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Most people who have gone through some orthodontic treatment or dental procedure are familiar with orthodontic cheek retractors. For those who don’t know, these weird-looking tongs are orthodontic devices that aid in avoiding pain and discomfort and enhancing visibility for dental checks, procedures, and photographs.
Types of Cheek Retractors
1. Metal Retractors
These are crafted out of stainless steel metal and are most commonly found at your dentist's office. They are preferred for use in surgeries where minimal movement is ideal. Metal cheeks are relatively more expensive than other options. Furthermore, retractors need to be sterilized before every use and can last for years with proper care.
2. Plastic Reusable Retractors
These are gaining popularity due to their mass availability, and affordable price. Plastic retractors are also included in aligner kits. Since they are made for personal use, they can be cleaned at home and used again when needed.
3. Disposable Retractors
These are made out of plastic and are suitable to be used once or twice before being discarded. This maintains hygiene and eliminates the need to sterilize them.
Uses of Cheek Retractors
They play an essential role in day-to-day dental procedures at a dentist’s and almost every orthodontic patient who has undergone a dental procedure has had to wear them. Here’s why they are used:
Clear Aligner Teeth Straightening Kits
A set of plastic cheek retractors is provided with your impression kit and is to be used once you’ve taken your dental impressions. Simply use cheek retractors to reveal your entire dental structure and bone and take photos of it from different angles to send to your aligner provider.
Why Are Your Dental Photographs Needed?- They help understand the teeth' condition and the extent of misalignment by providing an added perspective along with your dental impressions for constructing your custom aligners.
- Photographs help get a clear visual of how far along your teeth have shifted and keep track of your alignment journey.
- They will also serve as proof and reassurance for yourself that you have achieved a significantly straighter smile by aiding in getting photographs that will serve as reference photos before and after you start your treatment.
Surgery
During dental surgery, a clear view inside your open mouth is essential. Your orthodontist will make use of cheek retractors to expose the operating field, access the surgical site with precision, and minimize damage to surrounding areas. Keeping the mouth open with the help of an orthodontic cheek retractor also helps with stability and allows clear access to light on the concerned area.
Braces Installation
While installing braces, your orthodontist will need a clear and steady view of your teeth which requires keeping the lips and cheek tissue retracted. This unobstructed view allows for the accurate installation of dental brackets which is essential for a successful orthodontic treatment.
Restorations
Dental restoration procedures such as fillings, crown preparations, cementation, etc require access to the teeth surface and clear visibility for at times up to twenty minutes duration which will generally tire the patient. Cheek retractors will aid in keeping their mouth open for as long as needed and keep the restoration site accessible for treatment.
Teeth Whitening
Some at-home whitening kits come with ‘C-shaped’ teeth retractors. The purpose is to expose the teeth for easy application and to protect the delicate skin of the mouth from coming into contact with bleaching agents designed for teeth.
How To Use A Cheek Retractor
Using a cheek retractor is easy. There are generally two types of cheek retractors available for at-home use, here’s how to use both of them:
Using a C-shaped Cheek Retractor
- Gather your supplies. Make sure you have your phone at hand if you're going to take pictures or your teeth whitening kit ready if you're going to whiten your teeth.
- Ensure that your cheek retractor is clean and your hands are washed.
- Sit in front of a mirror in a well-lit place.
- Hold the cheek retractor against your mouth so that the large ears are facing outwards.
- Gently press the retractor inwards, like you would bend a pair of tongs to pick up fruit.
- Insert one edge of your cheek in one side of the retractor, and while keeping it in the bent position, gently insert the second side too.
- Gradually release the pressure on your hold so the ‘tong’ can open as needed.
- Practice as many times as you need to get comfortable with the process.
- Once done, rinse and let them dry before you store them safely for next use.
How To Use an O-shaped Cheek Retractor
- Follow the same instructions as above from points 1 to 3.
- Once ready, gently squeeze the retractor and place the smaller side in your mouth
- Once inside your mouth, release the retractor gently, till it fits the mouth comfortably.
- Proceed with pictures, observation, or teeth whitening as needed.
- Once done squeeze your retractor and pull it out of your mouth.
- Rinse with water and let it dry before you store it safely for next use.
Mistakes To Avoid
Cheek retractors are generally safe to use but follow these guidelines to make sure you never go wrong with them:
- Keep your comfort in mind. Do not overexert or pull the retractors without squeezing them first.
- If they are pulling apart your lips to the point of discomfort, bend the retractor a few times to make it more flexible. If the pain persists, check with your dental care provider or use a smaller size.
- To avoid incorrect placement make use of the mirror and choose a place and time with minimal distractions.
- Your mouth will naturally begin to salivate once you have the teeth retractors on. So take them off when needed to avoid choking.
- Don’t try to talk while wearing your retractors, this will exert more pressure on your lip corners.
- Store them in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight and away from the reach of kids.
- Always use clean retractors, give them a rinse with water and soap before every use.
How To Clean
If you are not using disposable cheek retractors, it is important to clean them right before storage. A reusable plastic cheek retractors can be cleaned using the following methods:
- Wipe away any residue from teeth whitening, and rinse them under tap water. Use a mild soap if necessary but avoid hot water as it may warp the plastic.
- If needed scrub away with a soft toothbrush but avoid using any material that may scratch their surface.
- Let them dry completely before you wrap them in a plastic bag or an airtight container to store them away safely until the next use.
- Store them away from direct sunlight and rinse them before your next use.
Using a cheek retractor is important in your teeth aligning journey. It helps you take clear pictures and monitor your alignment progress. It also gives you a clearer, hands-free view of your teeth layout to inspect them properly for any concerns and comes in handy if you decide to whiten your teeth with gels or pen.
FAQs
1. My cheek retractor doesn’t fit?
One size does not fit all. Instead of trying to use the wrong size, it is better to order a fresh one that is the right size. You can also order them online.
2. How essential is a cheek retractor in teeth straightening?
Cheek retractor does not play a direct role in teeth straightening, however, it comes in handy when taking photographs of your teeth and observing your teeth alignment journey.
3. Will cheek retractors hurt?
Cheek retraction is meant to be painless. Do not exert more pressure to retract your teeth and avoid talking while you have them on to avoid any discomfort.
