Custom Orthodontic Retainers
Retainers After Braces
Orthodontic treatment is a significant step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile. With consistent care and responsibility, the benefits of your treatment can last a lifetime. Retainers play a vital role in maintaining the alignment of your teeth and ensuring your smile remains as stunning as the day your braces come off.
Habits and Conditions Requiring Stronger Retention
Some habits and conditions make wearing a retainer even more critical for long-term stability. These include:
- Mouth breathing
- Clenching or grinding of teeth (muscle hyperactivity)
- Tongue thrusting, low tongue posture, or abnormal tongue posture
- Playing reed musical instruments
- Lip sucking
- Chewing on pens or pencils
- Pre-treatment spacing between teeth
- Severely rotated teeth
If you experience any of these, extra vigilance in wearing your retainer is essential to preserve your smile. Together, we can ensure your results last a lifetime.
Routine Dental Care: Examinations and Cleanings
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is just as important after orthodontic treatment. Continue thorough brushing and flossing at home, and visit your dentist every six months—or more frequently if recommended—for cleanings and exams. Regular dental care complements retainer use, keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Types of Retainers
Removable Retainers
After your braces are removed, you’ll receive removable retainers to help stabilize the position of your teeth. The bone and soft tissues surrounding your teeth take several months to adjust, making consistent retainer wear critical during this period.
- Wear them full-time as prescribed by your Dr. Barton Soper during the initial stabilization phase.
- After stabilization, wear them nightly—indefinitely—to maintain your alignment.
Failing to wear your retainers as instructed may result in teeth shifting, potentially requiring re-treatment.
Fixed or Permanent Retainers (Bonded Wire)
Fixed retainers consist of a small wire bonded to the back of your teeth. They are designed to stay in place indefinitely and provide ongoing protection as your bite changes with age.
- Visit your dentist for regular six-month checkups to ensure the wire remains clean and intact.
- If your dentist finds that the wire is causing gum or bone issues, they may recommend removing it and replacing it with a removable retainer.
Orthodontic Retainer Care
Proper care for your retainers ensures they remain effective and last for years:
- Avoid Excessive Heat: Retainers are made from thermoplastic material sensitive to heat. Keep them away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards, or other areas where temperatures exceed 115°F.
- Store Safely: Always use a retainer case when they’re not in your mouth. Keep them out of reach of pets, as they may chew on them.
- Clean Regularly:
- Use a toothbrush and mild soap to scrub away plaque buildup gently.
- Soak retainers in a 50/50 vinegar and water mixture to loosen stubborn residue.
- Rinse thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth to remove cleaning residue.
Soreness and Discomfort
Mild soreness or discomfort when wearing your retainers is normal and usually temporary. If your retainers become loose, break, or cause persistent discomfort, contact our office immediately.
Replacement and Maintenance
Because retainers are worn for years, they may need periodic replacement. Your treatment contract includes one or two sets of retainers after braces removal. A replacement fee will apply if they are lost or damaged due to neglect.
A Smile Worth Protecting
Retainers are a small but essential part of your orthodontic journey. By wearing and caring for your retainers as directed, you can protect your investment and enjoy a confident, radiant smile for life.
If you have any questions about your retainers or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
