Undergoing orthodontic treatment is a major commitment, including wearing a retainer afterward to maintain the results. Here, our orthodontists in Surrey answer questions like 'What are retainers?' and 'What do retainers do?' and provide tips on caring for your dental appliances.
What does a retainer do?
Many patients ask us, 'What is a dental retainer?' and ' How do retainers work?'. Regardless of the type, the main purpose of the retainer is to maintain the new position of your teeth after you have had braces. Retainers are custom-made to fit the exact shape and position of your teeth. Depending on your orthodontist’s recommendation, you may receive either a permanent or removable retainer.
When your braces are removed, your teeth may naturally try to shift back to their original positions. This tendency decreases over time, but it is especially a concern during the first year or two after braces are taken off. After your braces are removed, your orthodontist will create a mould of your teeth to design a retainer based on their new alignment. Consistently wearing the retainer will help prevent your teeth from moving out of place.
Types of Retainers
There are a few different types of retainers that can be used. These are:
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers have a plastic base that is fitted to the shape of your mouth. This plastic base is connected to a wire that wraps around the teeth, keeping them securely in place.
Essix Retainers
Because they are made of clear plastic, Essix retainers are nearly invisible when worn. While they may not be as durable as Hawley retainers, each replacement provides an opportunity to renew your commitment to achieving your smile goals.
Bonded Retainers
Bonded (or fixed) retainers are custom-made wires attached to your teeth with bonding material. These retainers will remain on your teeth for an extended period of time and can only be removed by your orthodontist.
Do retainers have to be worn forever?
It is standard to prescribe retainers after orthodontic treatment to maintain each tooth's new position. However, the timeframe for retainer use can vary significantly from one person to another.
Phase 1 - Full-Time Retainer Wear
After your braces are removed, you will need to wear your retainer full-time, both day and night, only taking it out to eat, brush, and floss. This phase typically lasts for about six months to a year for most people, although it can vary.
Phase 2 - Night Time Retainer Wear
During Phase 1, your orthodontist will monitor your progress and determine when you can switch to wearing your retainer only at night. Once you are ready to move to this second phase, you will wear your retainer nightly for about six months. This gradual transition to the final phase helps to ensure the stability of your teeth.
Phase 3 - Maintenance
To keep your smile straight after orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to wear your retainer part-time for life. We understand that this may be disappointing, but without it, your teeth could shift back out of position.
Your orthodontist will tell you how often to wear your retainer to maintain results. Maintaining the lifelong benefit of a straight and healthy smile is worth it!
What to Do If Your Retainer No Longer Fits
As we mentioned above, if you haven't been wearing your retainer consistently then your teeth can shift, leading to your retainer no longer fitting properly.
Common Reasons for Poor Fit
- Natural Wear and Tear
- Changes in Alignment
- Damage
Steps to Take if Your Retainer No Longer Fits
If the retainer no longer fits, consult your orthodontist. Depending on the severity of the misalignment, they can adjust the retainer or recommend braces. If the retainer is just slightly tight, realignment can often be corrected quickly, but don’t force it on if it doesn’t fit, as this can cause damage.
Preventive Measures
If not properly cared for, your retainer can lose its shape or become lost or damaged. To prevent this, you should always have your case on hand. This case provides a safe place to store your retainers and can hold tools for cleaning your retainers. You will also need to take care to keep your retainer away from any heat source. Heat can warp the plastic, making it so the retainer no longer fits properly.
You should also be mindful of what you eat and drink. Many foods and beverages can stain or stick to the appliance, damaging it and leading to buildup and eventual decay. This is also why you should stay on top of cleaning your retainer. Be sure to follow the care instructions provided by our orthodontist on cleaning methods and products to use.