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Life without retainers after orthodontic treatment can be quite a challenge. Whether you're new to teeth alignment therapy or shifting from traditional braces, adjusting to retainers will need time and persistence. But do not worry; we can help you out.
Retainers are important orthodontic devices on your teeth alignment journey. These help you keep your new teeth in the new alignment after you’re done with braces, guaranteeing your smile. However, it’s pretty normal to experience new sensations in your mouth that might appear strange.
You may have some difficulty eating or speaking but remain calm as these problems are just temporary and become easily manageable with our expert guidance.
Read on to discover everything about retainers, including how long to get used to retainers, managing oral hygiene, retainer costs, enhancing comfort, and fixing common issues.
What Are Retainers?
Let’s first understand what is meant by retainers and why we should use them. These are orthodontic appliances that ensure our teeth maintain the newly achieved alignment after a teeth straightening procedure. All our teeth keep changing places even after we cross adulthood, so using a retainer is helpful.
According to research, “no difference was found between the efficiency of Hawley and clear retainers regarding effectiveness”.
Some people believe that our teeth have a unique muscle memory, and that’s why they return to their original positions. Therefore, if you do not use a retainer, your teeth could end up back in the original position, and you could lose your new smile.
Orthodontic teeth alignment does not immediately stop after wearing clear aligners or braces. Clear retainers are the final piece of the teeth alignment therapy process.
Types of Retainers
In the case of retainers, you get a few options. Retainers are divided into two main categories which consist of removable or permanent. Your dentist will provide recommendations as to what suits you best, but ultimately, the choice is up to you.
Permanent Retainers (Fixed)
For many orthodontic patients, losing retainers is not significant because they have permanent retainers applied in their mouths. Permanent (fixed) retainers involve a metal or nickel wire that is applied behind your lower or upper teeth and is hidden from others.
Patients who choose permanent retainers might require some time to get used to them, but they don’t cause discomfort or pain as they are quite thin and adaptable. As you get used to them, you won’t even feel that they are in your mouth.
The only major drawback of permanent retainers is that they make maintaining dental hygiene difficult. You might have to invest in a good flossing or brushing device to achieve better cleaning. It’s important that you get your teeth cleaned by a professional dentist every six months.
Removable Retainers
These retainers have the added advantage of convenience and removability. As a result, you can brush and eat without retainers in your mouth. Also, you quickly adapt to these retainers, especially if you have already used removable dental devices.
On the other hand, the main drawback of removable retainers is that you need to remember to put them on. It’s very important to wear your retainers correctly as directed by your retainer supplier or dentist.
Just be careful when you remove retainers so as to place them in a retainer case and don’t lose or leave them anywhere. Lastly, removable retainers need replacement when damaged to avoid bacteria buildup and remain efficient.
There are various types of removable retainers. Some of the common varieties include
Hawley Retainers (Metal Wire)
Hawley retainers are those that consist of metal wire and hooks (acrylic) to support and hold teeth in their place. The metal wire is visible to all as it goes around your front or lower teeth arch. This retainer style covers your complete teeth, including the palate, to prevent unwanted teeth movement and bite alteration after undergoing clear aligner or braces therapy.
Clear Retainers (Plastic)
Clear retainers are almost invisible (clear plastic) and are removable. These are very popular due to being discreet, convenient, and comfortable. You can very easily remove them when you want to enjoy your favorite meals or drinks, just like your clear aligners. Also, they don’t cause any irritation or discomfort as well.
How Long To Get Used To Retainers?
Retainers must be worn throughout the day after your teeth alignment process, as recommended by your dentist. But for how long do you need to wear retainers? The answer is not conclusive, as it usually depends on the retainer variety you choose along with the dental condition.
Permanent retainers are irremovable, so you don’t have a choice of removing them. On the other hand, removable retainers (clear retainers) should be worn during the daytime and at night unless you are brushing, flossing, or eating. You need to carry out this routine as long as recommended by your dentist. Ideally, after the initial adaptation phase, you only need to wear retainers at night in the case of removable retainers.
Can I Stop Using Retainers?
One common question concerning teeth alignment patients is: Can I stop using retainers? If you have chosen a removable or permanent retainer, they’re not just an accessory for your teeth. Retainers guarantee the effectiveness of your orthodontic investment to support and maintain your new radiant smile.
Working of Retainers
Dental devices like retainers are an important part of your teeth alignment therapy. They are crafted to snugly fit your teeth and maintain your newly attained teeth alignment after removing braces or clear aligners.
Retainers lower the chances of your newly aligned teeth to relapse. As a result, they reinforce and support your teeth alignment investment results. The main reason for adopting retainers is that your jawbone and gums around your teeth need additional time to adjust to their new position. Using retainers, you provide additional support to your new teeth foundations for stabilization.
Wearing Retainers
The efficiency of a retainer device depends on its right usage. Your dentist will provide you with tailored instructions according to your unique needs. As a common rule, you must keep your retainers in your mouth all the time, except for meals and dental hygiene work like flossing or brushing.
It is crucial to regularly clean your retainers to avoid plaque buildup and prevent bacteria from spreading. When you are not using retainers, store them in a safe and ventilated retainer case and avoid damaging the container. Wearing your retainers with consistency can play an important role in preserving your new teeth alignment and amazing smile.
Why a Retainer Hurts?
You might become irritated or feel discomfort initially as you start the use of a retainer. You mouth needs special time to adjust to new presence of retainer. However, little pain or discomfort that you experience will eventually subdue in a few days as you get used to retainers.
Risk of Not Using Retainers
There are extensive risks of not using retainers after undergoing teeth alignment therapy. Some of these include
- Aligned teeth might relapse back to natural positions
- Need to undergo teeth alignment procedure again
- There will be a decline in your oral health
- You might lose your retainers and will need to get a replacement set
- You may need to order over-correction clear aligners
Cleaning Retainers
If you are thinking about cleaning your orthodontic retainers, then it's pretty straightforward. If you adopted fixed retainers (bonded), you don’t require any extra care; you just need to brush and floss your teeth like you normally do, as fixed retainers get cleaned up in the process.
However, if you have chosen removable retainers like Hawley or clear plastic, then you might need a little more work. You should wash or rinse your retainers after removing and using them again.
Retainers can be rinsed in cold water with nonabrasive soap or solution. You should not use toothpaste to clean retainers, as it can damage them. Regular retainer washing ensures they remain in ideal condition, eliminating all kinds of germs and bad odors.
Tips for Getting Used to Retainer
Adjusting to using retainers every day can be quite tough. However, with some extra patience and useful tips, retainers will become part of your everyday routine. Here are some useful tips to help you get started with your retainers.
Using Retainers While Speaking
Using a retainer for the first time might lower or alter your speech actions. This is very normal, and you don’t need to worry. You should wear your new retainer to help your mouth adjust to it. You can engage in a meaningful conversation with your best friend or read any random book aloud can be most ideal method to help you with your speech while using a retainer.
Maintain Retainer Usage Consistency
You need to maintain your consistency in the case of dental retainers. The more frequently you wear your retainer, the easier your mouth adapts to it. Ensure that you wear your retainer as recommended, except when you indulge in your favorite meals or during oral hygiene actions like flossing and brushing your teeth.
Maintain Excellent Oral Health
Ideal oral health and hygiene are very important when you’re using an orthodontic device like a retainer. Regularly clean your teeth along with your retainers with a multi-purpose cleaning solution every day to prevent bacteria buildup. As a result, retainers remain in ideal condition improving your oral health.
Ensure Consistent Dentist Appointments
Regular weekly or monthly dental visits are crucial in maintaining your retainer’s health and functionality. As a result of dental consultation, a dentist can assess your retainer’s effectiveness and make needed adjustments for functionality and comfort.
Remain Calm
In the end, it is vital that you remain calm and patient when using a retainer. It might take some time. With regular usage and ideal oral hygiene, you’ll get comfortable with a retainer in no time.
ALIGNERCO: Your Ideal Partner for Clear Retainers
When it comes to obtaining high-quality and premium retainers at unbeatable prices, you can’t go wrong with choosing ALIGNERCO. They provide the best custom clear retainers for your teeth alignment therapy with the best materials (BPA-free) and contoured fit for long-term comfort.
FAQs
1. What are retainers?
These are essential orthodontic devices that you must adhere to after you have completed your orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners.
2. How long do I need to wear retainers?
You must wear retainers as directed by your dentist or orthodontist. Generally, retainer need to be worn for a period ranging from at least six to twelve months or more as directed by your dentist or orthodontist.
3. Do I need to see a dentist if my retainer is causing pain?
Yes, you need to consult with a dentist immediately for guidance and recommendations regarding your retainer usage.
4. Where can I obtain premium quality and affordable clear retainers?
You can obtain your custom retainers from either a dentist's office or from custom retainer suppliers like ALIGNERCO.
