Table of contents
-
Retainers Defined
-
Retainers for Teeth: The Different Kinds and Designs
-
Clear Retainers
-
Hawley Retainers
-
Spring Retainers
-
Permanent Retainers
-
Temporary Retainers
-
Custom Retainers
-
Colored Retainers
-
Understanding How Retainers Work
-
Retainer Care
-
Different Types of Clear Retainers: Options for You
-
How to Clean Clear Retainers: How to Maintain Healthy and Sparkling Teeth
-
Clear Retainers Online
-
Problems with Clear Retainers: Things to Look for
-
How Much Are Retainers in 2024? A Step-by-Step Guide on Retainer Costs
-
How Long Do You Have to Wear Retainers?
-
Nighttime Retainers: The Practical One
-
Can Retainers Move Teeth Back into Place?
-
Top Things That Can Help You Increase the Lifespan of Your Retainer
-
ALIGNERCO Retainers
-
Why Do You Need Retainers After Teeth Straightening Treatment?
-
Why do You Choose ALIGNERCO Retainers?
-
FAQs
Are you considering aligning your teeth? You’re not alone. However, braces are not the only appliance you can opt for to enhance your smile. The global orthodontic retainer market is set to increase shortly; it will stand at $388 million in 2024.
At ALIGNERCO, we know just how valuable it is to keep that perfect smile in 2024, and in this long-form blog, we’ll explain several things, including the different forms of retainers and how to take proper care of them, as well as address some of the most common questions that patients have about retainers and beautifully aligned teeth.
Retainers Defined
Retainers are fixed dental appliances made according to everyone’s case to help maintain the corrected bite of the teeth. As their names suggest, they have a light force that keeps your teeth in the correct positions and stops them from shifting again.
Retainers for Teeth: The Different Kinds and Designs
There are several types of retainers, all of which have their own specific advantages and aesthetic appearance. Let's explore some popular options: Let's explore some popular options:
Clear Retainers
These rather unnoticeable plastic retainers are favored for their invisibility. They are generally flexible and made from a thin material such as silicone and are usually detachable, prescribed for use while sleeping or as advised by a dentist.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers have an acrylic body and narrow metal brackets; they are more visible than clear retainers but more robust and long-lasting. It is mostly employed in the lower teeth or any dental situation that requires more rigidity.
Spring Retainers
These are removable retainers that hold minor springs on specified teeth that exert mild pressure to help in the realignment or closure of minor gaps.
Permanent Retainers
Unlike clear retainers, which can be easily removed, these are cemented to the rear of your front teeth using dental cement. They offer a kind of stability in the long-term and are typically applied to the lower teeth.
Temporary Retainers
These, as the name suggests, are worn for a shorter time compared to the other retainers; they can be worn after some orthodontic procedures have been done or before you get your permanent retainers.
Custom Retainers
Smiles are as distinct as fingerprints, and it is for this reason that retainers are designed and fitted to suit your teeth. This is to guarantee the right levels of comfort, fit, and effectiveness all the time.
Colored Retainers
This is not all now, you can even have retainers in different colors! Discuss customization options with your dentist.
Understanding How Retainers Work
To help your teeth hold their new positions, retainers gently and consistently press on them. How they work varies depending on the type of retainer you choose to have. Fixed retainers function all the time, while removable retainers require you to wear them consistently as instructed.
This podcast tells the importance of wearing retainers.
Retainer Care
One limitation is that retainers must be used as prescribed for them to remain effective and durable; otherwise, they will be damaged and may not function as intended. Here are some key tips: Here are some key tips:
- For proper cleaning, you should use a mild soap or a cleaner specifically designed for your retainers, and a soft toothbrush.
- Avoid wearing your retainers while eating because food particles can stick to them and your teeth. Clean your teeth with a toothbrush before putting on the retainers.
- When not used, your retainers should be stored in a special case.
- Do not consume or even sip on hot beverages when you are wearing your retainers because they can be deformed.
Different Types of Clear Retainers: Options for You
But not every clear retainer means the same level of brand stewardship. Here are the two main types to consider:Here are the two main types to consider:
- Essix retainers: These are thin, clear plastic trays that are produced by vacuum forming that fit the teeth with a tight snugness. It really is hard to even notice that you are wearing it, and it feels like you have nothing on your head.
- Hawley retainers: There are large, clear Lucite bottoms and a thin metal rack in front of them. These are not as attractive as Essix retainers but are more indestructible and are in some instances used purposefully.
- Metal retainers: Less frequently used than plastic, they are more durable of the two.
- Wire retainers: Primary employs are for individual tooth movements or closing spaces between teeth.
- Retainers for teeth grinding: It also has thicker options that can assist in guarding your teeth against harm brought by clenching at night.
- Gold retainers for teeth: Most are rare, but these give a rare twist to the aesthetic appearance of the car.
How to Clean Clear Retainers: How to Maintain Healthy and Sparkling Teeth
Most clear retainers are removable for cleaning, which is very important in avoiding the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. This should be done after every meal and should be done under cool water, and they should gently brush using a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. For a more thorough cleaning, it might be wise to use particular solutions ordered for the cleaning of retainers. Just a reminder: do not ever rinse the retainers with hot water, as it may cause the retainers to warp.
Clear Retainers Online
It is tempting to go with online retailers that offer obvious, clear retainers online. However, proceed with caution. The needs can be assessed, and proper retainers can be designed and implemented only by licensed dentists and orthodontists. Choosing the online ones may affect the fit and even cause some damage to the teeth. Like other ALIGNERCO services, it closely cooperates with licensed doctors to provide you with accurate and convenient treatment.
Problems with Clear Retainers: Things to Look for
Despite being categorized as being safe and effective in terms of use, clear retainers may, on rare occasions, pose certain difficulties. These include
- Loss or damage: They should always be handled with a lot of care so that they may not be misplaced or even broken.
- Discomfort: If your retainers cause discomfort, you should see your orthodontist so you’ll have a chance to get them fixed or replaced if necessary.
- Speech impediments: Some people may just have a temporary break in speaking with a lisp when they first start wearing them.
- Compliance: This is because, if a person removes their retainers, their teeth can shift right back to their pre-aligned positions, making the use of retainers pointless.
How Much Are Retainers in 2024? A Step-by-Step Guide on Retainer Costs
Whether you are about to complete with braces or aligners or you are thinking about how to prevent post-orthodontic treatment shifting, you need to know retainers’ price. Still, one has to remember that an accelerated production of such a beautiful and aligned smile is not inexpensive.
Retainer Cost Breakdown
Several factors influence how much retainers cost: Several factors influence how much retainers cost:
- Type of retainer: There are different forms of designs depending on their level of difficulty and the materials used in making the charges; the price thus varies. Fixed retainers cost between $150 and $300, while removable retainers such as Hawley retainers (wires of metal and acrylic) or clear plastic retainers cost between $150 and $300. Here, where retainers placed on dental surfaces are fixed using a bond, the prices vary from $200-$500 on every arch.
- Material: Vacuum-formed retainers are normally more costly than wire retainers. Essix retainers, a specific type of clear retainer, are comparatively expensive, ranging from $200 to $500 for a set of retainers.
- Complexity: More expensive retainers may be needed for complicated cases involving modifications or several components.
- Location: Prices will add up depending on where your dentist is based and the overheads of their practice.
- Dentist fees: Some practitioners decide their charges, hence resulting in variations in the retainer fee.
The Cost of Retainers and Various Forms of Retainer
Removable Retainers
- Hawley retainers: Retails for a relatively cheap price, between $150 and $300.
- Clear plastic retainers: More aesthetic, normally in the range of $200-400.
- Essix retainers: Brand new set, ranging from 200-500$.
Permanent Retainers
- Bonded retainers: Bonded to the teeth, and require $150-$500 for the upper or lower set of teeth.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Retainers?
Regrettably, there are no straightforward means of telling exactly how long a person must wear retainers. Several factors influence your wear time, including:
- Initial tooth alignment: It is a fact that, if the teeth are badly rotated or shifted in the mouth, they can have a stronger proclivity to shift back to their original positions and, therefore, would need a longer period of wearing retainers.
- Treatment duration: If your orthodontic treatment takes a long time, then you will need to use retainers for a longer time to cement your teeth in the new position.
- Your age: Teeth that are in their developmental stage are more susceptible to movement, therefore, teenagers may require more time compared to adults.
- Compliance: Adherence to the recommended instructions of the orthodontist is one of the crucial steps towards retaining the results. Daily use enables the alignment to remain intact and the teeth not to shift positions.
Nighttime Retainers: The Practical One
Thereafter, the wearers mostly put them on at night only, that is, 8-10 hours a day. However, the wearing of retainers at night is not fixed and, depending, for instance, on your case, can be as follows: Some patients may require it during nighttime for a while, for example, during the first several months, and others can shift to using it a few nights a week after one to two years.
Remember, consistency is key! Nevertheless, on days when it would seem less possible to wear them, not doing it often can result in your teeth shifting even if your orthodontist permits a reduced time.
Can Retainers Move Teeth Back into Place?
Yes, but with limitations. For minor tooth movements, retainers can help shift a tiny bit, and that is only if the teeth shift slightly after treatment. Here's a breakdown:
- Minor adjustments: Perhaps the only way now might be to wear the retainers, and if your teeth have shifted slightly, this moves them back very gently. But as for mobility, they are too limited to achieve it.
- Time is of the essence: It is even better to wear the retainer as soon as one notices a shift to get a minor correction in the shortest time possible.
- Professional assessment is key: Trust it, it is not fitting to use retainers entirely on complex tooth movements, just as there is no perfect treatment. It is, therefore, advisable that you talk to your dentist concerning the best way to proceed in your case.
Top Things That Can Help You Increase the Lifespan of Your Retainer
- Clean them daily: This should be done with a soft toothbrush and should be done with toothpaste or denture cleaner.
- Store them safely: Store them in a well-protected box when they are not in use.
- Avoid heat: It is discouraged to take hot products such as tea or coffee while having your retainers in.
- Handle them with care: Avoid bending, twisting, or biting down on them.
- Schedule regular checkups: Leave it to the orthodontist to determine their situation.
ALIGNERCO Retainers
Ever misplaced or chucked away your retainers? No worries. Get your perfect smile back with ALIGNERCO, your go-to fix for a speedy replacement.
Why Do You Need Retainers After Teeth Straightening Treatment?
- It retains and maintains your teeth in the recently aligned position.
- They lock in your perfect smile.
- They help stop recurring gaps and crowding.
Why do You Choose ALIGNERCO Retainers?
- Durable and comfortable
- Safe and gentle
- Effortless Maintenance
- Affordable
- Convenient home delivery
In a nutshell, getting orthodontic treatment is crucial to learning how to retain the changes achieved when you are under treatment. Retainers are also the most important assets in maintaining the aesthetics of your teeth after braces treatment and avoiding any relapse. This guide has details on the kind of retainers that are on the market in 2024, how they work, how they are looked after, and how much they will cost.
Regardless of the type of retainers, such as clear retainers, Hawley retainers, or permanent retainers, significant is the importance of wearing them and proper care. It’s therefore wise to heed the orthodontist's advice of wearing the retainers for a suggested duration, and practicing adequate care of the retainers of your teeth will, therefore, remain stunning for quite a long time.
FAQs
Q: Do you have to wear retainers forever?
A: Yes, as for the straightened teeth, you will be required to wear retainers forever, though not as constantly as when you are undergoing the treatment.
Q: Are retainers supposed to hurt?
A: Some mild tenderness may be felt with retainer wear, especially at first, but it should not be painful. However, if, in any case, you feel the pain is continuing, it’s wise to contact your orthodontist.
Q: Do retainers straighten teeth?
A: Retainers should be used to maintain the teeth alignment which is achieved after using the braces, and not with the purpose of addressing the orthodontic problems. They remain stable at the level of attainment at the end of the stage of orthodontic treatment.
Q: Are permanent retainers bad?
A: The use of permanent retainers is safe except where they may complicate efforts at cleaning your mouth. In this case, it means that people should ensure that they visit the dentist for check-up to avoid any of such problems.
Q: Can you chew gum with retainers?
A: Chewing gum should also not be taken with retainers, as this has the effect of sticking to them and, in the process, harming them.
Q: Can you eat with retainers?
A: For the case of removable retainers, you should not wear them while eating because you might damage them, and you also need to clean your mouth.
Q: How long does it take for teeth to shift without retainers?
A: The movement of teeth starts within weeks without retainers, particularly after some months of the orthodontic treatment.
Q: How long can you go without retainers?
A: An oversight of not wearing aligners for more than three days is rather hazardous. The longer you go with out them, the greater the odds that your teeth will begin to shift position.
Q: Who makes retainers for teeth?
A: Removable retainers are made by orthodontists, which prepare retainers taking impressions or digital scans of the teeth.
Q: Can you use retainers for teeth whitening?
A: Retainers are not meant to be used for whitening of the teeth. Try a whitening tray or speak with your dentist about whitening choices you both can
Q: Can I use retainers for teeth whitening?
A: No, retainers are not advisable for whitening purposes for teeth. They should only use specially designed whitening trays to that end.
