So, you’ve been wearing braces or aligners for a few years, your teeth are finally straight, and it’s time to ditch the dental hardware! Great news, right? Not so fast, we’re sorry to say. If you want to maintain that brand new straightened smile, you definitely need a dental retainer.

Did you know that even after the end of your orthodontic treatment, your teeth can still shift positions? Because of this, it’s important to use a retainer once your aligner treatment or removal of braces is complete. Dental retainers are designed to hold your teeth in place after years of wearing braces or aligners. Some are permanent, while others are removable. The purpose of dental retainers is to ensure that your alignment remains steady and stable for years to come without having to go through another round of expensive and uncomfortable orthodontic treatment.

What Is A Dental Retainer?

A dental retainer is custom-made to fit your post-orthodontia smile. There are two main types of dental retainers: removable and fixed. Removable retainers can be taken out and cleaned easily, but a permanent retainer is meant to stay in place permanently.

Removable retainers are made of wires or acrylic. Your orthodontist may recommend wearing it for a certain amount of time each day. Permanent retainers are usually bonded to your teeth so that they will not be visible to others. Clear retainers are often more comfortable, but they are not as durable as wire retainers.

When you wear a removable retainer, you will need to brush and floss your teeth regularly. This is because bacteria can build up on them quite easily. A removable retainer will make it easier to keep the teeth clean. However, if your retainer is made of plastic, your lower teeth will bite on it, making it less secure and causing damage to your teeth. In these cases, a permanent retainer may be the better choice.

I’ve Heard About A Hawley Retainer – What’s That?

A Hawley dental retainer does not straighten teeth. Its purpose is to help a person keep their teeth from shifting. They can be purchased in different colors and designs. They are less noticeable than colored braces or vacuum-formed retainers. However, you should make sure to clean them every day to avoid gum disease, bad breath, and trapped food debris.

This type of retainer is used after orthodontic treatment to ensure the teeth stay in place. Without this dental appliance, teeth can shift back and cause overbites or overcrowding. A Hawley retainer can be worn at night and has the advantage of being comfortable and does not affect the bite. A Hawley retainer should be worn for at least a few months. It is recommended that you wear it most of the day, but you should check with your orthodontist to make sure it’s still working.

What are the Benefits of Removable Retainers?

A removable dental retainer is a thin, transparent plastic sheet that fits over the teeth and tightly holds them in place. It’s ideal for adults, as it can help keep the teeth in place for many years following orthodontic treatment. These retainers should be worn both during the day and at night to maintain the perfect smile. They’re comfortable to wear and nearly invisible

These dental retainers can correct problems that may arise from tooth misalignment. They can correct a gummy smile, stop a lisp, and stabilise the jaw. However, removable retainers may not be a great choice for individuals who have difficulty speaking.

To clean your removable dental retainer, you should remove it from your mouth and then brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush or toothpaste. Make sure to scrub the wires and crevices thoroughly. Alternatively, you can soak it in a denture cleaner.

How Can We Help?

The last thing we want is to see patients returning several years after we remove their orthodontia, back with skew teeth, and needing another set of braces. The best way to avoid this is by wearing your retainer as recommended by your orthodontist. Depending on the severity of your misalignment and the possibility of your teeth shifting back into their pre-orthodontia positions, it may be suggested that you wear your retainer for several months, years, or even forever. However long you have your retainer, we’ll be here to provide expert advice and guidance.

To find out more about our orthodontic services, please see here.

To make a booking, please call 03 9585 8000 or get in touch here.