All About Retainers

After years of painstaking effort to improve your smile and dental health, you'll need to take steps to keep it looking great. One of these involves using a custom-made orthodontic device known as a retainer. Here are a few things you'll need to know about this important tool.

What Are Retainers and Why Are They Important?

These devices are typically made from plastic or thin metal wires and may be placed over or behind your teeth depending on your individual needs. Once your braces are removed, it's important to ensure that your progress is maintained. Teeth shift naturally throughout the course of your life, and they can also shift back to their old positioning after your braces are gone. This is where a retainer comes in. Retainers stabilizes your teeth in their new positions, which will prevent you from having to get braces again later on.

How Much Does it Have to Be Worn?

It's usually recommended that you wear your retainer during the afternoon and throughout the night for a period of at least two months after your braces are removed. After this, you should wear it only at night indefinitely. While this may seem inconvenient at times, it's worth it. Your teeth will stay in their new, aligned positions, but only if you keep wearing your retainer as directed by your orthodontist. The other alternative is going through years of wearing braces again.

What Are The Different Kinds of Retainers?

There are a handful of different kinds of retainers both permanent and removable. There are benefits and disadvantages to all types, their general purpose however, is keeping your teeth properly aligned. Depending on your specific needs, your orthodontist may prescribe any one of these types of retainers.

Removable
One type of retainer is called the vacuum form, which looks similar to teeth whitening trays that are specially made to fit the unique shape and size of your teeth. These retainers are clear so they won't interfere with your natural smile. Another benefit of the vacuum form retainer is that they're comfortable and less intrusive than many others. However, because they can easily be worn down, vacuum form retainers may be poorly suited to people who grind their teeth during sleep.

One other removable type of retainer is called the Hawley retainer. This traditional retainer is made from a piece of plastic fitted to match the floor or roof of your mouth. A small, thin wire fits over your teeth to hold it in place. A Hawley retainer is easier to work with because it's sturdy and can be adjusted with greater ease. For instance, if one or two of your teeth were to slightly change position, your orthodontist may be able to adjust the wire to bring those teeth back into their desired alignment. Most other retainers don't allow for this. As a side note, Hawley retainers aren't as aesthetically pleasing as other options. Furthermore, some people may experience difficulty speaking and swallowing while wearing a Hawley retainer.

Permanent
The permanent option of retainers is known as the fixed lingual retainer. These devices are comprised of a thin wire that adheres to the back of your teeth with a special bonding agent. Orthodontists usually prescribe permanent retainers if your teeth were crowded, featured excessive spacing or were rotated prior to getting your braces. The best thing about this retainer is that they're permanent. This means you never need to think about it. You'll never have to worry about forgetting when to wear it or take it out. You'll also never lose it because it's safely secured in your mouth. The downside to this is that you still need to clean it, which is more tedious than with removable retainers. The back of your bottom front teeth are highly susceptible to plaque buildup. This can cause cavities and other issues if left unaddressed. If you're using a fixed retainer, you must take special care to thoroughly clean these areas each day according to your orthodontist's instructions.

That's not the only potential disadvantage of a permanent retainer. Permanent retainers are more likely to require emergency care than a removable retainer. For example, these fixed lingual retainers are vulnerable to breakage due to their delicate wires and the fact that they're in constant use. If your permanent retainer is damaged or broken, it's critical that you make an appointment to get it repaired as soon as possible. This is to prevent your teeth from reverting to their old position. While these retainers are permanent, they're not invincible. Many orthodontists will also prescribe a removable type retainer to accompany your permanent one as an emergency backup.

What is the Average Cost?
The cost of your retainer will depend on what type your orthodontist recommends. Clear removable retainers cost between $300 and $750 per year on average. For a removable Hawley retainer, expect to pay between $150 and $300 per arch. Permanent retainers run about $250 to $500 per arch, but this does not include replacements in the event that the retainer is broken.

What to Expect
Much like when you had your braces, you may feel pressure in your teeth and soreness in your mouth while you get used to the device. Also, if it's causing you pain or cutting into your gums, your orthodontist will need to adjust it.

You may also have some difficulty with speech and increased salivary production for several days after getting your retainer. It can help to speak more slowly until your grow accustomed to using your retainer.

Caring For Your Retainer
It's as essential to take care of your retainer as you would your teeth. Cleaning is easy for a removable retainer. Some people like to use denture cleaner or a solution of water and vinegar or water and baking soda. Afterwards, you can give it a gentle scrub with a soft toothbrush. It can also be beneficial to soak your retainer in an antibacterial mouthwash. This is to kill any germs that could cause oral health problems. For permanent retainers, keeping them clean only requires regular brushing. However you must still pay special attention to the teeth that the retainer adheres to. 

In all retainers are a vital part of straightening teeth. If you interested in getting a retainer, ask your dentist today if a retainer is right for you. That way you can have a happier and healthier smile.