You’ve finally reached the end of your personalized treatment plan. Before you celebrate, understand that our Grand Rapids, MI, orthodontists will want you to now wear a custom-made orthodontic retainer. It will need to be worn as instructed if you want your teeth to remain nice and straight.
Here’s what you need to know about .
Main Reason for a Retainer
You have your metal braces removed or finish your last clear aligners set only to be told you’ll now have to wear a retainer. While it may seem like another step to take, it is necessary if you don’t want your teeth to revert back to their original positions.
Read More → Retainer Relapse: What It Is & How to Prevent It
The retention process is designed to keep your teeth in proper alignment after your orthodontic treatment is complete. Think about it as less active straightening and more continued maintenance.Essentially,the retainer is there to keep your teeth straight.
Our orthodontists will fit you for a custom retainer after your braces are taken off or the bulk of your Invisalign® treatment is finished. We’ll then instruct you on when to wear the device and how to make sure it stays clean.
Different Types of Retainers: Removable vs. Fixed
The type of given to you by our orthodontists following treatment completion will either be removable or permanent. We’ll take your initial need for treatment and any conditions you might have into account before choosing the retainer right for you.
Removable retainers are exactly that: they can be taken out of your mouth for eating, brushing, and flossing. These retainers are either made from bendable wire and a plastic/acrylic material or a molded clear plastic. Patients are given a retainer to fit over their top and bottom teeth.
on the other hand, consist of a solid or braided wire that is curved to fit your new smile and placed on the inside of your teeth. Retainers of this type can only be removed by our orthodontists and benefit patients whose teeth are more likely to move and “relapse” after orthodontic treatment.
Caring For Your Retainer
Making sure your personal teeth retainer stays clean isn’t complicated. Many patients find it most convenient to clean it at the same time they’re brushing and flossing their teeth. That way, all bases are covered.
For the best results clean, we recommend:
- Using antibacterial soap and water when brushing your removable retainer. Do not use toothpaste with whitening ingredients as this can be too abrasive.
- Rinsing the retainer with warm (never hot!) water when you’re finished brushing.
- Occasionally, you can use a cleanser made for dental appliances to let the retainer soak. Ask our orthodontists if this is ok for your type of retainer and we can offer recommendations.
- If your retainer is fixed, be sure to brush and floss around it so plaque is removed.
- Always keeping your retainer in its case when not in use to prevent it from becoming lost or damaged.
Don’t Lose Your Beautiful Smile
It’s not the most appealing to have another dental appliance after your braces are removed or you’ve reached the last set of aligners. Unfortunately, it’s necessary if you want to keep your new smile! Our orthodontists in Grand Rapids, MI, can custom create a retainer just for you so it’s comfortable. Call Miller Orthodontics today at (616) 942-9320 to request an appointment and get started.
This blog post has been updated.
