Retainers

Finishing your orthodontic treatment is a significant milestone. However, keeping your smile straight and healthy does not stop after the removal of braces. A retainer is a custom-made orthodontic appliance designed to keep teeth in their newly aligned positions after removing braces or aligners.

Retainers are made from metal, plastic, or a combination of both. These appliances play a crucial role in preserving the results of your dental investment. Teeth can shift for many reasons, including aging, jaw growth, or the elasticity of periodontal ligaments. Retainers provide consistent support and prevent the teeth from shifting.

Your orthodontist will recommend wearing your retainers consistently immediately following orthodontic treatment. During this time, the teeth are most vulnerable to movement. Different types of retainers are available, and your dentist can help you choose the right fit. At Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry, we offer expert orthodontic services for your clients in Agoura, CA.

Functions of Retainers

Retainers play a crucial role in orthodontic care. They keep your teeth in place after braces and offer several significant benefits for your dental health. These benefits include:

Maintaining Teeth Alignment

The primary role of a retainer is to keep your teeth in their new, corrected positions after braces or aligners. After months or even years of orthodontic treatment, teeth can return to their original spots. A retainer holds the teeth steady while the surrounding bone, gums, and muscles adjust to the new alignment. Without a retainer, your smile can gradually shift, undoing all the progress made during treatment.

Preventing Jaw Pain and Bite Issues

In addition to keeping your teeth straight, retainers help to maintain proper bite alignment. Misaligned teeth can affect how your upper and lower teeth meet when you bite. This can lead to jaw pain, teeth grinding, or even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. A well-fitting retainer helps stabilize your bite, reducing strain on the jaw and preventing discomfort.

Supporting Speech and Chewing Functions

When teeth are out of place, they can affect your speech or chewing. Some people develop lisps or other speech issues because of gaps or crowding in their teeth. After braces correct these issues, a retainer helps preserve the changes. It ensures the teeth stay in the correct positions, allowing for clearer speech and more effective chewing. Retailers are beneficial for children and teens whose speech is still developing.

Promoting Oral Health

Retainers keep your teeth straight after an orthodontic procedure, like braces or Invisalign. Crooked or crowded teeth create tight spaces that trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities.

Keeping teeth in proper alignment, retainers help make brushing and flossing more effective. Better oral hygiene means a healthier mouth and fewer problems like decay or gingivitis.

Supports Bone Remodeling

After orthodontic treatment, the bone that holds your teeth needs time to adjust. It can take several months for this bone to fully remodel and become stable in its new position. Retainers help support this natural process. Keeping your teeth from moving allows the bone and surrounding tissues to rebuild and adapt around them. Retainers make the new alignment more permanent.

Preventing the Need for Future Orthodontic Treatment

A retainer is a simple tool that helps protect your investment in a straight, healthy smile. Wearing your retainer as directed by your orthodontist can save you from repeating orthodontic treatment later. Many people who stop wearing their retainers find their teeth shifting again. This can mean new braces or aligners down the road, which is a costly and time-consuming process.

Types of Retainers

There are three main types of retainers. Each type has unique benefits and potential drawbacks. Depending on your needs and preferences, your orthodontist can help you choose a suitable retainer. They include:

Hawley Retainers

These retainers are made of a combination of metal wires and acrylic. Hawley retainers are removable. The acrylic is molded to fit the roof of the mouth or behind the lower teeth, while the wire sits across the front teeth to maintain alignment. Some of the benefits of retainers include:

• Durable and long-lasting. Hawley retainers are less prone to breakage compared to plastic retainers.
• Adjustable. Orthodontists can make minor adjustments to the wire to refine tooth alignment.
• Easy to clean. Since Hawley retainers are removable, you can clean them to avoid plaque buildup.

However, these retainers have the following setbacks:

• They are visible. The metal wire is noticeable, which some users find unattractive.
• They can affect speech. Initially, you may experience speech difficulty with these retainers.
• They are less comfortable. The bulky design of Hawley retainers makes them uncomfortable when you start wearing them.

Clear Plastic Retainers

These are custom-molded plastic trays that fit snugly over the teeth. Plastic retainers have appearances similar to Invisalign aligners. Their benefits include:

• Aesthetic. These retainers are nearly invisible, which makes them ideal for individuals concerned about their appearance.
• Comfortable. Plastic retainers are lightweight and thin, which offers a more comfortable fit.
• Easy to wear. These retainers are simple to put on and remove, which encourages consistent use.

The setbacks of plastic retainers include:

• Less durable. Plastic retainers can crack or warp if you handle them incorrectly and expose them to heat.
• Not adjustable. You may need a new retainer if tooth movement occurs, since these retainers are not adjustable.
• Can discolor. Plastic retainers may discolor due to poor cleaning habits or consumption of staining foods and drinks.

Fixed Retainers

These retainers consist of a metal wire bonded to the back of the lower front teeth. Fixed retainers are not removable and have these benefits:

• They are always in place. There is no risk of forgetting to wear or losing your fixed retainers. This ensures consistent use and alignment.
• Invisible. Fixed retainers are positioned behind the teeth, making them unnoticeable when smiling or speaking.
• Ideal for long-term use. For patients at higher risk of teeth shifting, fixed retainers are an ideal option.

Before opting for the fixed retainer, you must consider these setbacks:

• Difficult to clean. Flossing with fixed retainers requires special tools, which increases the risk of plaque buildup.
• May cause discomfort. The wires in fixed retainers can sometimes irritate the tongue or gums.

Care and Maintenance for Retainers

A retainer helps to preserve the alignment of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. You must properly care for the retainer to ensure its longevity. Poor maintenance can lead to bacterial buildup, bad odors, or damage. Common care tips for your retainers include:

Clean Your Retainer Daily

Your retainer needs daily cleaning. For removable retainers, you should gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap. You should avoid strong cleaning agents that can damage the retainer material. For fixed retainers, you should carefully brush and floss to remove particles.

Soak It Weekly for a Deeper Clean

In addition to brushing, give your retainer a deep clean by soaking it once a week. You can use a specialized retainer cleaning solution or try a homemade mix of warm water with baking soda. Soaking the retainers helps eliminate bacteria and odor. Before placing the retainers back in your mouth, you should rinse them with lukewarm water.

Handle the Retainers Carefully

Retainers are delicate and can crack or warp if mishandled. Always use both hands when removing or inserting a removable retainer. You should not place it in a napkin or paper towel to avoid throwing it away accidentally.

Keep your Retainers Away from Heat

Heat can warp plastic retainers, making them unwearable. Therefore, you should avoid exposing your retainer to hot water, direct sunlight, a dishwasher, or a microwave. After washing the retainer, you should rinse it with lukewarm or cool water.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene while you have your retainers on can cause bad breath and plaque accumulation. Keeping your teeth and gums clean is as important as cleaning the retainer. You should always brush and floss before putting your retainer in. This prevents food particles and bacteria from transferring to the retainer. Good oral hygiene reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Avoid Eating or Drinking with Retainers In

Unless you are drinking plain water, you should remove your removable retainer before eating or drinking. Food can damage or stain the retainer and lead to bacterial growth. For fixed retainers, you should avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can break or loosen the wire.

Do not Skip Wearing Your Retainer

Failure to wear your retainer can cause the teeth to shift, especially during the first few months post-braces. You should follow your orthodontist’s instructions and wear your retainer as recommended. Keeping the retainer with you at all times ensures that you do not forget to put it on.

Schedule Regular Checkups

Achieving and retaining a healthy and perfect smile does not end when your braces are out. You should visit your orthodontist or dentist regularly to ensure your retainer fits well and is in good condition. Fixed retainers need professional monitoring and cleaning to prevent plaque buildup. If your retainer feels tight or loose, you should schedule an appointment with your orthodontist.

Common Problems with Retainers and Their Solutions

Wearing a retainer helps to preserve the results of orthodontic treatment. However, like any dental appliance, retainers can come with a set of challenges. Knowing what to expect and how to address issues as they arise can ensure that your retainer serves its purpose. Common problems that could arise with your retainers include:

Discomfort or Soreness

It is common to experience discomfort or slight soreness when you start wearing your retainer. The discomfort often goes away after a few days as your mouth adjusts. You should continue wearing your retainer as directed by your orthodontist. If pain and discomfort persist beyond a few days or are severe, you must consult your orthodontist. Sometimes, the retainer may need replacement for a better fit.

Speech Difficulties

Retainers, especially removable ones, can cause temporary speech issues like lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain words. You can practice reading aloud, talking to yourself, or having conversations with friends to get used to speaking with the retainer. Most people adapt to the retainers within a few days. If speech problems persist beyond two weeks, you should check with your orthodontist to make sure the retainer fits properly.

Retainer Feels Too Tight or Too Loose

A retainer that feels too tight can cause pain and discomfort. A loose retainer, on the other hand, cannot hold teeth in place effectively. A tight retainer usually means your teeth have shifted slightly. If caught early, continued use may help shift teeth back. A loose retainer could be due to wear and tear or damage. If you experience either of these issues, you must schedule an appointment with your orthodontist to check the fit.

Breakage or Cracks

Retainers are fragile, particularly the clear plastic ones. Cracking or breaking is common, especially if you drop or bend the retainer. You can ensure the safety of your retainer by handling it carefully.

When you remove them to eat or drink, you should place them in their case. If you accidentally break your retainer, you should not attempt to repair it. Instead, you should contact your orthodontist immediately to avoid teeth shifting while waiting for a replacement.

Retainer Smells or Has Buildup

Over time, retainers can start to smell or develop plaque buildup if not cleaned properly. This could result in bad breath and potential oral hygiene problems. You can avoid plaque buildup and bad breath by cleaning your retainers daily. For removable retainers, use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild dish soap.

You should avoid using hot water to clean your retainers since it can cause warping of the plastic. Soaking the retainer in a cleaning solution or a mixture of water and baking soda or vinegar once a week can also help keep it fresh.

Loss or Misplacement

Retainers are easy to lose, especially if you wrap them in napkins or fail to store them in their case. You should always store your retainer in its designated case when not in use. If you lose your retainer, you should contact your orthodontist as soon as possible for a replacement.

Forgetting to Wear the Retainer

After the initial period of full-time wear, patients often forget to wear their retainers at night. Sometimes, you can forget to wear the retainer if you feel too sleepy or fail to take the reins with you. Failure to wear a retainer can distort the months of orthodontic treatment by causing the teeth to shift.

You can avoid the issue by setting daily reminders on your phone or writing it into your nightly routine to make retainer-wearing a habit. Some people keep their retainer case on their nightstand or beside their toothbrush as a visual cue. If you have missed several days or weeks, your teeth may have shifted; you should contact your orthodontist.

Frequently Asked Questions on Retainers

After wearing braces or using an Invisalign to align your teeth, many people wonder why they still need retainers. The following are commonly asked questions on retainers:

How often should I replace my retainer?

The lifespan of a retainer depends on its type and how well you care for it. Clear plastic retainers typically last 6 to 24 months. They are more prone to cracking, discoloration, or losing their shape, especially if exposed to heat or pressure.

On the other hand, acrylic and metal retainers are more durable and can last 5 to 10 years with proper maintenance. Fixed retainers can last several years, but they may need rebonding or replacement if the wire becomes loose. Regular dental checkups help monitor the condition of your retainers.

Can I eat with my retainer in?

No. You should take out your removable retainers when eating or drinking anything other than water. Eating with a retainer in your mouth can cause cracks, warping, or buildup of plaque and food particles. Fixed retainers, on the other hand, stay in while you eat. However, you should avoid chewing hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that could bend or dislodge the wire.

What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?

Retainers help you maintain the results of orthodontic treatment. If you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth can shift back to their original positions. A relapse can happen gradually or rapidly, depending on how recently your braces were removed. If too much movement occurs, you may need a second round of orthodontic treatment to realign your teeth.

Find a Reliable Dentist Near Me

Your orthodontic journey does not end when your braces are off and you achieve the desired teeth alignment. Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining the results achieved from orthodontic treatment. Without them, your teeth can shift back to their original positions, undoing all the hard work and time spent on alignment.

Your dentist can recommend removable or fixed retainers depending on your oral health condition and preference. Wearing a retainer offers numerous benefits for your oral health. They include enhancing your oral hygiene, keeping your teeth aligned, and addressing speech issues. However, like other dental appliances, retainers can come with a set of challenges, which include soreness, speech difficulties, and plaque buildup.

You can prevent these issues by following all the instructions given by your orthodontist. If you seek safe and efficient orthodontic services in Agoura, CA, you will need our services at Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry. Call us at 818-878-7300 today for a consultation.