer, for example, after a tooth extraction. When there’s a gap, teeth tend to shift toward it. Wearing retainers can prevent neighboring teeth from moving and crowding into the open area until the gap can be filled with a more permanent solution.

Retainers might even be able to assist with grinding, depending on the kind of retainer and the severity of the patient's condition. Heavy grinders might require an alternative approach, like a rigid night guard.

Types of Retainers

There are two main types of retainers, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Your orthodontist's recommendation and your own preferences will determine which retainer is best for you.

• Removable Retainers: Removable retainers are popular because they’re convenient and easy to use. They can be removed when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. Cleaning them is as simple as placing them in a glass of water with a cleansing solution. Their only downside is that removable retainers are noticeable, and patients may fail to use them properly.

• Fixed (Bonded) Retainers: Fixed retainers are a thin metal wire bonded to the back of the front teeth. They are not visible from the front and are designed to be worn indefinitely, so there’s no need to remember to wear them. However, fixed retainers can be difficult to clean, leading to plaque buildup if not cleaned properly.

Why Retainers Are a Must

Wearing retainers is a crucial part of post-orthodontic care. Here are the reasons why you should never skip it:

Preventing Relapse

As we mentioned, retainers play a big role in preventing relapse.  

Immediately after an orthodontic treatment, your teeth aren’t yet permanently set in their new positions. The tissues, including bones, ligaments, and gums, need time to adjust to the changes, and retainers ensure they don’t move naturally during the process.

Supporting the Bone Restructuring Process

When teeth are moved during orthodontic treatment, the bone around the roots also undergoes remodeling. The continuous pressure that orthodontic appliances apply to the teeth encourages the surrounding bone cells to deteriorate and regenerate. As a result, the teeth can move into the desired position over time.

However, your jawbone needs time to stabilize after the treatment. While the bone repositions itself and hardens around the teeth, retainers give the teeth the support they need to remain stable.

Ensuring Long-Term Results

It takes a lot of time and money to get braces and aligners. Regularly using retainers guarantees the time and money invested in orthodontic treatment will pay off in the long run, acting as an insurance policy for that investment.

Addressing Post-Treatment Shifts

Certain small changes can happen as part of the normal aging process, even with careful retainer use. In these situations, simply adjusting or replacing your detachable retainers can help re-align your smile.

Tips for Proper Retainer Care

You must take good care of your retainers to get the most out of them. Use these pointers to keep your retainers in top shape:

• Clean Your Retainer Frequently: To avoid scratches on the surface, clean retainers gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid using toothpaste. If you have a fixed retainer wire, floss threaders or interdental brushes can be used to clean the area.

• Store Carefully: When not in use, keep your detachable retainer inside its protective case. Do not wrap them in tissues or napkins, as these can be easily misplaced or thrown away by accident.

• Avoid Heat Exposure: Keep your retainers away from hot water, direct sunlight, and high heat, which can warp the plastic and affect the fit.

• Check for Damage: Continually look for any indications of wear or damage on your retainer. If it starts to feel loose, break, or hurt, contact your orthodontist for an adjustment or replacement.

Do Dental Retainers Hurt?

Depending on the type you and your dentist select, dental retainers may initially be uncomfortable, but they should not be excruciating. In the initial days of wearing your retainers, you might feel some soreness, but that will go away eventually.

You should consult your dentist or orthodontist if your retainer is causing significant distress or severe discomfort. This may indicate that your retainers are ill-fitting and may require replacement.

Get Retainers in our Washington Heights Dental Office

Retainers are an essential part of the orthodontic journey. They ensure your smile remains straight and healthy long after the braces are removed, preserving the beautiful results of your treatment.

After years of braces, it makes sense that you’re tired of dental appliances and want to let your teeth be free. However, your retainer is a key ally in preserving all your previous efforts. Use it as instructed, and if you notice any damage, reach out to Perfect Smile Doc!