Protect Your Newly Straightened Smile with Orthodontic Retainers
Perhaps misaligned teeth or an overbite made you seek orthodontic treatment at Dillard Dental Services. Now your clear aligners are off, and you have the smile you have always wanted. You would like to keep this smile forever—right? It’s possible with retainers in Nashville, Tennessee. Retainers prevent your teeth from returning to their old positions to maintain your beautiful smile.
What is a retainer?
Orthodontics with braces or aligners move your teeth into newly straightened positions. However, this move isn’t permanent. As you chew, grind, and talk, your teeth can gradually shift back into their old, misaligned positions, undoing all the years of hard work.
A retainer is the best solution for maintaining your newly aligned smile. Orthodontic treatment moves your teeth by reshaping the bone surrounding them. A retainer supports this bone remodeling process, giving it time to strengthen and hold the teeth in new positions. Without a retainer, you’ll need to start with orthodontic treatment all over again. Think of retainers as a way to protect your investment.
What are the different types of retainers?
Retainers come in different sizes and shapes to cater to various needs. After an evaluation, the dentist may recommend a removable or fixed retainer.
Here’s the difference:
- Removable retainers: These retainers are not permanently attached to your teeth. Like clear braces, they are made from transparent plastic and are removable when you want to eat, drink, or clean your teeth. These aligners are almost invisible, ensuring discreetness. Although removable, wear your retainer nearly full-time (20-22 hours daily) for 6-12 months. Afterward, you can switch to nighttime wear. You must use your retainer consistently for the rest of your life to avoid future orthodontic work.
- Fixed retainers: Permanent retainers consist of wires or metal bars bonded to the inner surfaces of your lower and upper teeth. These aligners are permanent and cannot be removed without the assistance of a dentist. Your dentist will recommend these aligners if there’s a high risk of teeth shifting back. These retainers are common for teenagers because they will likely forget to wear removable aligners.
Which retainer is best for you? Your dentist can help. We’ll consider your lifestyle, preferences, and oral health needs before recommending the retainer that suits your needs.
How do I care for my retainer?
Your retainer needs proper care to keep looking its best. The maintenance for your retainer depends on whether it’s fixed or removable.
Here are general tips on how to maintain your retainers.
- Brush and floss your teeth after meals and before reinserting your aligners.
- Don’t eat or drink anything except water with your removable aligners on.
- Clean your removable retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap solution. Rinse it in lukewarm water.
- Store your removable retainer in a case when not in use.
- Avoid chewy, hard, or crunchy foods that can break or get stuck between fixed retainers.
- Keep your retainer away from the reach of children and pets,
Ready to preserve your beautiful smile for life?
You have worked months or years to achieve that straight smile with orthodontic care. Don’t let your hard work go down the drain. Preserve your beautiful smile with a custom-made retainer from Dillard Dental Services—dial (615) 541-4722 to schedule an appointment.
