Retainer

After orthodontic treatment, your dentist can recommend retainers to maintain your teeth in their new position until all periodontal fibers adapt to the changes. Retainers are customized orthodontic devices, made from wires and clear plastic. You can wear them for 4 to 6 months until your new tooth position becomes permanent. Your dentist will recommend retainers to ensure your orthodontic treatment is successful. However, you need to understand the various types of retainers, how they work, and what to expect after wearing them for an informed decision.

At The Encino Dentist, we take the time to explain all treatments so you understand what to expect. We have all the information you need to know how retainers work, the type that suits your preferences and budget, and how to wear them. Our Encino dentists are experts in removable and permanent retainers.

A Brief Overview of Retainers

Orthodontic problems are among the most common dental issues affecting people of all ages. If you have crooked, misaligned, overlapping, or spaced-out teeth, you can benefit greatly from orthodontic treatment. Dentists recommend metal braces, lingual braces, or removable aligners to properly align your teeth for a perfect bite, clean and healthy teeth, and a beautiful smile.

Orthodontic treatment usually takes time. For example, you could wear metal braces for two years or more, depending on the severity of your dental problem. However, it takes longer for your teeth to settle into their new positions after treatment. If you remove braces or aligners after the treatment period, your teeth may shift back to their previous positions over time. This means that the treatment may fail if you do not take precautions to maintain the teeth’s new position until they are permanently in place.

This will be a complete waste of time and money, considering how long the treatment takes and how much money it costs. Retainers are an excellent solution for those who have undergone orthodontic treatment. They ensure that your orthodontic treatment is a success and that the changes in your teeth’s position are permanent.

Retainers are orthodontic devices you wear on your teeth after orthodontic treatment. They prevent your teeth from shifting back to their previous position after removing braces or aligners. They are very comfortable to wear because they are mainly made of plastic. However, some retainers are made from wires. They are also clear, for a discreet and comfortable treatment before you can finally enjoy beautiful, properly aligned teeth.

Dentists recommend wearing retainers for four to six months. During that period, they will hold your teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment. Depending on the severity of the underlying orthodontic problem, your teeth should be permanently fixed in their rightful position by the end of this additional treatment. This ensures a successful treatment journey whose results last a lifetime.

Reasons to Wear Retainers

Your dentist will likely mention retainers when developing a treatment plan for your orthodontic issue. This is usually after diagnosis and selection of the proper treatment to align your teeth. They will mention the need for retainers after orthodontic treatment and will discuss some of the benefits with you. Doing this early in the treatment process ensures you know what to expect. It also ensures you plan for it well. Here are some of the reasons you should agree to wear retainers after teeth aligners:

To Prevent Orthodontic Relapse

After wearing braces or aligners for several months, your teeth are already accustomed to the external pressure, which helps them shift into their rightful positions. Once you remove the braces. There is likely to be a relapse, whereby the teeth naturally drift back to their previous positions. This results in spaced-out, crowded, or misaligned teeth, just like before treatment. Retainers hold your teeth in their new positions until the change becomes permanent.

To Stabilize Your Teeth and Bones

A change in the position of natural teeth is a significant shift. However, the change does not become permanent until your teeth and jawbone stabilize in their new positions. Retainers hold the teeth in their correct position as the gums and jawbone stabilize and strengthen around the roots.

To Ensure That The Treatment is a Success

Remember that orthodontic treatment is expensive. You could pay between $3,000 and $7,000 for metal braces. Clear aligners are even more expensive, going for over $8000. You will likely experience a severe loss if your treatment failed after removing braces or aligners. Retainers ensure this does not happen. They hold the teeth in place until the treatment is successful. This protects you from having to undergo the same treatment again.

For Lasting Treatment Results

Misaligned, crooked, or spaced teeth can severely affect your smile and confidence. They also affect your bite and the ability to maintain clean and healthy teeth and gums. When you choose to undergo orthodontic treatment, you aim for permanent results. This way, you can enjoy beautiful, clean, healthy, and functional teeth for life. You could lose all that if your treatment failed right after removing the aligners. However, you can prevent that from happening by wearing retainers.

For Additional Benefits

Retainers do a lot more than hold your teeth in position after braces or aligners. They protect your teeth from damage as you drop some harmful habits like jaw clenching or teeth grinding. If you habitually do this, your dentist will recommend stopping the habit once you start orthodontic treatment. If you are still fighting the habit after orthodontic treatment, retainers can help. You will not be able to clench or grind your teeth with aligners comfortably. Wearing them for up to six months will help you overcome the habit and maintain healthy teeth.

Types of Retainers

Once you agree to wear retainers after orthodontic treatment, your dentist will explain the different types available. They will help you choose the most suitable type for your needs. The common types of retainers are as follows:

Removable Retainers

These are customized devices used to maintain proper teeth alignment after orthodontic treatment. They are comfortable, hygienic, and highly convenient because they are removable. Dentists recommend wearing retainers for most of the day for 4 to 6 months, and removing them only when eating or brushing your teeth. If the routine is followed carefully, you will enjoy a permanent change in your teeth’s appearance after the treatment period.

Here are some of the advantages you get from removable retainers:

1. You Can Enjoy Superior Oral Hygiene

You can maintain excellent oral hygiene because you can remove the retainers during meals and when brushing and flossing your teeth. Removing them when eating prevents foods and other debris from getting stuck in the retainers, which could encourage the growth of harmful bacteria. Removing them when brushing and flossing makes it easier for you to clean all tooth surfaces. This protects your teeth from plaque buildup and the harmful bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.

2. Removable Retainers Do not Affect Your Teeth’s Beauty

Removable aligners are generally made from a transparent plastic material, which does not change your teeth’s appearance. After orthodontic treatment, you will likely want to enjoy seeing and showing off your beautiful smile. This will be possible with the invisible retainers.

3. They are Highly Comfortable and Convenient

After wearing metal braces or clear aligners for years, you want an additional treatment that will be comfortable. Removable aligners offer that and more. Remember that they are made of plastic, with no metal wires that could accidentally poke your cheeks or tongue.

Additionally, you can remove the retainers and wear them back with ease. You can do this when eating, brushing your teeth, or even during special occasions. Your dentist will show you how to do this carefully, to avoid damaging them.

4. Removable Retainers are Protective and Versatile

Your retainers can also serve as a gentle nightguard if you habitually grind your teeth or clench your jaws. This is a harmful habit that could damage your teeth or cause severe conditions like TMJ disorders. With the nightguard in place, you can gradually break the habit for healthy teeth and overall good health.

If your teeth are stained, you can use the retainers as trays when whitening your teeth from home. Your dentist can guide you through the process to ensure that, after treatment, your teeth are correctly aligned and beautiful, as they should be.

However, there are disadvantages you should also consider when choosing the best retainers for your needs and budget. Some of the disadvantages include the following:

• You must follow the treatment protocol to ensure the retainers work effectively and maintain your teeth in their rightful positions. If you remove them for prolonged periods, you may not enjoy excellent results after orthodontic treatment. Wearing them for the prescribed hours per day prevents orthodontic relapse.
• Also, you can easily damage or lose your retainers. Remember that they are made of plastic, which can break or become damaged if not handled properly. You can also misplace them. When this happens, you must pay an additional cost to replace them for continued treatment.
• Removable retainers are also prone to wear and tear from frequent handling during removal and reinsertion. The plastic can stretch or crack, requiring immediate replacement.
• The change from braces or aligners to retainers may affect your speech and other teeth functionalities. It may take time before you get used to the change.

A set of removable retainers costs from $150 to $800, depending on whether they are Hawley (acrylic) or clear plastic retainers. If properly cared for, they can remain undamaged for up to 20 years.

Fixed or Permanent Retainers

These are permanently fixed to your teeth after braces or aligners to maintain the permanent changes in your teeth after orthodontic treatment. Dentists use metal wires, which are bonded behind the teeth, providing invisible and no-effort retention around the clock. This protects you from orthodontic relapse. Permanent retainers are highly effective because they work on your teeth 24/7, unlike removable retainers.

Here are some of their advantages:

• You Wear Them Constantly

One of the most significant benefits of permanent retainers is that they stay on your teeth day and night. You do not need to adhere to a specific treatment schedule, as they are non-removable. This makes them ideal for people who want a stress-free treatment that does not include following a particular schedule.

• They Are Discreet

Although dentists use wires for this treatment, the retainers are generally invisible. Remember that they are fixed behind your teeth, which makes them invisible when you smile or speak. A discreet treatment makes it easy for you to socialize and enjoy life without worrying about your smile’s appearance.

• Minimal Damage or Loss

When compared to removable retainers, permanent ones are not prone to damage or loss. They remain intact for a very long time, helping you keep your teeth aligned after orthodontic treatment. Thus, you will least likely incur additional costs after treatment to repair or replace the retainers.

• They Are Durable

Wire retainers are stronger and more durable than plastic ones. They can last for years with proper care. This makes them more cost-effective in the long run.

• They are Comfortable

After fixing the wires behind your teeth, the dentist will adjust them for comfort. Then, you can speak, bite, and chew easily with minimal interruptions.

However, there are disadvantages to consider, too, for effective decision-making. The disadvantages of wearing permanent retainers include the following:

• Permanent retainers make it challenging to maintain good oral hygiene habits. They trap foods and beverages, encouraging the growth of harmful bacteria. They are also challenging to navigate during regular brushing and flossing. This puts you at a greater risk of cavities and gum disease.
• The wires are also prone to breaking, mainly if you apply more pressure while eating or brushing. You can break, bend, or detach your retainers. You need to make an immediate visit to your dentist when this happens, which comes at an additional cost.
• Since permanent retainers are only fixed on one side of the tooth, they offer limited coverage. They also cover the first six front teeth, leaving your other teeth without support. You are still at risk of orthodontic relapse if you choose permanent retainers.
• If your retainers break or the glue that holds them together fails, you will experience irritation or poking of the soft tissues inside your mouth. This can be very uncomfortable and may affect how you speak or eat.
• Also, permanent retainers may come with some dietary restrictions to prevent damage. Your dentist will warn you to avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard foods to prevent damage to the wires or adhesive. This may limit your food choices, especially if you prefer certain types.

Caring for Retainers

After placing retainers on your teeth, your dentist will give you instructions on how to care for them at home. This prevents damage and helps you maintain healthy, strong, and beautifully aligned teeth.

Here are some of the instructions you will receive for cleaning and maintaining your retainers and teeth:

• You must continue brushing and flossing your teeth daily to remove stuck food and prevent plaque buildup. Dentists recommend brushing twice daily and flossing to remove food particles that can get stuck between your teeth.

If you have removable retainers, you should remove them for easy access to your teeth when brushing and flossing. Clean the retainers with a mild antibacterial soap or dish soap before wearing them again.

If you have permanent retainers, brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse well with a fluoride-based mouthwash or warm salty water to remove all food and debris from your teeth, especially around the retainers.

Visit your dentist regularly for dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning. This will remove any buildup and bacteria that could be difficult to remove with regular brushing and flossing, especially around the retainers.

• Do not use hot water on your retainers, especially the removable ones. This is because hot water can damage them, resulting in additional cost for a replacement or repair.
• Once in a while, deep-clean your removable retainers to remove any buildup that could lead to bacterial attack on your teeth. Your dentist will recommend soaking the retainers in a cleaning solution, such as a denture cleaner or Retainer Brite, for about 20 minutes. If you do not have this, you can make a cleaning solution of white vinegar and water. This removes bacteria and odor from your retainers.

Be careful not to soak them in mouthwash or any other alcohol-based solution, as this can weaken or stain the material.

Instructions for Handling and Storing Retainers

If you have removable retainers, your dentist will give you further instructions on handling and storing them. They include the following:

• Ensure you have a protective case for storing your retainers after removal. Put the retainers in that case, even when removing them for just a few minutes. This protects them from damage and loss. Your dentist can give you one or help you obtain one for that purpose.
• Avoid using napkins on our removable plastic retainers. Do not wrap them in a tissue or napkin after removing them. This is the easier way to lose your retainers. Someone might mistakenly throw the napkin away without realizing you had your retainers in it.
• Keep your retainers away from pets, specifically dogs. [ets are usually attracted to the smell of saliva and can chew your retainers, causing severe damage.
• Carefully remove and place your retainers back using your hands. Do not bite them into place, as this can break them. Also, do not do this while in a rush to avoid damaging them.

If you break or damage your retainers, contact your dentist immediately. They will ensure you have a new set immediately after the damage so that you can continue treatment. Remember that staying for prolonged periods without the retainers may result in orthodontic relapse.

If your retainers feel loose or fit snugly, replace them immediately. Note that retainers must fit well to hold your teeth in their proper positions. If they become loose over time, which is possible with removable retainers, replace them immediately before your teeth shift.

Common Issues with Retainers

You may experience issues with the retainer that you should address immediately. Some of the common problems include the following:

Hurting or Tight Retainers

Remember that retainers are customized for a perfect fit. Thus, they should not be too tight or too loose. They should also not hurt your teeth or gums. If they do, talk to your dentist. If you have removable retainers, first consider whether you are wearing them as instructed. If you have permanent retainers, and they feel tight, revisit your dentist to have them adjusted.

Your Retainers Change Color

A change in the color of your retainer may indicate that you are not cleaning it properly. Bacterial buildup on your retainers will affect their appearance, and so will calcium buildup from your saliva. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and regularly soaking and cleaning your retainers will eliminate this issue.

Smelly Retainers

You could notice a foul smell from your retainers due to the accumulation of harmful oral bacteria. Again, this can happen if you are not maintaining good oral hygiene. Make it a habit to brush and floss your teeth daily to eliminate this problem. Also, clean your retainers before wearing them back to remove buildup.

Find Competent Orthodontic Services Near Me

After undergoing orthodontic treatment in Encino, your dentist may recommend wearing retainers. This can be for a period of 4 to 6 months, until your teeth’s position becomes permanent. This helps ensure effective orthodontic treatment. However, you need all the information regarding retainers to make an informed decision.

Our experienced orthodontists at The Encino Dentist can help you through this process. We will first explain the importance and the types of retainers before helping you choose the ideal type for your needs and budget. We will also offer regular dental checkups to ensure your orthodontic treatment is successful. Call us at 818-650-0429 to discuss your needs and our services further.