Retainers
After an orthodontist straightens your teeth, it’s important to use a retainer to maintain the changes that have been made. Teeth that have been moved with braces or aligners are likely to shift back to their original place. Retainers prevent this from happening by holding the teeth in position for a certain number of hours each day. And remember, retention is a lifetime process.
Retainers are custom-made devices that use hard plastic and wires to help maintain the position of your teeth after they have been straightened.
Custom 3D-printed Retainers By Invisalign!
30% stronger
Twice as durable than industry standards
Exceptional fit for your smile, with your comfort in mind
This process is quick and simple. We will perform a 10-minute digital scan of your teeth (goodbye clay molds!), and then we will send that scan off to be 3D printed. One week later, we will call you when your new retainers arrive and schedule a quick 15-minute appointment to make sure the fit is perfect. And that’s it!
Call us, or request an appointment for a retainer scan now, and one of our amazing team members will be more than happy to assist you!
custom Is Always Better!
There are three main types of Retainers
Essix/Clear Removable
Retainers
Essix retainers are removable retainers that are made entirely of transparent plastic, which makes them less noticeable than traditional wire Hawley retainers. Another benefit is that they encourage good dental hygiene; patients can take out their retainer when they brush and floss, and clean the retainer itself at the same time. Unlike some wire retainers, Essix retainers cover the entire arch of the teeth. But like the traditional Hawley, each one is uniquely molded to the shape of the patient’s mouth.
Traditional Hawley Removable
Retainers
The Hawley retainers includes a metal wire that typically surrounds the six anterior teeth and keeps them in place. they are anchored in an acrylic that sits in the palate (roof of the mouth). You can choose your favorite color, they are easy to find, wires can be adjusted, tend to be more durable than clear retainers with good care. However, some of the disadvantages are they are bulky, can activate your gag reflex, possibly have a lisp when wearing, and have a visible wire across your front teeth.
Bonded or “Permanent”
Retainers
Bonded retainers are bonded to the back of your front teeth, they are impossible to forget to wear, and provides full time retention. Some of the disadvantages are more difficult to clean, can break and allow teeth to move if patient is unaware, and only protect the teeth they are bonded to. The permanent retainers are usually placed in the lower arch. They have the tendency to break due to the bite when placed in the upper arch.
Some individuals will need permanent retainers installed
While others will use a removable retainer
Different types of retainers have different advantages and disadvantages. Bonded retainers (also known as “permanent” retainers) are usually recommended for patients who have excellent oral hygiene and prone to lose things. Removable retainers are often only worn at night, making them an easy way to care for the teeth.
If you don’t know which retainers fit for your.
Please call us and set up an appointment to speak with Dr. Bar so he can guide you as to which is best suit for you.
And Remember, Retention is a Lifetime Process!
How to Clean Your Retainer
After getting your teeth straightened, you would never want them to decay as a result of being uncleansed. Retainers work effectively for a long duration when you clean and maintain them regularly.
An uncleansed retainer may gather bacteria and plaque, which would affect your teeth and may cause oral concerns.
Your orthodontist will be able to guide you on ways to clean your retainers so you may keep your teeth healthy.
Following are some of the ways you can try:
The most convenient way to clean the retainers is to brush them but without toothpaste. Later, you can rinse the retainers with water or mouthwash.
Vinegar is yet another effective way to clean the retainers. For cleaning the retainers with vinegar, a mixture of warm water and vinegar needs to be created. Soaking the retainers for twenty minutes in the mixture will clean these. Afterward, the retainers can be cleaned with a brush.
An excellent way to keep the retainers safe and clean is to store them in the case provided. However, keeping the retainers away from heat is also necessary.
Using a mouthwash also proves beneficial in keeping the retainers clean as it fights against plaque and bacteria. However, a mouthwash alone cannot work to clean the retainers and should be accompanied by other cleaning methods.
Dr. Bar and the team at Adventure Orthodontics can fit you with a retainer to help you maintain your orthodontic work.
