Congratulations! Your braces are off, and it’s time to show off your vibrant smile. But first, let’s talk about retainers – a necessary next step to ensure your newly straightened teeth stay picture-perfect.
You’ve completed the hard work of wearing braces - the bands, the food restrictions, the discomfort. Shouldn’t that be enough? Well, yes and no. While braces straighten your teeth, retainers keep them from shifting after the braces are removed.
While wearing your braces, your teeth were gently and slowly pulled into their proper position. But once the braces are gone, there is nothing to keep your teeth from shifting. This is where a retainer comes in! Wearing a retainer as directed by your orthodontist will help keep your teeth from reverting to the original, pre-braces location.
After braces are removed, the next stage of a treatment plan typically includes either a fixed or permanent retainer. Fixed retainers are glued to the back of teeth, they are discreet and cannot be seen when you talk or smile. Plus, remembering to wear your retainer is easy because you cannot take it out!
There are two options for removable retainers: a clear mold of your teeth or the “traditional” Hawley retainer. A Hawley retainer is a wire attached to a piece of acrylic or plastic that rests in the upper or lower part of your mouth. Both clear and Hawley retainers can be taken out for eating and drinking and cover all your teeth so each one stays in its new position.
Each patient will likely have a unique set of directions on how to wear their retainer, and those directions will largely depend on the type of retainer. Fixed retainers will be worn around the clock; while removable retainers may need to be worn indefinitely, only while sleeping, or some other amount of time that will be predetermined by your orthodontist. Our patients with removable retainers generally start out by wearing them for most of the day and night. Over time, the need to wear the retainer around the clock can decrease, and eventually, it may only need to be worn at night while sleeping. Your provider will develop a customized plan for your retainer that best fits your unique needs.
Fixed retainers can be cared for with proper and careful brushing, and flossing. For removable retainers, you can easily care for them using everyday household products.
A mixture of half baking soda and half water makes a gentle cleansing paste that removes odor, bacteria, and plaque. Simply mix up a small amount, brush it on with a toothbrush, and rinse the retainer with warm water.
Combat a yellow retainer with a DIY solution made from vinegar and water, or hydrogen peroxide and water. Soaking in a 50/50 mix of either of these combinations for 20-30 minutes will kill bacteria and help restore your retainer’s original color. After soaking, rinse your retainer well with warm water to keep it from tasting like peroxide or vinegar!
Some patients prefer to use store-bought cleaners, and that is okay, too. Always follow the package directions for maximum cleanliness.
Finally, no matter how you choose to clean your retainer, be sure to store it in its case to protect it from germs, breakage, and other types of damage.
Samuelson Orthodontics is committed to providing the highest-quality patient care and creating customized treatment plans for every patient. We would be honored to help you create a treatment and maintenance plan that aligns with your orthodontic goals. We welcome you to contact us if you have any questions about treatment options or would like to schedule a consultation. We are here to help and look forward to serving you!