Once you’ve gotten your braces off, it can be tempting to think that you no longer need to visit the orthodontist or use oral appliances anymore. Unfortunately, that’s not quite the case. There is still information you need to know regarding the care of your teeth after having your braces removed, particularly as it relates to your retainer.
What is a Retainer?
Retainers are custom-made orthodontic appliances that are molded to the shape of a person’s mouth. These can be made of plastic or wire, and are typically used following the removal of a person’s braces.
Why Do I Need a Retainer?
After you get your braces removed, you’re not quite out of the woods yet. Left on their own, your teeth may shift and go back to their previous misalignment over time. Your retainer is made to “retain” the straightness of your teeth to prevent this misalignment from returning.
If you don’t make sure to apply your retainer according to your orthodontist’s instructions, you may find that you have wasted valuable time and money when your teeth return to their original, crooked position.
What are the Different Types of Retainers?
There are several different types of retainers. The kind you get will depend on the treatment you received and what your orthodontist recommends.
Clear
These types of retainers are invisible, making them the most popular. They use a replica of the person’s teeth.
Hawley
These are molded to the mouth and made of wire and plastic. These are removable and easy to clean.
Permanent
These types are attached to a person’s mouth, cannot be removed and can sometimes be uncomfortable.
Can Retainers Straighten Teeth?
Generally speaking, retainers do not straighten teeth. That is the job of braces or aligners. Retainers work by keeping the teeth aligned after you get your braces removed. In most cases, retainers cannot do the work that braces can.
In a few cases, your orthodontist may use a fixed retainer to adjust slightly crooked or crowded teeth. For the most part, however, retainers are used to keep the teeth from falling out of alignment after the braces or aligners have done their job.
Unfortunately, if you try to straighten your teeth with a retainer, you will likely experience discomfort at best. At worst, you could cause severe damage to your teeth.
You also can’t just use someone else’s retainer. Your retainer is custom made for your mouth, and cannot be adjusted. This is another reason why it’s not a wise idea to use a retainer to straighten your teeth. The retainer has to fit your teeth perfectly to make any sort of difference.
How Do I Take Care of My Retainer?
You should take care of your retainer by brushing it with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste after each meal. After each use, rinse your retainer with cold water. Be sure to avoid hot water, or else you might warp the retainer. Also, carry a storage case around with you that you can keep your retainer in.
If you damage or lose your retainer you can make an appointment with your orthodontist to get it replaced.
How Long Do I Have to Wear My Retainer?
Wearing a retainer after getting your braces removed will vary depending on the amount of treatment and your orthodontist’s instructions. In some cases, a retainer will need to be permanent, but after a while, the orthodontist may have you switch to a removable retainer. At first, a removable retainer may need to be worn at all times for 4-6 months. After this period, the retainer may only need to be worn during sleep. The orthodontist will let you know how long you need to wear your retainer, which may be for a year or longer.
