Retainers are often used after Invisalign treatment or after the removal of the braces to help keep the teeth in their new position. As teeth change over time, a retainer can help keep them aligned and cut. Most of us have seen babies wear or remove retainers, and they may remember wearing them ourselves. However, maintainers have come a long way, and each type works and requires different care. You may have concerns about what type of retainer your child will receive or how to care for it.

What Is a Retainer?

The braces are used to hold the teeth in place after they are worn. Because babies and teens are still developing, their teeth can move in their expanding jaws, retainers are necessary to keep the teeth in their new places. Maintainers help control this natural movement.

Some retainers are also used when braces are not necessary for bracing work, such as when only one tooth needs to be moved or the gap between the teeth needs to be closed to avoid future problems.

In addition to moving teeth, retainers can help with a variety of oral problems, such as a “tongue push”, a condition in which your tongue slips between your teeth as you speak. It teaches your language to stay out of the way of your words. They can also be used to treat the temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which is caused by difficulty biting (when teeth do not communicate properly when jaws are closed) or grinding teeth, both of which are related to TMD.

Dentist Suggestions About Retainers

Once you have your retainer, your orthodontist will give you instructions on the schedule they think you need. In the long run, retainers may need to be worn for everything except food (usually measured in months). According to Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN some babies may start wearing their retainer only at night.

Retainers Come in A Variety of Shapes and Sizes

• Essix Retainer – A Day or two after the removal of the braces, a transparent, plastic retainer is sometimes applied to the upper teeth. It is similar in appearance to Invisalign devices. For about 24 months, it is mainly worn at night. The orthodontist may replace it with a more standard wire retainer once it is finished. This form of retention has hurt some people.
• Bonded retainers are inserted behind the lower teeth after the braces are removed. It is glued to the teeth using composite materials and is called “permanent” because it cannot be extracted. This type of retainer is not usually used on the upper teeth as it will interfere with your bite. A bonded retainer can be left in place for a long time.
• Hawley Retainer – A more classic wire retainer that is usually made after many years using another retention method. It also has the advantage of being adjustable, which makes the teeth move slightly. To treat minor orthodontic abnormalities, this type of retainer can sometimes be worn full time instead of braces. For customization, the plastic section of the retainer can be made in many colors and designs.

What Are the Costs of Retainers?

The value of retainers varies depending on their position. Each retainer will refund you approximately $ 100.

According to Children’s Dentist Indianapolis IN orthodontists do not want money to stand in the way of a beautiful smile. Their treatment coordinators will work with you to find financial solutions tailored to your specific needs!

Is it Necessary to Wear a Retainer for a Long Time?

As long as you want to keep your teeth straight or at least as long as you want to keep them straight. Wear them full time for the first 10 weeks, then at night. Whether you have undergone orthodontic treatment or not, if you do not use retainers, especially on the lower back, your teeth will move over time. A bonded lower retainer (also called a permanent retainer) prevents this from happening and is a great way to keep your teeth straight in the long run.

What If I Forget to Wear My Retainer?

The purpose of the retainer is to keep your teeth in place. If you don’t wear it for a long time, it will cause you trouble. It is best to leave for a day or two as your teeth will not move much. If you don’t wear it for a long time, your teeth will start moving again. Although some patients are reluctant to use their retainer recommended for a few years, they gradually begin to wear it sparingly until they no longer need it. As a result, the teeth begin to move considerably over time.

What Should I Do If My Retainer Is No Longer Comfortable?

If you haven’t used your retainer for a long time, your teeth may have moved to a place where they don’t fit. Although it’s a tight fit, you can occasionally use the same retainer for a bit of misalignment. Wearing a somewhat inappropriate retainer over time can help your teeth move back to their proper place. If the oral cavity no longer fits, however, pressing it can damage the teeth. In this case, it is best to see a dentist find a new or better fitting.

Keeping Your Retainer Clean

Retainers coexist alongside food particles, germs, and plaque in your mouth, all of which lead to tooth decay. As a result, it’s essential to clean your retainer carefully and regularly. To find out what form of cleaning your orthodontist recommends, contact them. Some types should not be washed with toothpaste, and plastic retainers may shatter if left outside your mouth for too long, so they should always be wet while not in use. They should also be maintained away from heat sources such as hot water, and the wire should be protected from bending.

This is one of the reasons it’s crucial to have your retainer case available. You may want to have a few of these on hand so you always have a secure, clean place to store your retainer so you don’t lose it. There are soaking solutions available for retainers that can’t be exposed to toothpaste or toothbrushes, like the Essix retainer, to assist keep them clean and odor-free. Your orthodontist may advise you on the best items to use to maintain your retainer in good shape.