Braces and clear aligners can create your beautiful smile, but a retainer can maintain it for life
Braces and clear aligner treatments help create straighter teeth and correct dental issues; however, teeth shift all through our life. Which means that once orthodontic treatment concludes, if no follow up maintenance is carried out, your teeth may return to their original positions.
This is why at Straight Orthodontics we recommend all patients should follow up their treatment with a retainer, because we know if your teeth return to their original positions, you won’t be smiling.
The important of a retainer
In simple, retainers work by maintaining and keeping the healthy new positions of the teeth.
It is crucial for all patients to understand that teeth take time to adapt to their new positioning once braces or aligner treatment is finished. Which is why our orthodontist will provide you with all the guidelines on how exactly you should wear your retainer.
We understand that sometimes it’s hard to get into a habit of wearing your retainer, especially since patients are always so happy to finally have their braces removed, but it’s important to keep the amazing results for years to come.
Permanent and removable retainers!
Our orthodontist will talk you through the retainer options as they come in permanent and removable options, and which is the most appropriate for you, as it can vary per patient.
Permanent Retainer
This permanent lingual retainer involves a wire being glued to the inner side of the lower teeth to prevent shifting. This is great for stopping the teeth from shifting and it’s completely discreet and not visible while smiling, eating or laughing.
As with any orthodontic appliance, it’s important to maintain great oral hygiene by regularly cleaning. Make sure to carefully clean the inner side of your teeth, as well as the wire.
If your wire ever breaks, please do not try fixing it yourself, instead contact us immediately.
Removable Retainer
Two main types we offer at Straight Orthodontics, include the Hawley retainer and Essix retainer. These retainers are removable and should be taken out for eating, cleaning and while playing sport to prevent damage or injury.
Hawley Retainers: The most common type of retainer and the best part is, it’s removable. This retainer is custom-made and designed to keep your teeth in their new positions and is made from acrylic material and metal wires. The orthodontist will take impressions and scans of your teeth to ensure that the retainer perfectly fits to the roof of your mouth.
There is also a bit of personal customisation available for patients, like colours and patterns!
Essix Retainers: This retainer is made from plastic which fits over the entire arch of your teeth, meaning there are no wires. Essix retainers are durable, inexpensive and easy to wear. They are perfect for aesthetics as they are virtually invisible, just like clear aligners are!
We suggest wearing your retainer fulltime for at least two years post treatment, however we support wearing retainers forever overnight, as it helps keep that beautiful straight smile!
If you would like more information on retainer treatment, or have any issues regarding your retainers, please contact our team at Straight Orthodontics here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after getting a permanent retainer?
To keep your teeth and permanent retainer healthy, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing, staying away from hard and sticky foods, attending all follow-up appointments with your orthodontist, wearing a mouthguard when playing sports, notifying your orthodontist if any problems arise.
Can you eat anything with a permanent retainer?
To ensure the longevity and functionality of a permanent retainer, it’s advisable to steer clear of hard and sticky foods, chew carefully, cut up any hard foods, maintain a regular oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing, and attend routine orthodontic appointments to ensure the retainer is working effectively.
How long do you have to wear fixed retainers after braces?
The length of time a person needs to wear fixed retainers after braces is determined by their specific orthodontic needs and the advice of their orthodontist. Typically, they are worn for a minimum of one year, but some may require longer wear. Factors such as the initial severity of the orthodontic issue, the type of braces used, and the patient’s age are considered by the orthodontist to determine the appropriate duration of wear.