An orthodontic retainer is a custom-made dental device designed to be worn in your mouth to maintain the corrected position of your teeth, particularly after the removal of braces.
What Do Retainers Do for Your Teeth?
Even after braces have aligned your teeth, they're not entirely stable in their new positions. This stability only develops as your gums, bones, and muscles adapt to the changes. Everyday activities like chewing and grinding can exert forces on your teeth, potentially causing them to shift. This shifting can lead to malocclusion, where your upper and lower teeth no longer align properly when your mouth is closed.
Braces have worked hard to straighten your teeth, but once they're removed, nothing is preventing your teeth from reverting to their previous positions. Wearing a retainer is the key to maintaining the desired alignment. Think of it this way: braces straighten your teeth, but retainers help your teeth "retain" their position.
Who Fits Orthodontic Retainers?
Orthodontic retainers are fitted by orthodontists. Orthodontists are specially trained dentists with expertise in aligning teeth correctly.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
There are two primary types of orthodontic retainers:
1. Fixed Retainers
These remain in your mouth permanently, secured with a bonding agent. They are commonly used for the front, lower, or upper teeth to prevent them from shifting over time.
Fitting Fixed Retainers
Your dental provider uses a metal wire to determine the correct placement on your teeth.
The wire is securely bonded in place using glue. This process takes longer, but you leave the dental office with the retainer already in position.
2. Removable Retainers
These can be taken in and out of your mouth. Traditional retainers consist of a wire attached to plastic or acrylic, while clear retainers are solely made of plastic, without wires. Both types are custom-made to fit your teeth.
Fitting Removable Retainers
Your dentist takes an impression of your teeth using dental putty, a soft material.
The putty is placed in trays, which are then inserted over your teeth to create an impression. A dental laboratory uses the mold to craft a plastic or acrylic retainer, which you usually receive within a week. Some dental offices use digital impressions, where a handheld wand captures images of your teeth and gums, creating a 3D model of your mouth.
Benefits of Retainers
Using a retainer ensures that the results achieved with braces are maintained over time, preserving your perfectly aligned teeth. It's the final step in the teeth straightening process, making your investment in braces truly pay off.
We have listed below some of the benefits of using retainers:
What Happens If You Don't Wear Your Retainer?
Over time, teeth can naturally shift. If you neglect to wear your retainer, your teeth may become crooked, crowded, or misaligned, or you could develop an overbite. Therefore, most dental providers recommend the use of a retainer following the removal of braces.
Do Retainers Cause Discomfort?
When you receive your retainer after braces, it should fit snugly yet comfortably. Discomfort may occur if you forget to wear your retainer for a while, then start wearing it again, or if your retainer is damaged. If you follow your dental provider's instructions and maintain your retainer, there should be no pain or discomfort.
Recovery and Long Term Use
Typically, your dental provider will recommend wearing the retainer full-time (day and night) for at least four to six months. Afterward, you'll transition to wearing it part-time, primarily at night, for the rest of your life.
Can Retainers Correct Shifting Teeth?
If you've stopped wearing your retainer and your teeth have shifted, resuming retainer use may help nudge your teeth back into alignment, but it's more effective for minor, short-term changes. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to achieve the desired alignment.
Caring for Your Retainer
To ensure your retainer lasts, follow these guidelines:
What Happens if I break or Lose my Retainer?
If your retainer breaks, seek professional assistance to repair it, as broken wires can irritate your gums or lips. If you lose your retainer, contact your dental provider to have a replacement made promptly to prevent further shifts in your teeth.
Cost of Orthodontic Retainers
The cost of a removable retainer typically falls in the range of R2,000 to R5,000, with clear retainers often being slightly more expensive. Some insurance plans may partially cover orthodontic treatment, so check your policy for coverage details.
Can Retainers Straighten Teeth?
No, retainers can't straighten teeth like braces. However, if you've forgotten to wear your retainer for a few weeks and your teeth have shifted slightly, wearing it again may help nudge them back into position. This might cause some discomfort as the retainer realigns your teeth, but it's most effective for minor adjustments.
My Retainer No Longer Fits - What Should I Do?
If your retainer is too tight or no longer fits, it's likely because your teeth have shifted. You can't adjust your current retainer to fit again; consult your dental provider to have it modified or replaced.
Why Does My Removable Retainer Smell?
Retainers can develop a foul smell due to the growth of bacteria, similar to oral hygiene issues. Regularly cleaning your retainer is essential. If it starts to smell, scrub it with soap, water, and a soft toothbrush. You can also inquire with your dental provider about specialized cleansers for retainers.