The Truth About Orthodontic Retainers

When the end of your orthodontic treatment finally arrives, the last, and most important step is wearing your retainer(s). Without them your teeth are unfortunately guaranteed to move!

There are many different types of retainers used in orthodontics, but they all have one purpose of keeping your teeth straight for a lifetime. Some retainers are removable and are usually used for the upper teeth. The two main types of removable retainers are either clear (like an Invisalign tray) or colorful acrylic with wire. The clear type of retainer is most common today as it is the more esthetic option, but it also protects your teeth from grinding damage at night, which is why we prefer them as well. They can be made in various thickness if grinding wear is already evident. If needed, both the clear and traditional types of retainers can be adjusted to make slight movements to your teeth, so any relapse or minor orthodontic treatment can be corrected with just a retainer! But remember, these retainers are removable and only work if worn as prescribed by the orthodontist.

In addition to the removable retainers, “permanent retainers” fixed to the teeth can be used. They are attached to the back of the front teeth so they cannot be seen when you smile. The advantage to having a fixed retainer is that it keeps the teeth straight as long as it is attached to the teeth and takes compliance out of patient’s hands. However, proper care must be taken to keep plaque from accumulating around this type of retainer. Flossing can be more difficult around a fixed retainer, which is the biggest drawback. However, with a little effort and help of your dental hygienist, keeping them clean is simple and the benefit of not having to worry about forgetting or losing your retainer outweighs the extra time it takes to clean them.

Once you are finished with treatment and in the retainer phase, it is important to keep wearing your retainer for as long as you want your teeth to stay straight. That’s right, you must keep wearing your retainer forever, so your teeth don’t shift. Retainers are lost at lunch, chewed up by pets, accidently thrown away by the housekeepers, and they often do not make it to college. It is very important to contact us as soon as your retainer is lost or broken so your teeth don’t have time to shift in the meantime. Our team is always here for you if you need a new retainer made. We will also continue to see you for retainer check appointments for a year after your orthodontic treatment is completed. This makes sure you have no problems with your retainers and your teeth will continue to be straight for many years to come!

Dr. Lindhorst, Dr. Darsey, Dr. Theriot, Dr. Gavri and the Heights Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Team