An Orthodontic retainer for teeth is a custom-made tool that should be used after completing orthodontic treatment to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions. In other words, dental retainers help keep the teeth in their new, aligned positions.
After finishing treatment with braces or Invisalign, your teeth will be aligned, but the gums, bones, and muscles are still adjusting to the changes. Moreover, habits like grinding or even chewing can cause the teeth to shift back, leading to a return of malocclusion. That’s why orthodontists recommend a dental orthodontic retainer to avoid these complications.
Braces can straighten your teeth, and dental orthodontic retainers keep them in their aligned positions.
Who Fits an Orthodontic Retainer for Teeth?
Your orthodontist is the best person to fit your retainer and determine which type of retainer is suitable based on your specific dental condition.
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Different Types of Retainers
Overall, there are two main kinds of retainer:
Fixed retainers:
Fixed or permanent retainers are bonded to the back of your teeth using a glue-like agent for long-term use. This type can’t be removed and is often used on the front teeth (lower or upper) to prevent teeth from shifting back to their new positions.
Removable retainers:
These can be taken out for cleaning or while eating, providing flexibility while maintaining alignment. Traditional retainers—Hawley— have a piece of wire attached to acrylic or plastic, while clear retainers—Essix—don’t have any wire; they’re made entirely of plastic. Both Essix and Hawley retainers are custom-made to fit each patient’s mouth.
Many orthodontists use a combination of fixed and removable retainers to help teeth stay in their new, aligned positions. In other words, you might have both types at the same time, depending on your unique case.
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Procedure Details
How are mouth retainers fitted?
The process of fitting retainers depends on the dental retainer types you get.
For removable retainers:
- Your orthodontist takes a dental impression of your teeth and mouth using a soft material (dental putty) similar to playdough.
- Then, they place the putty in trays and insert the trays over your teeth to imprint your unique bite and teeth layout into the putty. The dental impression takes only one or two minutes.
- Using the mold, a dental laboratory creates a plastic or acrylic retainer. Your retainer will be ready in about a week or a bit longer.
At York Orthodontics, we use digital impressions. During the process, we simply use a handheld wand to capture images of your gums and teeth. Then, a computer software stitches the images together, creating a 3-dimensional model of your mouth.
For a permanent retainer:
- Your orthodontist uses a metal wire to determine the proper position of your teeth.
- Then, they secure the wire in place using orthodontic glue.
- Compared to dental impression, this process takes more time. However, you leave the dental office with your retainer already in place, so you don’t need to wait for a lab to make it.
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Risks and Benefits of Retainers for Teeth
Advantages of using a retainer after braces
You need to use a retainer after braces to ensure all the hard work you’ve done during orthodontic treatment is preserved. Once the braces are removed, your teeth are perfectly aligned. However, to ensure long-lasting results, you have to wear an orthodontic retainer for teeth.
What happens if I refuse to wear retainers?
After removing the braces, it’s normal for teeth to move back over time. If you refuse to wear a retainer, your teeth will likely shift back, leading to a return of the previous malocclusion. That’s why orthodontists prescribe dental retainers after completing treatment.
Do different types of retainers after braces cause pain?
No matter the orthodontic retainer types, when you get them, you shouldn’t feel pain. Though they snugly fit your teeth, they are generally comfortable and shouldn’t cause any discomfort.
If you experience pain, it’s likely because your retainer is gently shifting your teeth into proper alignment. As long as you follow your orthodontist’s instructions and your retainer is in good condition, you shouldn’t experience any pain or discomfort.
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Recovery and Outlook
How long will I have to wear dental retainers?
Your orthodontist is the one who recommends how long you should wear them. Typically, you’re expected to wear them day and night for at least 4 to 6 months. After that, you’ll likely be asked to wear an orthodontic retainer for teeth at night for the rest of your life.
Can mouth retainers shift teeth back?
If you stop wearing your retainers for months and then decide to wear them again, the retainer may help move your teeth back to their aligned positions. But don’t wait too long—the more your teeth shift, the harder it is to get the dental retainers to fit properly.
How do I take care of my dental orthodontic retainers?
To keep your retainer in good condition and make it last longer, avoid damaging or losing it. Clean it at least once a day to maintain its quality.
To avoid breaking or losing your retainer, follow these tips:
- Take your dental retainer out of your mouth when eating.
- Store it in its case when not wearing it.
- Don’t chew gum while wearing a retainer.
- Never put the retainer in your pocket or purse without the case.
- Don’t wrap it in a napkin, as it may get thrown away.
- Keep your retainer away from pets that might chew on it.
- Don’t leave it in hot places, like a car or stovetop.
- Brush and floss your teeth before putting the retainer back in.
Here are simple tips to keep your retainer clean:
- Clean your removable retainer with antibacterial soap and water. (Avoid toothpaste, as it may damage it.)
- Rinse your retainer with warm water after brushing and flossing.
- Some retainers can be cleaned with an effervescent cleaner. Ask your orthodontist for advice.
- If your retainer turns yellow, scrub it gently with water, baking soda, and a soft toothbrush.
- For a fixed retainer, keep up with good oral care and floss around it.
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When to Call Your Orthodontist?
What if my dental retainer breaks?
Cover with orthodontic wax if possible. Call the office and schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible.
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What if I lose my orthodontic retainer for teeth?
If you lose your retainer, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible to get a new one made. Don’t hesitate—the longer you go without a retainer, the more your teeth will shift back.
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FAQs
The cost of different kinds of retainers after braces varies depending on the type:
- Hawley Retainer (Removable, Wire & Acrylic) – $150 to $600
- Essix Retainer (Clear, Plastic, Removable) – $100 to $500
- Permanent (Bonded) Retainer – $250 to $600
Prices depend on the orthodontist, location, and whether replacements are needed. Some dental insurance plans may cover part of the cost.
No, retainers don’t work like braces to straighten teeth. They don’t put enough steady pressure to move teeth into the right place.
If you haven’t worn your retainer for a few weeks and your teeth have slightly shifted, wearing it again might help move them back. You may feel some discomfort as the retainer gently pushes your teeth into place. But this only works for small and recent changes.
If your retainer feels too tight or doesn’t fit anymore, it means your teeth have likely moved. You can’t fix the retainer yourself. Your orthodontist can either adjust it or make a new one for you.
Germs can build up on your retainer, just like in your mouth. The same bacteria that cause bad breath can make your retainer smell bad too. That’s why it’s important to clean it every day. If it starts to smell, wash it with soap, water, and a soft toothbrush. You can also ask your orthodontist if it’s okay to soak it in a special cleaner for retainers.
In dentistry, a retainer is a custom-made device that helps keep teeth in their new, straight positions after orthodontic treatment, like braces. Retainers prevent teeth from shifting back to their original places and are usually worn for a specific period as advised by an orthodontist. They come in two main types:
- Fixed retainers–A thin wire bonded to the back of the teeth for long-term support.
- Removable retainers–Clear plastic or wire-and-acrylic appliances that can be taken out for eating and cleaning.
Wearing a retainer is an important final step in orthodontic care to maintain a well-aligned smile.
A retainer helps keep your teeth in place after braces or other orthodontic treatments. Its main job is to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Without a retainer, teeth naturally tend to move over time.
Retainers work by holding teeth in their new alignment while the surrounding bones and tissues adjust to the changes. Depending on your orthodontist’s recommendation, you may need to wear a fixed retainer (bonded wire) or a removable retainer (clear plastic or wire-acrylic design).
A Note for York Orthodontics
Braces straighten your teeth, but a dental retainer keeps them that way. At York Orthodontics, we know how much effort and investment goes into achieving your perfect smile. That’s why wearing your retainer as recommended is key to maintaining your results for years to come. It’s a crucial step in your orthodontic journey!