Retainers are the last phase of treatment with braces and are very important to maintain a beautiful smile.
At the completion of the active phase of treatment you begin the period we call retention. To retain means to hold. In the case of your teeth, they must be retained or held in their new positions until the tissue, meaning the bone, the elastic membrane surrounding the root, the gingiva or gums, and the tongue and lips have adapted themselves to the new tooth positions.
If we did not make an effort to retain the teeth following orthodontic movement, they would tend to move.
The length of time the teeth must be retained, of course, varies with each individual. The average patient must be retained for about eighteen months to two years, some indefinitely. Often the latter part of the retention period. Will require retainer wear at night, only while sleeping.
Types of Retainers Available
Usually the upper retainer will consist of a plastic shell that fits against the back of the teeth and a wire rim that fits around the front of the teeth.
The lower retainer is often what we term a fixed retainer and is a thin wire that fits behind the lower anterior teeth. This is then bonded (attached) to the back (lingual) surface of these teeth. The advantage of this type of retainer is that not only is it not visible but it is also easy to wear and unobstructive to the patient. This type of retainer also has the advantage that it is in place full time and can not be lost.
View a full list of retainer color choices. (pdf)
Proper Care for Retainers
It is not only important to wear your retainers but to also wear them properly, take good care of them and to keep them clean. The rules for your retainers are very easy.
- Wear your retainers all day and all night. Take them out only when you eat and when you brush your teeth.
- Keep your retainers clean. When you brush your teeth, brush your retainers. Use only toothpaste and water. You can freshen them by soaking them in mouthwash for a few minutes. DO NOT use any kind of denture cleaner.
- Never leave your retainers in a place that may get hot (in a car, the dryer, boiling water) etc. The heat will cause your retainers to change shape.
- The last rule sounds funny, but is very true. Pets love to eat retainers and that can be a very expensive treat, so be careful.
For those of you who have fixed retainers, please remember to thread your floss below the contact of the teeth (under the wire) to keep your teeth clean. Remember also since the fixed retainer is bonded to the back of the teeth (like your braces were), you should keep the same precautions as far as eating habits etc., to keep the lingual retainer from coming loose. If for any reason it does come loose, contact the office as soon as possible to have it repaired.
Also a friendly reminder that your first 10 months of retention visits are included at no extra charge. After this time, there will be a minor fee for retention visits. After the braces are removed is a good time to visit the dentist for a cleaning and exam.