The benefits of orthodontic treatment can last a lifetime, but maintaining your results requires ongoing care and dedication. Here’s everything you need to know about retainers and how to ensure your smile stays perfect.
Removable Retainers
Once the active orthodontic appliances are removed, the patient will receive retainers to stabilize the dental correction. Because the bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth are stabilizing for several months after braces are removed, it is imperative that the retainers are worn as instructed. Failure to wear the retainers may result in undesirable movement of the teeth, which could necessitate re-treatment.
We provide clear Essix retainers, a comfortable and discreet way to maintain straight teeth. Made from durable, transparent plastic, they preserve your orthodontic results while blending seamlessly with your smile.
How Retainers Are Worn
- Full-Time for One Year: For the first year after your braces are removed, retainers must be worn all the time.
- Night-Time After One Year: After the first year, retainers can typically be worn just at night. This helps ensure your smile remains intact while allowing your wisdom teeth to develop without disrupting your results.
- Post-Wisdom Teeth: Dr. Joseph Porter will monitor your wisdom teeth every six to nine months and take X-rays every 18 months to assess their development.
- Lifelong Retainer Use: Once your wisdom teeth have been addressed, it is important to wear your retainer at least one night per week for life. This is because, as you age, the muscles around your teeth will tighten, which can cause them to shift or crowd.
Caring for Your Retainers
Proper care ensures your retainers last and remain effective:
- Avoid Heat: Retainers are made from a thermoplastic material that is sensitive to heat, so they should not be placed near sources of heat like dishwashers, car dashboards, or areas where temperatures exceed 115°F.
- Store in a Case: Always store your retainers in their case when not in use, and keep them out of reach of pets who may chew on them.
- Clean Regularly: Clean your retainers before and after use. The thermoplastic material can accumulate plaque, so gently scrub with a toothbrush and mild soap or use a denture cleaning solution like Efferdent. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any residue from the cleaning agents.
- Periodic Replacement: Since retainers are worn for many years, they will need periodic replacement. Your original treatment includes one set of retainers. A replacement fee will apply if they are lost or damaged due to neglect. If your retainers break or become loose, please contact our office immediately.
Fixed retainers (Bonded Wire)
This wire should stay on forever. The only exception is if your family dentist says you are not keeping it clean and it is beginning to cause gum or bone problems. If this should occur, please have the wire removed and replaced with a removable retainer.
The removable retainer should then be worn as Dr. Porter prescribes. The fixed wire will protect the teeth as the patient ages and your facial muscles tighten. Please have your family dentist monitor this wire at your six-month check-ups.
Habits or Conditions that Require Stronger Retention
- Mouth breathing
- Clenching and/or grinding of teeth (muscle hyperactivity)
- Tongue thrusting, low tongue posture,e or abnormal tongue posture
- Playing musical instruments with a reed
- Lip sucking
- Pen or pencil biting
- Spacing between the teeth before treatment
- Severely rotated teeth
Our goal is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential in order to achieve this goal.
Dental examinations and cleanings
The patient should maintain proper oral hygiene at home, including thorough brushing and flossing techniques. The family dentist should see the patient at least every six months for cleanings and dental examinations.
