When people come into our office, they often have a lot of questions about braces or clear aligners—but not necessarily about retainers. What’s interesting about this is that retainers are well worth discussing! Ventura County Orthodontics is going to give you a debrief, and let you know why retainers are necessary after braces.
What Does My Retainer Do?
Dr. Lee and Dr. Mullen want to start off by reminding you that your retainer is just as important as your braces, aligners, or other orthodontic appliances. You can think of it as a security measure for your restored smile, keeping your results permanent.
These are four main functions of your retainer:
- Prevents Relapse: Without proper stabilization, teeth are at risk of moving back toward their original positions—a process called relapse. Retainers prevent this by holding your teeth in place while the supporting anatomical structures adjust.
- Supports Bone Remodeling: When your teeth are moved during orthodontic treatment, your bones have to catch up and stabilize too. Bone remodeling is a gradual process, and retainers help give the bone the necessary time to rebuild and support your teeth’s new positions.
- Maintains Proper Bite Alignment: Retainers make sure that your bite—how your upper and lower teeth come together—stays properly aligned. A well-aligned bite prevents issues such as uneven wear on your teeth, jaw pain, or difficulty chewing.
- Addresses Lifelong Shifting: Factors like aging, grinding, and even pressure from chewing can all contribute to teeth shifting. Long-term retainer use helps prevent these unwanted movements.
Types of Retainers
In terms of choosing a type of retainer, we’ll take a lot of individual factors into consideration at Ventura County Orthodontics. Some types will suit one patient better than another—but they all work towards the same goal of stabilization.
- Hawley Retainers: These are technically the most “traditional” option, made of acrylic and metal wire. An acrylic plate sits against the roof of your mouth or along the interior of your lower teeth, while the metal wire holds your teeth in place.
- Considerations: Hawley retainers are adjustable, durable, and allow easy cleaning, making them a popular choice.
- Clear Plastic Retainers: These are kind of like a cousin of clear aligners! They look and operate in a very similar manner. They fit snugly over the teeth, so they aren’t very noticeable.
- Considerations: Clear plastic retainers are convenient, but they may need replacement more often as they are more susceptible to wear over time.
- Bonded Retainers: A lot of patients don’t realize that there’s a fixed option, too. Fixed retainers consist of a thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth. They provide continuous support and can be helpful for stabilizing certain teeth that might be more prone to shifting.
- Considerations: Since they remain in place, fixed retainers offer reliable, long-term stabilization without the need to remember daily wear. This can be great for patients who worry about keeping track of their retainer.
Sticking to the Script
Just like with braces or clear aligners, retainers come with specific guidelines to follow. If you have a removable retainer, it’s particularly important to follow these rules closely. Your success depends on your compliance, which takes a lot of commitment! Here are a few benefits to keep you motivated:
- Avoid Future Treatment: Wearing your retainer correctly helps guarantee you won’t be subject to future orthodontic treatment, and prevents other issues from developing over time.
- Health Benefits: Keeping your teeth nice and straight contributes to better oral health, making it much simpler to brush and floss effectively. This means you can fend off cavities and gum disease with ease.
- Better Speech Clarity: Well-aligned smiles also help out with clearer speech, which can be an asset for school or in a professional setting. It allows the tongue to move freely and articulate sounds more accurately.
Retainer FAQs
Q: What should I do if I lose or break my retainer?
You’ll want to contact us immediately if your retainer sustains damage, or if you lose it altogether. It’s important not to delay in letting us know for the sake of your teeth.
Q: Can I eat or drink while wearing my retainer?
No, it’s best to remove your retainer when eating or drinking anything other than water to avoid damage and bacteria buildup.
Q: How should I clean my retainer?
Clean your retainer daily with a soft toothbrush and gentle soap. Avoid hot water, as it can warp plastic retainers. For deeper cleaning, use retainer cleaning tablets or a vinegar solution once a week.
Staying in Line
Ventura County Orthodontics supports you during the full duration of your orthodontic treatment, which means the retention phase, too! We’re always here to answer any questions you have, so please reach out to our teams in Oxnard or Santa Paula if you need us!