Retainers: Care Following Orthodontics

When braces are removed, the “retention” phase begins.  The objective of this phase is to ensure the teeth do not regress back to their previous positions.  A retainer will be used to maintain the improved position of the teeth.  A retainer is a removable dental appliance which has been custom-made by the orthodontist to fit the teeth. 

Retainers are worn for varying amounts of time, depending on the type of orthodontic treatment and the age of the patient.  Perseverance and commitment are required to make this final stage of treatment successful.  If the retainer is not worn as directed, treatment can fail or take much longer than anticipated. 

What types of retainer are available?

There are a variety of retainers available, each one geared towards treating a different kind of dental problem.  The orthodontist will make a retainer recommendation depending on the nature of the original diagnosis and the orthodontic treatment plan.

The following are some of the most common types of retainers:

• Hawley retainer – The Hawley retainer consists of a metal wire on an acrylic arch.  The metal wire may be periodically adjusted by the orthodontist to ensure the teeth stay in the desired position.  The acrylic arch is designed to fit comfortably on the lingual walls or palate of the mouth.
• Clear plastic – Clear plastic trays are created to fit over the arch in its entirety.  Plastic retainers do not affect the aesthetic appearance of the smile in the same way as the Hawley retainer.  The disadvantage of a clear plastic retainer is that they break more easily than other types of retainers.
• Fixed retainers – A fixed retainer is a wire that is attached to the tongue side of the front teeth.  Usually, a fixed retainer is used in cases where there has been either rapid or substantial movement of the teeth.  It usually consists of a single wire.  The disadvantage of a fixed retainer is that they tend to trap food and plaque more easily and can be difficult to keep clean.  Therefore, our doctors use removable retention (Hawley, clear retainers) more frequently.  

What do I need to consider when using a retainer?

There are a few basic things to consider for proper use and maintenance of your retainer.

Don’t lose the appliance – Removable retainers are easy to lose.  It is advisable to place your retainer in the case it came in while eating, drinking, and brushing.  Leaving a retainer folded in a napkin at a restaurant or in a public restroom can be very costly if lost because a replacement must be created.  A brightly colored case serves as a great reminder.

Don’t drink while wearing a retainer – It is tempting to drink while wearing a retainer because of the unobtrusive nature of the device.  However, excess liquid trapped under the trays can vastly intensify acid exposure to teeth, increasing the probability of tooth decay.

Don’t eat while wearing a retainer – It can be difficult and awkward to eat while wearing a removable retainer and it can also damage the device.  Food can get trapped around a retainer wire leading to potential decay and causing bad breath. 

Clean the retainer properly – Removable retainers can become breeding grounds for calculus and bacteria.  It is essential to clean the inside and outside thoroughly as often as possible with a toothbrush and toothpaste. 

Wear the retainer as directed – This phase of treatment is critical. The hard work has been done; the braces are off, and now it is tempting not to wear the retainer as often as the orthodontist recommends.  Retainers are needed to give the muscles, tissues, and bones time to stabilize the teeth in their new alignment. Failure to wear the retainer as directed can have regrettable consequences, such as teeth returning to their original position, added expense, and lost time.

If you have any questions or concerns about retainers, please contact our office.