If you want to keep your teeth straight after removing braces, you need to wear retainers. These devices will keep your teeth in the right position for many years.
What is a retainer?
Retainers are a custom-made device in the form of a mouthguard that is worn in the mouth over the teeth, it helps to fix the teeth in their new correct position after wearing braces.
Even after the braces have aligned the teeth, they are not permanently fixed in the new position. The teeth will most likely return to their original position after the braces are removed because the gums, bones and muscles are not used to the changes. The gums are weakened after wearing braces. After removing the braces, they do not contract for some time and do not resist the movement of the teeth.
Everyday habits such as chewing and grinding affect the teeth and can move them. Shifting teeth can also lead to an incorrect bite. Wearing retainers helps keep your teeth in the right position so they don’t move.
Only a small number of patients do not need to wear retainers after braces.
What are the types of retainers?
There are two main types of retainers: fixed and removable.
Fixed or permanent retainers are attached to the teeth with glue. You cannot remove this type of retainer yourself.
Removable retainers can be inserted and removed from the mouth.
Traditional retainers (Hawley) consist of wire and plastic or acrylic.
Clear retainers (Essix) are also plastic, but they are almost invisible when worn. Both options are custom made to fit your teeth.
How retainers are installed
The process of making retainers depends on the type.
To make removable retainers, it is necessary to remove the impression of the teeth with the help of a special material similar to plasticine. The material is placed in special trays, with the help of which impressions of the teeth are then made, which reflect the unique bite of a person and the location of the teeth. It takes one to two minutes to remove a mouth print. A dental laboratory uses a mold to create plastic (or acrylic) retainers for teeth.
Many dental offices take digital impressions. During this process, the dentist simply uses a hand-held probe to take images of the teeth and gums. A computer program then stitches these images together to create a 3D model of the jaws.
To install fixed retainers, the dentist uses a metal wire that is attached to the back of the teeth with glue. This complex process takes more time than creating an impression for removable retainers. However, you leave the dentist’s office with your retainers on, and you don’t have to wait for the lab to create a retainer.
Patients of the dental clinic Yarema Dental in Kyiv quite often choose fixed retainers. They are recommended primarily for patients with a high probability of repeated displacement of teeth.
Does it hurt to wear retainers?
Retainers should fit snugly on your teeth, but comfortably for your teeth.
You may experience discomfort if you haven’t worn removable retainers for a while and then start wearing them again. Also, unpleasant sensations can occur when the device is broken or cracked.
If you wear retainers as directed by your dentist, you should not experience any pain or discomfort.
If you’ve had braces, wearing retainers should be easy. They fit more comfortably than braces and should not cause discomfort. However, like braces, retainers take some getting used to.
How long will retainers be worn?
Dentists usually recommend wearing retainers 24/7 for at least 4-6 months. After that, you will probably have to wear them at night. Some patients wear retainers for life.
Many patients ask if they can stop wearing retainers altogether after braces. The recommended time to wear retainers after braces will vary depending on the clinical situation and type of treatment.
An adult patient is at greater risk of teeth shifting after braces removal than a child. In adults, teeth return to their former position faster than in children. Adult bones and fibrous joints of teeth are stronger, so there is a greater chance of relapse.
How to care for retainers
Prevent damage or loss of removable retainers. You can keep them looking great by brushing at least once a day.
Follow these tips to avoid breaking or losing removable retainers:
- remove the retainers from the mouth when eating;
- when you are not wearing the retainers, put them back in the case;
- do not chew gum while wearing retainers;
- never put the retainers in your pocket or purse if they are not in the case;
- avoid wrapping the retainers in a tissue, as they can easily be accidentally thrown away;
- keep retainers as far as possible from pets that can damage them;
- always brush and floss thoroughly before reattaching retainers.
It is also necessary to regularly clean removable retainers with water and antibacterial soap. Some toothpastes are too abrasive and can damage the device. After cleaning, the retainers should be rinsed with warm water.
To care for fixed retainers, it is enough to follow proper oral hygiene and use dental floss around them. Only an orthodontist or dentist should remove fixed retainers. Most permanent retainers are kept in place for several years.
What to do if the retainers are broken or lost
Damaged wires can irritate the gums or lips. Chances are, there is nothing you can do at home to fix retainers. Consult a dentist or orthodontist.
If you lose your removable retainers, also see your dentist to have new ones made. Don’t delay – the longer you don’t wear retainers, the more your teeth can shift.
Can a retainer straighten teeth?
Retainers do not straighten teeth like braces or aligners do. Retainers cannot apply the constant force necessary to move teeth into the correct position. However, if you haven’t worn a retainer for a few weeks and your teeth have shifted, wearing one can help bring your teeth back into alignment.
You have invested a lot of time, energy and effort to get the perfect smile with braces. You can keep it for years by following your dentist’s recommendations for retainers. This is an important part of the teeth straightening process.