Saskatoon – Stephenson Orthodontics
After you or your child gets your braces off, the end reveal is one of life’s special moments. Perfectly straight teeth creating a beautiful, confident smile!
However, once the braces phase of your treatment ends, your orthodontist will give you a parting gift – a retainer. By wearing a retainer, you’ll maintain your straight teeth and your amazing smile.
Types of Retainers
There are three types of retainers that orthodontists prescribe after braces have been removed. They are all designed to keep your teeth from moving and to settle them permanently in their new place, as well as help accelerate alignment and stabilize your bite.
Bonded retainer
A bonded retainer is attached to your teeth after your braces are removed to keep them in place after treatment.
With a bonded retainer, you don’t have to keep track of it or remember to put it in after eating or brushing. It is bonded to your teeth in an unobtrusive spot – usually the back of your teeth.
Hawley retainer
Hawley retainers, also called wire retainers, are removable and can be taken out for cleaning and eating meals.
Having a removable retainer doesn’t mean it is any less important for you to wear it and follow your orthodontist’s instructions.
Clear plastic retainer
Clear plastic retainers are designed to mold to and fit the new position of your teeth perfectly.
Clear plastic retainers have become popular in recent years because they are virtually invisible and more likely to be worn. This retainer isn’t the same as Invisalign (which is used to straighten teeth), it is used to prevent them from moving out of position and is often only worn at night while sleeping.
Caring for Your Retainer
Because you must wear your retainer exactly as your orthodontist prescribes, the AAO has some retainer maintenance suggestions. Keeping your retainer in good shape will help it do its job – keep your teeth straight and in alignment.
For removable retainers:
- Put your retainer in its case when it’s not in your mouth. And always keep your retainer case with you or in the same spot everyday.
- Keep your retainer away from heat (which can distort it) and pets (who can destroy it ;).
- Follow your orthodontist’s prescribed cleaning method, which might involve brushing your retainer or soaking it in a denture-cleaning product.
- Drink only water when you wear your retainer, as other beverages can get caught between the retainer and your teeth, leading to decay.
Why It’s Important to Wear Your Retainer as Instructed
Throughout your life, your teeth move.
Just because your orthodontic treatment is finished doesn’t mean that your teeth are going to stay in place.
If you don’t wear your retainer according to your orthodontist’s instructions, your teeth will tend to shift back into their old placement and you may even need orthodontic intervention again within 10 years (or even sooner).
As well, if you try to skip wearing your retainer for a couple of weeks or months, your teeth may shift, and your retainer may not fit your teeth properly anymore.
So wear your retainer as instructed to maintain your healthy, beautiful new smile!
For a free consult, reach our office at 306-653-3955 or book an appointment below.
Stephenson Orthodontics
301 The Tower at Midtown
201 1st Ave South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 1J5
