Orthodontic Retainers
Retainers are an amazing orthodontic appliance that preserve the new and final alignment of your beautiful smile. They are custom made to fit your unique smile and maintain the final teeth position for years to come. Regular use of retainers and compliance are essential for keeping the desired results of orthodontic treatment.
Common Types of Retainers
Hawley Retainers
Hawley Retainers are also a removable orthodontic appliance that maintain alignment of your teeth after treatment. They are composed of acrylic material and metal wire, and are adjustable to fit your unique anatomy. They are more noticeable than essix retainers due to the metal wire across the top teeth. They are extremely durable and can withstand regular wear. That being said, hawley retainers should last up to ten to twenty years.
Essix Retainers
Essix Retainers are a removable appliance that are made of plastic and are very aesthetically pleasing. They are designed to be comfortable and discreetly maintain your final teeth alignment due to the transparency of the plastic. That being said, essix retainers need to be replaced after around three to five years of use because of the durability of plastic.
Spring Retainers
Spring Retainers are removable orthodontic appliances that correct very minor tooth movement after treatment is finished. Unlike normal retainers that maintain final teeth alignment, spring retainers utilize small coils that gently push and guide teeth into a more desirable position. Spring retainers are recommended to patients who have completed orthodontic treatment but require additional fine-tuning to achieve optimal results. They are not used for complex movement of teeth.
FAQS
A retainer is a custom-made orthodontic appliance designed to hold your teeth in their new positions after braces or aligner treatment. Retainers help prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
After your teeth have been moved into their desired positions, the surrounding bone and tissues need time to stabilize. Wearing a retainer helps maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment by preventing your teeth from shifting.
If you have a removable retainer, you should take it out while eating and drinking to prevent damage and staining. You can drink water while wearing a retainer, but other beverages should be avoided. Fixed retainers do not need to be removed, but care should be taken to avoid foods that could dislodge or damage the wire.
Clean your removable retainer daily by brushing it with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive. You can also soak the retainer in a retainer-cleaning solution or a mixture of water and mild dish soap. Fixed retainers require careful brushing and flossing around the wire to prevent plaque buildup.
