If you recently had your braces removed, we hope you’re enjoying the benefits of your brand-new smile! But alas, your work isn’t finished yet. Retainers play an important part in keeping your results in place. Dr. Glass and our team at Glass Orthodontics are here to help you understand the role of retainers after braces, because education makes all the difference.
Why Retainers Matter After Braces
Once your braces come off or Invisalign is completed, your teeth still need support. Since your teeth are held in place by flexible ligaments (not fused to bone), they naturally want to shift back to their original positions. That’s where retainers come in to help hold your teeth in place while your mouth adapts to the changes.
This retention period after your braces come off is especially important. Retainers keep things steady while the surrounding bone and tissue settle in. Skipping this step could cause your teeth to move, undoing the progress you’ve made. Remember: the role of retainers after braces isn’t just short-term.
Types of Retainers: What to Know
At Glass Orthodontics, Dr. Glass offers a few different types of retainers, each suited for different situations. Here’s a breakdown:
- Hawley Retainers: Made of sturdy acrylic and wire, these retainers are removable and adjustable. They can even be personalized with different colors. They’re durable and allow for minor tweaks if needed.
- Clear Retainers: These retainers are transparent and resemble clear aligners. They’re a great choice if you want something subtle and easy to wear. Just remember, they’re a bit more fragile than Hawley retainers and may need replacing over time.
- Fixed Retainers: This type of retainer stays in your mouth and is bonded to the back of your lower front teeth. It’s a solid option, especially if we find you’re prone to shifting. While you won’t remove it, it stays hidden and keeps working around the clock.
Whatever type of retainer you use, the role of retainers after braces remains the same: to help you hold onto the results you’ve worked so hard for.
Getting Used to Wearing a Retainer
Wearing a retainer might feel strange at first, but most people adjust quickly. If you’ve had Invisalign, there’s a chance you might find the sensations a little more familiar. Here’s what you might notice:
- More saliva: Your mouth might produce extra saliva initially.
- Speech changes: You could notice a slight lisp, but this fades fast.
- New habits: You’ll take your retainer out to eat and brush, which feels different after having braces.
Dr. Glass will let you know how long and how often to wear your retainer. In most cases, you’ll start by wearing it all day and night, then shift to nighttime-only wear. Even years down the line, routine wear keeps your teeth where they’re supposed to be.
How to Care for Your Retainer
Keeping your retainer clean helps it last longer and keeps your mouth healthy. Whether you wear a removable or fixed retainer, here are some helpful tips from Dr. Glass:
For Removable Retainers:
- Rinse with cool or lukewarm water every time you take it out.
- Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap; skip toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface.
- Let it soak in a retainer or denture cleaner once a week.
- Always store it in a case when you’re not wearing it.
- Be wary of going any length of time without cleaning it, as bacteria can form.
For Fixed Retainers:
- Brush gently but thoroughly around the wire.
- Use floss threaders or small brushes to clean underneath and around the retainer.
- Visit Dr. Glass as scheduled during the retention phase to check on its condition and make adjustments if needed.
Also, avoid heat, no boiling water, dishwashers, or hot car dashboards. Heat can and will warp your retainer and make it unusable.
A Note for Kids Wearing Retainers
For kids, taking care of a retainer is a big responsibility, but they can do it! Here are a few easy ways to stay on track:
- Keep the retainer in its case when it’s not being worn at school. Don’t wrap it in a napkin at lunch; it might get thrown away.
- Always rinse it after taking it out, and give it a good clean every single night.
- Make sure kids tell a parent or adult if their retainer feels weird or if they lose it, so we can help out.
Why It’s Worth It
You spent time, money, energy, and patience completing your orthodontic treatment—now it’s time to keep your results intact.
Dr. Glass and our team at Glass Orthodontics are here to make sure your retainer fits well, feels comfortable, and continues to support your teeth for the long haul. If you’ve lost your retainer or need a new one, don’t wait. Reach out to us in Fairhope, Daphne, Atmore, or Bay Minette today.