Types of Retainers
There are different types of retainers for different scenarios. Clear retainers are transparent and look like trays, similar in look and feel to clear aligners like Invisalign. These are removable and hold your teeth in their new places.
Traditional retainers are made from plastic or acrylic and wire. They go inside the top of your mouth to put pressure on your teeth and keep them in their new places.
Your orthodontist may also use a sublingual bonded retainer, which is where a wire gets fixed to the inside of your teeth to keep their shape and position.
How do I take care of my retainer?
In order to keep your teeth from shifting away from their new positions, it’s important to wear your retainer properly. And, because of the large amounts of time your retainer spends in your mouth, it should be kept clean with a managed routine. Here are a few standard guidelines for taking good care of a retainer.
- When not in use, your retainer should be kept in its case to avoid bacteria, dirt, or other foreign particles.
- The retainer and its case should both be regularly rinsed, brushed, and disinfected so you don’t trap bacteria and grime in your mouth.
- Hot water can deform softer plastics and damage retainers, so always use cold or room temperature water when cleaning your retainer.
The timeframes for retainer use vary. Typically, patients wear retainers every day for up to six months after their braces are removed. Sometimes, however, we recommend that our patients wear them for longer at night. How long you will need your retainer comes down to a number of factors, including how well and quickly your teeth and gums adjust following the treatment.
