Your orthodontic journey doesn’t end when you get your braces off or finish your clear aligner therapy. One of the most important things you can do to keep your new straight smile is to wear retainers for your teeth. Many of our patients at Specialty Smiles have spent a lot of time and money on orthodontic treatment, only to see their teeth slowly go back to where they were before because they didn’t wear their retainers properly.
Patients can better understand how important retainers are for their long-term oral health if they know how they work. After orthodontic treatment, your teeth want to go back to where they were before. It will take time for the bone and tissue around your teeth to settle into their new places. These supporting components can’t effectively adapt to keep your improved tooth alignment without regular use of a retainer.
We have several retainer options to fit the needs and wants of individual patients. Clear removable retainers look great and keep your teeth in place at the same time. These clear devices fit snugly over your teeth and are almost invisible while you wear them. Many patients like clear retainers because they look a lot like the last steps of their orthodontic treatment, so the transition is more comfortable and familiar.
Wire retainers are still a reliable, tried-and-true way to take care of your teeth. The metal wires in these appliances are held in place by acrylic bases that are custom fit to your mouth. Wire retainers may look more obvious than clear ones, but they are often more durable and can last for years of regular use if taken care of properly.
Patients who have trouble following through or are at high risk of relapsing can use fixed retainers to keep their teeth in place permanently. These small wires stick directly to the back of your teeth, keeping them in place all the time without having to take them out and put them back in every day. But to keep plaque from building up around the bonded areas, you need to have good oral hygiene and get professional cleanings regularly. Taking care of your retainer properly ensures it works well and lasts longer. We recommend cleaning removable retainers daily with warm water and mild soap. Don’t use hot water as it can warp or damage the material. When you’re not wearing your retainers, keep them in their cases. This keeps them safe from pets and accidental disposal, and also from getting lost.
The timeframe for retention is different for each patient depending on their age, complexity of treatment and biological characteristics. Younger patients need to keep their teeth and bones longer since they keep growing until they are in their twenties. Adults need to keep their teeth for the rest of their lives since natural aging can cause teeth to move over time, even if they have had braces before.
People in North Miami want to know when they can get new ones. In general, removable retainers need to be replaced every one to three years, depending on how much they wear down and the material breaks. We can check the fit and function of your retainer during regular dental visits and recommend replacements when needed to keep the retention of your teeth.