Wearing retainers after orthodontic treatment is essential to maintaining your beautiful, straight smile. By following the guidelines below, you can ensure the lasting benefits of your treatment for years to come.
Why Are Retainers Important?
Once your braces are removed, retainers stabilize the dental corrections while your bone and soft tissues adjust. This stabilization process can take several months. Consistently wearing your retainers as instructed helps prevent unwanted tooth movement, reducing the risk of needing further treatment.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
Removable Retainers
Designed for flexibility, removable retainers allow you to maintain your results while adapting to your lifestyle.
- Initial Wear: Wear your retainers as much as possible for the first year after your braces are removed.
- Long-Term Wear: Keep wearing your retainers at nighttime.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Contact us to check and replace retainers. Continue see your regular dentist for check-ups and 3rd molar assessment.
- Retainer Program: Make sure to sign up!
Hawley Retainer
Crafted from acrylic with metal support, it provides long-term use for nighttime wear.
Clear Retainer
Made of clear plastic and looks like a clear aligner, such as Invisalign.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
A bonded wire is attached to the back of your teeth to provide continuous support. It is designed to last indefinitely but must be monitored during your regular dental checkups. If hygiene becomes an issue, the wire may need to be removed and replaced with a removable retainer as prescribed.
How to Care for Your Retainers
To extend the life of your retainers and maintain your smile:
- Clean your retainer before and after use with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Occasionally, soak it in a denture-cleaning solution to remove plaque and tartar.
- Avoid heat damage by keeping retainers away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards, or other high-temperature areas.
- Store retainers properly in a retainer case when not in use, and keep them out of reach of pets.
If your retainer becomes loose or breaks, contact our office immediately for a repair or replacement.
Your Role in Long-Term Success
Retainers are a vital part of your orthodontic journey, helping preserve your smile for a lifetime. By wearing them consistently and caring for them properly, you can ensure that your beautiful results last. Dr. Flor Segovia and her team are here to support you every step of the way!
