The majority of patients who seek orthodontic treatment are required
to wear a retainer after they have their orthodontic device removed.
The length of time a patient must wear a retainer will depend on the
specific Douglassville Braces treatment plan they have followed
throughout the time their teeth were straightened. As a general rule,
a retainer for at least half the time you used an alignment device.
If you are a patient of Douglassville Orthodontics clinic, your
orthodontist will instruct you on how long you will need to wear your
retainer each day or night.
1 Types of Retainers
There are two standard retainer types available after Braces
treatment in Pottstown. The most commonly used form of retainer
provided is a removable retainer. These can be removed to eat, and at
times the dentist has authorized. It is important to wear it
regularly to keep your teeth from shifting out of alignment.
Typically, a removable retainer is worn for 1 calendar year, or
longer if you had braces for an extended period of time.
Another form of retainer that can be used is a fixed retainer. This
type of retainer as adhered to your back teeth using the same dental
cement as your braces were attached with. A fixed retainer may be
used for a period of several years, but this is only in circumstances
where a large number of teeth were moved and realigned.
2 What Retainers Are Made Of
Retainers are typically made of two types of material. The most
popular material used is acrylic. These retainers have an adjustable
wire, and the acrylic can be reshaped according to changes in your
mouth.
Another material used for retainers is clear plastic. These are
carefully molded to fit over your teeth. They are not very popular
with teens, but they are a common choice for adults.
3 Important Tips to Care for Your Retainer
To get the best results from your retainer, you should take the time
to properly care for it. There are 3 main tips that Orthodontist
center in Pottstown clinic recommends that you follow after
having braces for any period of time. .
Follow the Instructions Given by Your Orthodontist
The care instructions given may vary from one retainer to the next.
Every retainer is custom made to fit your care plan, so following the
instructions given to you completely is the best way to ensure the
life and effectiveness of your retainer.
Clean Your Retainer Often
Your retainer is pressed against your teeth all day. Because of this,
it becomes covered in plaque, leftover food pieces, and bacterial
build up. For your health, you should clean your retainer on a
regular basis.
You should take time to rinse your retainer thoroughly several times
throughout the day, especially right after eating. Your retainer
should also be disinfected once per week with baking soda mixed
inside water.
You should never clean your retainer with regular toothpaste. It
should never be boiled or placed in the dish washer. These actions
can cause permanent damage to your retainer.
Protect Your Retainer from Damage
Any time your retainer is not snapped in place, you should place it
inside of it’s protective case. Never allow anyone else to touch
your retainer because this could introduce foreign bacteria into your
mouth.
