Introduction
Just finished straightening the crooked teeth? Getting a perfect smile through orthodontic treatment is just the beginning. Maintaining that smile comes with significant aftercare. This is where teeth retainers come in. These devices are made from materials like plastic, clear wires or acrylic to fit over or behind your teeth to prevent them from shifting back to their original position. Wearing them as guided by your dentist can ensure lasting results from your orthodontic treatment.1
It’s important not to confuse retainers with invisible aligners. While they are similar to look at, both serve different purposes. Aligners are used during treatment to actively move the teeth into the desired positions whereas retainers maintain the desired alignments after treatments. In this blog we’ll deep dive into retainers and how they are useful for you.
Types Of Retainers and Their Maintenance
Dental retainers come in two types: fixed or removable. Fixed retainers are bonded to the teeth and can only be taken out by an orthodontist, whereas removable ones can be removed while brushing or eating. The choice of retainer depends on your individual needs and your orthodontist will suggest the most suitable option for you. In some cases, using a combination of retainers might also be recommended to ensure your teeth don’t shift back.4,5 Here are the most common types available:4,5,6
| Type of retainer | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Bonded Retainer | Glued or fixed to the inside of the teeth | Always in place, no need to take them out while eating or brushing | Needs extra cleaning and a dentist visit if it becomes loose |
| Vacuum Formed or Essix Retainer | Clear removable retainer | Blends in with the teeth, easily adaptable | Must be removed before brushing and eating |
| Hawley Retainer | Featuring a plastic base and wire across the front teeth, removable | Long lasting, can be adjusted and sturdy | May affect speech initially |
Taking proper care of your retainer is the key to keeping it effective and long-lasting. Here are a few tips to make sure it remains in excellent condition:
· Drinking and eating: If you’re wearing removable retainers, make sure to remove them before eating or drinking to avoid damage. It’s advisable to only drink water while wearing Essix retainers as other liquids can cause staining or decay due to their sugar or acid content. Make sure no food gets stuck to the retainer as it may lead to tooth decay or gum diseases.
· Cleaning: While cleaning your clear retainers rinse them with cool water. Be mindful of using hot water as it can damage the material. Use mild hand soap or denture cleaning tablets in place of toothpaste to prevent getting the material scratched.5
· Safety and storage: Always place your retainers in their case when you’re not using them to prevent loss and damage. Avoid leaving them exposed and keep them away from heat sources as heat might harm the retainer.7
· Repair: If your ortho retainers get lost or damaged, contact your orthodontist immediately. This will help prevent any further issues with your alignment. 5,7
Importance Of Retainers After Orthodontic Treatment
Here’s why retainers are essential after your orthodontic treatment:
· Maintaining bite alignment: They are crucial for correct bite alignment, which is important for proper chewing and speaking.8
· Preserving oral health and investment: Using retainers helps in maintaining proper tooth alignment, reducing the risk of dental problems. They also safeguard your investment in your orthodontic treatment by managing natural teeth shifts
· Preventing relapse of treatment: Without retainers, your teeth might shift back to their original positions, potentially undoing all the effort and investment put into your treatment.4
· Stabilising new tooth position: After braces or aligners, your teeth need time to adjust to their new positions. Retainers hold them steady while surrounding bones and gums adapt.1
Following your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing mouth retainers is critical. Initially, this may involve wearing them all the time and gradually shifting to nighttime use only. Some of you may also need to continue wearing them indefinitely to sustain the results. 4-6
Conclusion
Clear aligners cost in India may vary, but retainers are typically included in the cost of tooth alignment. They are key to a beautifully aligned smile. By knowing their types and how to take care of them, you help ensure your results last. Using your dental retainer as recommended by your dentist protects your investment in braces or aligners, and helps you avoid further treatment down the road. With its consistent use, you can maintain your dream smile for years to come.