How Do I Care For My Retainer?

Retainers are an important part of orthodontic treatment. You should expect to wear your retainers for years, if not for the rest of your life. They hold your newly straightened teeth in their new position, keeping them from slipping back into their old place in your mouth.

If you used clear aligners for your orthodontic treatment, they usually come with one set of removable retainers. If not, your orthodontist will make a set for you using impressions they take of your mouth.

Maintenance of Removable Retainers

A removable hawley retainer can be made using and acrylic and wire system. The acrylic acts as the base to hold a wire across the front of your anterior (front) teeth. The acrylic part of an upper hawley retainer sits on the roof of your mouth and on the lower, sits under your tongue against the jawbone. Clear retainers are a little different as they cover your entire arch, not just the anterior teeth. They also fit over the whole tooth, including the occlusal (biting) surface of the posterior, or back, teeth.

When cleaning your removable retainers, you can use a denture-cleaning tablet or an antibacterial mouth wash. It is not good to use regular toothpaste because the abrasive ingredient can dull the surface of the acrylic and allow bacteria to stick. Depending on the type, removable retainers will probably need to be replaced every 2 to 10 years.

Maintenance of Fixed Retainers

A fixed retainer can also be referred to as a permanent retainer. It is permanently cemented to the back of your anterior and can only be removed by your dentist or orthodontist. While the actual wire is not hard to clean, making sure you are getting your dental floss between your retained teeth is incredibly important. Tartar and plaque can build up around the wires and cause decay and gum recession. You can get floss threaders that are designed with this sort of dental appliance in mind.

Seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly can help you keep build-up at bay and ensure that your fixed retainer is in good shape and is not coming loose or irritating your tongue. Your hygienist will be able to clear away any plaque that you cannot see or get to so you may consider adding an extra visit each year instead of the standard twice per year. With proper care, a fixed retainer can stay in place and last a lifetime.

Orthodontic treatment is not a cheap route so to keep your investment in tip-top shape, it is important to comply with your orthodontist’s retainer recommendations and instructions. Your straight, healthy smile can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. If you find that you have moved away from your orthodontist or they have retired and need a new retainer, your dentist can make a new one for you.

More About Retainers : What are Retainers?