Orthodontic treatment provides life-changing results, but to maintain those results, it’s important to follow some essential steps. Wearing your retainers as directed is key to ensuring your new smile lasts a lifetime.
Why Retainers Matter After Orthodontic Treatment
Once your braces are removed, retainers help keep your teeth in their new, corrected positions while the surrounding bone and tissues stabilize. For the first few months post-treatment, your teeth are especially vulnerable to shifting. Wearing retainers as prescribed will prevent the need for additional orthodontic work in the future.
How to Wear Retainers for the Best Results
Teeth can shift throughout your life, so it’s crucial to continue wearing retainers indefinitely. Each patient will receive a personal retention protocol, which includes an initial period of fulltime wear, followed by parttime wear for an indefinite period of time to increase the potential for long-term stability.
By sticking to this retainer routine, you can protect your orthodontic results for years to come.
Retainer Care
Proper care of your retainers is essential for their longevity and effectiveness. Here’s how to keep them in great condition:
- Avoid Excessive Heat:Â Retainers are made from thermoplastic, which can warp if exposed to high temperatures. Keep them away from heat sources like car dashboards, dishwashers, or heaters.
- Store Safely:Â Always place retainers in their protective case when not in use to prevent accidental damage.
- Pet Protection:Â Keep retainers away from pets, especially dogs, who may find them tempting to chew on.
- Clean Regularly:Â Brush retainers with a toothbrush and mild liquid soap before and after each use. Denture cleaners like Efferdent can help remove plaque and tartar. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after cleaning to remove any soap residue.
- Periodic Replacement: Retainers can wear down over time and may need to be replaced. Your treatment plan includes one set of retainers, but if they are lost or damaged due to negligence, there may be a charge for replacements. Contact our office if your retainers become loose or break.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
Fixed retainers, or bonded wires, are designed to remain in place permanently unless your dentist detects an issue, such as difficulty keeping the area clean, which could lead to gum or bone problems. If this happens, the bonded wire may need to be replaced with a removable retainer. Fixed retainers provide long-term protection as you age, especially when monitored by your family dentist during routine checkups every six months.
Habits and Conditions That May Require Extra Retention
Certain habits and conditions may increase the likelihood of teeth shifting, even after orthodontic treatment. Stronger retainer use is recommended if you experience any of the following:
- Mouth breathing
- Teeth grinding or clenching (muscle hyperactivity)
- Tongue thrusting or abnormal tongue posture
- Playing musical instruments with a reed
- Lip or cheek biting
- Biting on objects like pens or pencils
- Pre-treatment gaps between teeth
- Severely rotated teeth before treatment
If you have any of these conditions, be diligent about wearing your retainers as directed to prevent your teeth from shifting.
Maintaining Dental Hygiene for Long-Term Health
In addition to wearing your retainers, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is crucial. Brush and floss regularly, and visit your general dentist every six months for professional cleanings and checkups. This will help ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy, supporting the longevity of your orthodontic results.
