Retainers
After braces or Invisalign® treatment, you’ll start wearing your custom retainer to lock in your results for life.
What does a retainer do?
Your retainer plays the key role of holding your teeth in their new positions to prevent them from ‘relapsing’. When your braces are removed, or you take your clear aligners out for the last time, your teeth are susceptible to ‘orthodontic relapse’ (reverting back to their original, pre-treatment positions.)
How long will I wear a retainer after braces or clear aligners?
It’s best to wear your retainer every night, indefinitely! ‘Night time for a lifetime’, as we say.
This is how you’ll maintain the best results, because teeth have a tendency to shift throughout life. Wearing your retainer each night will prevent that from happening.
Retainer cost
Your initial set of retainers will be included in your treatment cost!
However, in the event that you lose or break your retainer, there will be a replacement fee. If you lose or damage your retainer, please let us know immediately. We want you to have a new retainer as soon as possible to prevent your teeth from shifting out of place and jeopardizing your hard work.
Types of retainers
Removable retainers
Removable retainers are made of transparent plastic, similar to clear aligners. They’re custom-designed to fit your teeth and can be taken out every morning, after wearing them at night.
Fixed retainers
or permanent retainers, are bonded (glued) to your teeth and cannot be removed without your orthodontist. These retainers include a small metal wire, custom-designed to fit behind the teeth. They’re generally bonded to the back surface of the bottom teeth, but can also be used behind the top teeth depending on your case.
Retainer Do’s and Don’ts
Do
- Do put your retainer in your retainer case every time you remove it from your mouth.
- Do clean your retainer every time you brush your teeth. You can use a mild dish soap and an extra soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your retainer.
- Do clean your retainer case regularly. You want your clean retainer to be placed back in a clean carrying case every time. You can use a mild soap and lukewarm water to wash your retainer case daily, or at least a few times a week.
- Do soak your retainer in a retainer cleaning solution (like RetainerBrite) to disinfect your retainer a few times a week.
- Do clean your retainer before and after placing it in the mouth. Because the material used for fabrication is slightly porous, plaque tends to cling to the surfaces. Be sure to rinse the retainers thoroughly after cleaning to remove any cleanser or soap residue.
Do-not
- Do not expose your retainers to heat! Your retainer can melt or warp and become ineffective, so it’s important that you do not put them in the dishwasher, use hot water on them, or leave them in your car.
- Do not leave your retainer around your pets. You don’t want to find out how much they love chewing retainers!
Smile beautifully
And have a good time along the way!
We are your hometown Statesboro orthodontist, providing custom braces and Invisalign® for the whole family. Get started however you prefer – in person, or from home with a virtual consultation.
