Having your teeth aligned is an effective way to straighten your teeth and improve the overall functionality of your mouth. However, for many individuals, the process doesn’t end when braces or aligners are removed. In many cases, you may need some additional help to keep your teeth straight once the braces have been removed.
It’s at this point that your dental specialist may recommend using the retainers for teeth that are specifically designed to keep your teeth straight. What are retainers, and how will wearing them benefit your oral health? Keep reading as we answer these questions.
Dental Retainers Explained
In short, retainers have been developed to keep teeth in place after teeth straightening procedures. While the braces or aligners have done most of the hard work in getting your teeth straight, there’s still the risk of them shifting back to their previous, crooked positions.
Most dental practices will have three types of retainers on offer. These are listed as:
- Clear retainers: Sometimes also referred to as Essix retainers, these clear retainers are the preferred choice because their transparency makes it less noticeable that they are being worn. This option is made from clear plastic and is designed to fit snugly over your teeth, allowing you to maintain your smile and mouth function.
- Hawley retainers: This type of retainer is made from a sturdy, acrylic base which is combined with thinner metal wires to comfortably wrap around the front of your teeth. A huge plus here is that these retainers are adjustable, making them the perfect option for individuals who prefer a removable option. These options are usually recommended for anyone who only needs minimal adjustment after a minor dental procedure.
- Fixed retainers: With this version, thin custom-made wires are bonded to the back side of your teeth. Unlike Hawley retainers, these retainers don’t need to be removed for regular maintenance. These retainers are often recommended for patients who experience dental shifting. They provide the support that recently straightened teeth need to stay in place.
Retainers can be Crucial for Your Dental Health
Having your teeth straightened can be a time-consuming process, especially if your dental specialist has to perform the process in stages. The last thing you want is to have your teeth revert back to their former, crooked state once the braces or aligners come off. If your prosthodontist has recommended using retainers, here’s what you need to know.
1. Understand Retainer Purpose
Retainers are never a first line of treatment. They are added after you’ve had your teeth straightened by wearing braces or aligners. During the straightening process, the jawbone and gums require additional time to adjust to the new position.
Not adding a retainer often results in the teeth sliding back, commonly referred to as an orthodontic relapse. Opting for one of the retainer options will reduce the likelihood of this happening.
2. Knowing Why Your Teeth Move
When you first consider a teeth straightening procedure, you may think that a few months will be enough time to move your teeth into a new position. The reality is that your teeth are constantly under tremendous pressure from speaking, chewing, and sleeping positions. All of these factors can contribute to your teeth moving back to their crooked positions.
3. Wearing Time Frames Vary
There are no hard and fast rules for how long you will need to wear your retainers. The duration of using retainers will depend on your mouth’s unique requirements and the reason that made them necessary in the first place.
Despite this, there are a few general guidelines that give you an idea of what to expect:
- First 6 months: Most patients are required to wear retainers for at least 22 hours per day. During this period, retainers should only be removed for meals or to clean them.
- Next 6 months to 1 year: If your teeth are showing signs of settling into their new positions, your prosthodontist may recommend only wearing the retainer at night.
- First year and beyond: For many people, the recommendation at this point involves wearing the retainer a few nights a week. This can become a lifelong requirement to keep weak teeth from moving around.
4. Know What to Expect When Wearing Retainers
You may be wondering how your mouth will adjust to wearing retainers. The good news is that if you have successfully worn braces or aligners, then getting used to retainers will be a breeze.
Here’s an idea of what to expect:
- Minor discomfort or tightness in your mouth as the retainers settle over your teeth.
- Removable retainers can cause slight changes in the way your speech sounds.
- Daily cleaning must become part of your oral routine to keep your teeth functional and clean.
Final Thoughts
Retainers are a simple and effective way to sustain recently corrected teeth. Three available options make it simple to find an option that best suits your mouth and your dental needs. Maintaining your retainers and following your specialist’s recommendations will ensure that your teeth and your smile remain straight and healthy!
