Orthodontic Retainers | WHAT ARE THEY? (3 Facts For Mom)

Orthodontic retainers are an essential part of your orthodontic experience. They will keep your new smile in good shape for however long they are needed. Which in most cases is for life.

But what are retainers exactly? How will they affect your life? Are they uncomfortable? These questions have all crossed the minds of those undergoing orthodontic treatment.

In this post, we’ll take you through what types of orthodontic retainers you can have and what they do for your smile when your ortho treatment is complete. Let’s get a groove on.

What is an Orthodontic Retainer Exactly?

Retention is a key part of your orthodontic journey. They will retain the teeth in the position desired by your orthodontist and of course yourself. Braces are amazing devices. Tiny, clever, and above all helpful. They gradually move teeth, rotate teeth, and align jaws.

They do so much for such small things. However, after they come off, your teeth will naturally move back to the misaligned position they were in before the treatment. Retainers come in different styles, which we will cover below.

What Types of Retainers are There?

Permanent (Bonded) Retainers

Of the different kinds of orthodontic retainers out there, bonded retainers are a popular choice for orthodontists and patients. This type of retainer will be created and fitted by your ortho. The first step will be shaping a wire to your teeth. Then your ortho will glue it with oral super glue to the back of the front teeth.

Upside

This type is normally found on the bottom teeth. This placing means you won’t need to remember to place it in your mouth. And you won’t lose them when they are not in your mouth.

Downside

Bonded retainers make it difficult to clean and floss your teeth. You will need to practice flossing techniques and use mirrors to ensure you have removed all the left-over foods and stuff.

Life Expectancy

This kind of retainer generally lasts up to five years. The glue holding the retainer must be of good quality and used correctly by the ortho or expert team. If not, the glue will start to disintegrate, and the lifespan will be reduced.

Hawley Retainers

This is the type you may know. The Hawley orthodontic retainer is a one-piece of acrylic that fits snuggly into the roof of the mouth. A wire fitted to the retainer will keep the front 6 teeth in their place. Sometimes, form-fitted plastic will be used over the wire to allow for a snugger finish.

Upside

A very robust retainer. Does not come with pain. Mild discomfort at most.

Downside

Removable so can be lost and or damaged. As this is a common issue, your ortho will supply a carry case to keep them in so the risk of loss and damage is minimal. Always remember not to use a napkin to temporarily store them while eating.

Life Expectancy

The Hawley retainer lasts for a minimum of 5 years. In some cases, 10. It depends on how the wearer treats the device.

Essix Retainers

This type of retainer is popular with youngsters. It looks exactly like the Invisalign aligner you may have worn. If you are not familiar, then imagine a sports mouthguard a boxer or football player might wear to protect the teeth. But in clear plastic.

Upside

Because it is clear plastic , it is more difficult to see. Thus, less obtrusive than a retainer with a fitted metal piece.

Downside

The downside is the fragility of the plastic. Over time they will break or crack. This just is called wear and tear. Also, things like hot water may warp the shape. The retainer must be kept clean, or it will discolor and look nasty. Place in the mouth gently or you risk breaking them.

Life Expectancy

This type of retainer lasts up to three years. However, It can begin to wear out after six months. Keep an eye on the quality grade of the plastic and notify your ortho if you notice quality issues.

Your Retainer Life

It is important to ensure you have the most effective orthodontic retainers for your needs. They are expensive and need care. Your orthodontist and the office team will ensure you know retainer care and how to fit them in the case of removability.

Compliance with retainers is also another point of contention. If you fail to adhere to a time scale or routine, then your teeth will move back, and your time and money will be wasted.

In some cases, retainers will need wearing day and night for the first 6 months and then only at night for life.

In Conclusion

You want your teeth to look amazing for as long as you live. Orthodontic retainers will ensure that happens. They do not need to be feared or worried about as you have read above, there are retainers that are invisible, meaning the only person who knows you’re wearing them is you. Dr. Panucci and all at Beach Braces have the experience and dedication to give you and your child the best possible service.

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FAQ

What is an orthodontic retainer and why do I need one?

An orthodontic retainer is a device you wear after braces to hold your teeth in their new, corrected positions. Without a retainer, your teeth will naturally start moving back toward their old, misaligned positions. Retainers are an essential part of your orthodontic journey and in many cases are needed for life to keep your smile looking its best.

What types of orthodontic retainers are there?

The main types of orthodontic retainers described here are permanent (bonded) retainers, Hawley retainers, and Essix retainers. Permanent retainers are wires glued behind the front teeth. Hawley retainers are acrylic pieces that fit against the roof of the mouth with a wire across the front teeth. Essix retainers are clear plastic trays that look similar to Invisalign aligners or a clear sports mouthguard.

Are retainers uncomfortable to wear?

Retainers should not be painful, but some types can cause mild discomfort at first. Hawley retainers are described as robust and not painful, with only mild discomfort. Essix retainers and bonded retainers may also feel unfamiliar at first, but they are designed to fit your teeth and most people adjust quickly as they get used to wearing them.

How long do different retainers typically last?

Bonded retainers generally last up to about five years, as long as the glue is good quality and applied correctly. Hawley retainers usually last at least five years and sometimes up to ten years, depending on how well they are cared for. Essix retainers can last up to three years, but they may start to wear out or show problems as early as six months, so you should watch for cracks, warping, or changes in the plastic.

How should I care for my retainer and wear it properly?

You need to follow the routine your orthodontist gives you, because poor compliance can let your teeth move back and waste your time and money. Some retainers must be worn day and night for the first six months, then at night only for life. Removable retainers should be stored in their case, not wrapped in a napkin, to avoid loss or damage. All retainers need careful cleaning, and Essix retainers in particular should be kept away from hot water and handled gently so they do not crack, warp, or discolor.

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Orthodontic Retainers | WHAT ARE THEY? (3 Facts For Mom)