Orthodontic Retainers: Helping to Keep Your Teeth Straight

What Are They?

Retainers are a custom-made appliance which is used after a patient has finished their teeth straightening treatment. Once your teeth have moved into the desired position, it’s crucial to use retainers as a follow-up to ensure your teeth do not revert to their original positioning. Retainers are also frequently used to treat minor orthodontic issues, as they are not very invasive and almost invisible.

 

Depending on your teeth your dentists could suggest a removable retainer, a retainer that is bonded to the back of your teeth, or even a combination of both. As all of our teeth are unique, some patients may start with one type of retainer, and depending on how their teeth respond to it over time, they could be advised to switch to a different retainer down the line.

 

After your teeth straightening treatment has finished, most patients will be advised to wear their retainer continuously throughout the day for the first six months, to ensure their teeth do not relapse or start moving again. After that, the retainer will still need to be worn regularly.

 

Is It Important to Wear A Retainer?

Yes! After your teeth have undergone their straightening treatment, they are still malleable and can often settle in different positions. Therefore, if you want the best effects from your treatment, you must wear your retainer all day for the first 6 months. This will give your teeth the time they need to remain in place and more permanently settle.

 

It’s important to note that your teeth can still shift back into their old positioning over time, which is why it’s still important that you wear your retainers frequently after the 6 months. Though our teeth may have settled, the surrounding bone, gums and facial muscles will need to adapt to the new positioning and this will take time. Many adults who had orthodontic work when they were children do find that their teeth have shifted, particularly if a retainer was not used throughout the years.

 

Types of Retainers

 

When meeting with your orthodontist, they are likely to prescribe 1 of 3 types of retainers, depending on your unique situation.

 

Essix Retainers are removable retainers that fit comfortably over your teeth and are clear and almost invisible. They are a very common option as they have no wires and do not get in the way of your everyday life. Essix retainers are also inexpensive, easy to wear and are very low maintenance, needing little to no upkeep other than regular brushing.

 

Lingual Retainers are a type of fixed retainer that uses a metal wire which is bonded directly onto the back of the patient’s teeth. For many people, having a more permanent, bonded retainer eliminates the risk of them forgetting to wear their retainer in the first place. It’s important to note that the bonding material used does sometimes break down, most commonly when biting down on hard food.

 

Patients with this type of retainer will need to be more mindful when eating, and you may need to see your orthodontist if the retainers do break.

 

Hawley Retainers are also removable but are a bit of a combination of both Lingual and Essix retainers. Hawley retainers are made from orthodontic wires which are attached to an acrylic base. This retainer holds the teeth in position by using the acrylic base to sit behind the teeth, which then enables the retaining wires to fit across the front teeth.

 

Caring for My Retainer

Caring for your retainer is simple! Hawley and Essix retainers will need to be cleaned whenever you remove them from your mouth. They will simply need to be brushed and rinsed. Lingual braces are a little bit trickier, as you have to use specific brushes that can get all of the debris and food in between the wires and bonding.

 

You will also likely need to spend a little more time when you brush your teeth, to ensure your retainers are clean. Your orthodontist will be able to tell you which brushes to get, but they are pretty easy to find in most shops nowadays.

 

How Can Specialist Orthodontist Harley Street Help?

At Specialist Orthodontist Harley Street, we want to give you your desired smile. Whether you are looking for orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth or you need to replace or repair your retainers, we can help. With over 30 years of experience, our specialist team can provide the highest quality of care, giving you your desired results and a beaming smile. To learn more about the services we offer, have a look at our website or contact us today to book your free consultation.