A teeth retainer is a custom-made device you wear in your mouth over your teeth. It helps keep your teeth in their new, correct position after braces. Even after braces made your teeth straight, they aren’t completely firm in their new position. This doesn’t happen until the gums, bones and muscles get used to the change. Everyday habits like chewing and grinding apply forces to your teeth and can move them. Shifting teeth can also lead to malocclusion. This is when your upper and lower teeth don’t align with your mouth closed.
Your braces kept your teeth in a straight position for a long time. Once the braces come off, nothing is keeping your teeth from moving back to their previous position. Wearing a retainer helps keep your teeth in the correct place, so they don’t move. Think of it this way: Braces straighten your teeth, but your retainer keeps them that way. They help your teeth “retain” their position.
The two main types of retainers are:
Fixed retainers that stay in your mouth.
Removable retainers that you take out.
Many dental providers use a combination of fixed and permanent retainers to keep teeth straight. You could have both types at the same time. The purpose of all types of retainers is to make your alignment last for years.
Fixed retainers (also called permanent retainers) stay on your teeth with a glue-like bonding agent. You can’t remove this type of retainer yourself. These are often used on the front, lower or upper teeth to keep them from coming apart or shifting over time.
Removable retainers can go in and out of your mouth. Traditional (Hawley) retainers have a piece of wire attached to plastic (or acrylic). Clear retainers (Essix) are also plastic but don’t have any wires. Both are custom-made to fit your teeth.
The process for making the retainer for your teeth depends on which type you get.
For fixed retainers:
Your dental provider uses a metal wire to measure the correct placement on your teeth.
They use glue to set the wire in place.
This intricate process takes longer than creating an impression for a removable retainer. But you leave the dental office with your retainer in place. You don’t have to wait for a laboratory to create the retainer.
For removable retainers:
Your provider can take a dental impression of your teeth using dental putty, a soft material similar to play dough. Many dental offices now use digital impressions, where your dental provider simply uses a handheld wand to capture images of your teeth and gums. Then, a computer software program stitches those images together, creating a three-dimensional model of your mouth.
For traditional impressions, they put the putty in trays, then insert the trays over your teeth. This imprints your unique bite and teeth layout into the putty. It takes one or two minutes to take an impression of your mouth.
A dental laboratory uses the mold or digital model to create a plastic (or acrylic) teeth retainer. You typically wait a week or more before getting the retainer.
It’s normal for teeth to move over time. If you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth will shift and move. They can become crooked, crowded or misaligned. Or you can develop an overbite. That’s why most dental providers prescribe the use of a teeth retainer after braces come off.
When you get your retainer after your braces come off, it shouldn’t hurt. The fit should be snug yet comfortable over your teeth.
You could feel discomfort if:
You forget to wear your retainer for a short time, then start wearing it again.
You haven’t worn your retainer in a long time and try to wear it.
Your retainer breaks or cracks.
If you do feel pain, it’s probably from your retainer nudging your teeth into the correct alignment. If you wear your retainer as directed by your dental provider, and it’s in good condition, you shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort.
Prevent your retainer from getting damaged or lost so it’ll last a long time. You can keep it in great condition by cleaning it at least once a day.
Take your retainer out of your mouth when you eat.
When you’re not wearing the retainer, put it back in its case.
Don’t chew gum while wearing your retainer.
Never put the retainer in your pocket or purse unless it’s in the case.
Avoid wrapping your retainer in a napkin, which can make it easy to accidentally throw away.
Keep your retainer away from pets who might chew it.
Don’t leave your retainer in a hot place, like a car or stovetop, where it can melt.
Always brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before putting your retainer back in.
These guidelines can help keep your retainer clean:
Brush your removable retainer regularly with antibacterial soap and water. (Some toothpastes are too abrasive and may harm your retainer.)
Rinse your retainer with warm water after brushing and flossing.
You may be able to use an effervescent cleanser for some types of retainers. Ask your dental provider for more information about cleaning your retainer.
If your retainer turns yellow, gently scrub it with water, baking soda and a soft toothbrush.
For a fixed retainer, practice good oral hygiene and floss around it.
Talk to your dental provider about care instructions specific to your retainer. They can show you how to clean it.
Your dental provider will likely recommend you wear the retainer day and night (full-time) for at least four to six months. After that, you’ll need to wear the teeth retainer at night (part-time) for the rest of your life.
The typical price for a removable retainer is anywhere between $100 and $500. Clear retainers tend to cost more. Some insurance carriers provide partial coverage for orthodontic treatment, while others don’t. Check with your insurance provider for the specifics of what your policy covers.
Retainers don’t straighten teeth like braces do. Teeth retainers can’t apply the constant, steady force needed to move teeth into their correct positions. If you forgot to wear your retainer for a few weeks and your teeth have shifted, wearing it may help nudge your teeth back into their correct position. You’ll probably feel some discomfort as the retainer slowly pushes your teeth back into alignment. This usually only works for subtle, short-term changes.
Braces give you straight teeth, but a retainer makes them last. You put a lot of time, energy and money into achieving that perfect smile through braces and you can keep it for years by following your dental provider’s recommendations for a teeth retainer. Retainers are an essential part of the teeth straightening process. If your retainer is too snug or no longer fits, your teeth have probably shifted. Your dental provider can adjust it or make a new retainer.
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Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board