After you have straightened your teeth using braces, you are going to need to wear a retainer. Retention is a critical part of any orthodontics treatment because this is the tool we use to hold your teeth in place. Consider how far your teeth have come from the position they started at, to where they are after wearing braces. Naturally, some teeth will try to revert back to their original position, and this is where a retainer comes in. Wearing one, it will hold your teeth in their final position even after we remove the braces.
It is common for our patients to ask questions about their retainer and how to care for it.
The amount of time you will need to wear a retainer depends on your teeth. We typically recommend wearing a retainer 24/7 and taking it out only to eat and brush teeth for the first several months to a year. We will give you specific instructions when taking your braces off since this is different for everyone. Afterward, you will need to wear your retainer at night only for at least the next year. Again, we will provide you with specific instructions based on your teeth.
If you are wearing your retainer every night, you also need to rinse or brush it every morning. Saliva from your mouth will build up on your retainer, and this can lead to smells and stains. Using your normal toothbrush and toothpaste should suffice. However, if it begins to appear stained or you really want to get a good clean, you can buy ultrasonic cleaners and immersion tubs. These are frequently used by people who wear dentures or retainers to achieve a greater level of clean than what you would experience by brushing alone.
After wearing braces, many people are used to the idea of having something bonded in place. Permanent retainers are secured to the back of the teeth using a wire and dental cement. While they are convenient, they also pose a certain health risk. It is incredibly difficult to clean the area around a permanent retainer and in order to floss, you have to use a special dental tool. Anyone that does not keep up with this extra step may experience gum disease later on. For this reason, you should carefully discuss this solution before deciding that you want to try it.
Your teeth could be moving out of their position naturally or because of a tongue thrust. When you go to put your retainer back in, it may no longer fit appropriately, causing you pain and discomfort. While this can be natural, it could also be a sign of a problem. We recommend that you visit our McKinney office so we can examine you and determine if any adjustments need to be made to your retainer.
Most patients know they should visit their family dentist every six months for a checkup. It is not recommended to skip these biannual checkups, even if you have great oral health. Dentists provide not only restorative treatments to correct oral health conditions but also preventive treatments to help patients avoid those conditions in the first…
Your family dentist can apply dental sealants as an effective way to protect the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth. The sealants are in liquid form but harden when in contact with saliva. This preventive treatment can help protect your child’s teeth from bacteria and food particles. Here are the details on when your family…
Choosing a family dentist versus a general dentist is an important decision that impacts the long-term oral health, convenience, and the overall comfort of every household member. While both types of dental professionals undergo rigorous training and provide restorative services, there are key differences. Selecting the appropriate practice requires an understanding of how family dentists…
A smile makeover can do more than fix a few cosmetic concerns. It can bring all the elements of your smile together so everything looks more balanced, natural, and cohesive. When one feature feels out of place, a personalized treatment plan can help create a smile where each tooth fits with the rest, allowing you…
