For years, there have been lots of misconceptions about dental retainers. For example, some people believe that once you’ve had braces, you don’t need to wear retainers again. While others see retainers as agents of pain and discomfort, especially after hearing various negative stories.
However, the reality is that retainers are actually incredibly beneficial devices that can improve your oral health and overall well-being in many ways. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontics, retainers are a necessary part of post-orthodontic treatment.
This post will take a closer look at the reality of dental retainers – what they are, why you might need one, and how to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your retainers. So, if you’re curious about dental retainers, read on! You might just be surprised by what you’ll find out.
What’s a dental retainer?
A dental retainer is an oral appliance that helps keep your teeth in their new, corrected position after you’ve had braces or other orthodontic treatment. It does this by holding your teeth in place so that they don’t shift back to their old positions.
Dental retainers, or retainers as they are commonly called, are usually made from plastic and metal wires. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are custom-made to fit your mouth, so they’re comfortable to wear.
Furthermore, you can also choose between removable and fixed retainers depending on your preference and individual situation.
How do dental retainers work?
Your teeth are held in place by a combination of your bones, muscles, and gums. When you have braces or other orthodontic treatment, these structures slowly move into their new positions. As your teeth move into their new positions, the bones and tissues around them also adjust.
However, it takes time for these bones and tissues to adjust to their new positions. And during this adjustment period, your teeth are more likely to shift back to their old positions if they’re not held in place.
That’s where dental retainers come in. Dental retainers work by putting gentle pressure on your teeth to keep them in their new, corrected position. By applying gentle pressure on your teeth, they help to hold them in place so that they don’t shift back to their old positions while your bones, muscles, and gums adjust to the new positions of your teeth.
Types of dental retainers
There are two main types of dental retainers: removable and fixed.
- Removable retainers are the most common type of retainer. They’re made from plastic and metal wires, and they fit snugly over your teeth. You can remove them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
- Fixed retainers are bonded to the back of your teeth. They’re usually made from wire or clear material, and they’re less visible than removable retainers. Unfortunately, you can’t remove them, so you have to be careful about what you eat and drink.
Why do I need to wear a retainer?
There are several reasons why you might need to wear a retainer. For example, you might need to wear a retainer after you’ve had braces or other orthodontic treatment. This is because your teeth are more likely to shift back to their old positions after the braces are removed.
And if this happens, you might need to have braces or other orthodontic treatment all over again. Wearing a retainer helps prevent this by ensuring that your teeth stay in their new, corrected positions.
Furthermore, you might also need to wear a retainer if you have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. These are all conditions where your teeth don’t line up correctly. Wearing a retainer can help correct these problems, improve your bite and make it easier for you to chew and speak.
How do I use a dental retainer?
If you have a removable retainer, you’ll need to take it out to eat and brush your teeth. You should also clean your retainer often to remove any bacteria or food particles that might be stuck on it. However, if you have a fixed retainer, you won’t be able to take it out to eat or brush your teeth.
Nonetheless, you should still clean it often to remove any bacteria or food particles that might be stuck on it. You should also avoid eating hard or sticky foods while wearing your retainer because they can damage it.
The Stages of Wearing a Retainer
There are three stages of wearing a retainer:
- The initial stage: This is when you first start wearing your retainer. You’ll need to wear it all the time, except when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing.
- The adjustment stage: This is the stage when you’re getting used to wearing your retainer. You can remove it for eating, drinking, and brushing. But you should still wear it at night.
- The maintenance stage: This is the stage when you only need to wear your retainer at night. At this point, your teeth are getting used to their new positions and might not need the help of the retainer as much as before.
How long do I need to wear my retainers?
The amount of time you need to wear your retainer will depend on your individual situation. In most cases, you’ll need to wear a retainer for at least 6 months after you’ve had braces or other orthodontic treatment.
After that, you can usually switch to wearing your retainer only at night. And eventually, you might not need to wear it at all. However, in some cases, you might need to wear a retainer for longer. For example, if you have a severe overbite, you might need to wear a retainer for 1-2 years.
Regardless, if you have any questions about how long you’ll need to wear your retainer, be sure to ask a reputable dentist. They’ll be able to give you specific advice based on your individual case.
Caring for your retainers
It’s important to take good care of your retainers to ensure that they last. Here are some tips for caring for your retainers:
- Clean them regularly: It’s important to clean your retainer often to remove any bacteria or food particles that might be stuck on it. For instance, you can brush it with toothpaste and water or soak it in a denture-cleaning solution. Additionally, rinse your retainer with water before putting it in your mouth.
- Don’t expose them to extreme temperatures: Extreme heat can warp your retainer, so don’t leave it in a hot car or direct sunlight. And extreme cold can make your retainer brittle, so don’t put it in the freezer.
- Handle them with care: Don’t bend or twist your retainer, and be careful not to drop it. If you do damage your retainer, be sure to take it to a qualified dentist to have it repaired.
- Keep them safe and away from pets: Pets can damage or even eat retainers, so be sure to keep them out of their reach. In addition, don’t bend your retainer, chew on it, or expose it to excessive heat. This can damage your retainer and make it less effective at holding your teeth in place.
Getting the most out of your dental retainers
To get the most out of your dental retainer, it’s important to wear it as often as prescribed by your orthodontist or an experienced dentist. If you don’t wear it as often as you should, your teeth are more likely to shift back to their old positions.
In addition, it’s also important to clean your retainer regularly. Bacteria can build up on your retainer just like they can on your teeth, so cleaning it is essential to avoid problems like bad breath or gum disease. Keep in mind that if you take good care of your retainers, they should last for a long time. But eventually, they might need to be replaced.
Nevertheless, if you have any further questions about dental retainers, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of experts at Butler Family Dental are available to answer any questions you might have and provide any additional support or information you might need to get the most out of your dental retainers.