It’s been months, and you’ve done so well – kept all your appointments, stayed away from the wrong foods, and diligently performed the recommended oral hygiene. Now, finally, it’s time for the braces to come off!
Then your orthodontist says, “Now it’s time for the retainer,” and you’re thinking, “What?! I’ve got to put something else in my mouth now?”
In reality, all that information was most likely covered during your initial consultation. Orthodontists don’t tend to ‘surprise’ their patients like that. But it’s a common question among brace-wearers – if the braces were supposed to straighten my teeth, why do I now have to wear a retainer?
Welcome to Retainers 101
What is a retainer? Retainers are customized oral devices made up of wires and plastic. Your retainer is custom-made to fit your mouth. It may be a removable retainer or a permanent retainer, sometimes called a bonded retainer.
Why do I need it? Retainers are used to help hold your teeth in position while your bones adjust to the new placement of your teeth. The last thing you want to happen is for your teeth to slip back into their previous position. Our bodies change constantly, and the retainer provides a bit of tension to make sure that gorgeous new smile stays put.
Does it hurt? Typically, retainers don’t hurt, as they’re designed to fit your new smile. You may notice a little tightness at first, but you’ll quickly become accustomed to the feel and the tightness will dissipate. If you skip even a day or two of wearing your retainer, your teeth will shift a bit and begin to undo the months you spent straightening them out.
Are all retainers the same? There are three types of retainers, Hawley and clear plastic retainers, both of which are removable, and permanent retainers, often called bonded retainers.
How long do I have to wear it? A lot depends on the type of retainer you have. Removable retainers are generally worn daily for 8-12 hours a day except when you’re eating and drinking or brushing and flossing your teeth. This may be required for 3-4 months. At that time, your orthodontist may allow you to wear your retainer only at night.
Fixed or bonded retainers are attached to the teeth from the back in order to maintain the position of the teeth following orthodontic treatment. Fixed retainers are more often used for patients with significant issues or for those who refuse to wear one of the removable retainers.
Do I have to clean it? Oh yes, this is very important. You absolutely must keep your retainer clean. Just like your teeth, it’s susceptible to bacteria and a buildup of tartar and plaque. Without proper cleaning, you may notice white spots (a calcium buildup from your saliva) or the retainer may develop an unpleasant odor, usually from a buildup of plaque. Your orthodontist will give you recommendations on the best method of cleaning your retainer.
Here’s the bottom line…
Retainers perform an important task after successful orthodontic treatment. When worn properly, they make sure everything stays in its new place. They aren’t painful like braces can be, and they don’t usually interfere with your activities or your day-to-day life.
It may take a day or two for your mouth to get accustomed to the retainer, and you may notice excess saliva and your speech may be impacted a bit. This is temporary. It may help to read aloud or practice talking while you’re looking in a mirror.
It’s best to embrace your retainer as a new part of your life. Incorporate the care and cleaning as part of your daily hygiene habits. While you may need to wear it more often at first, eventually you’ll wear it only at night. But if you want to keep that beautiful smile you worked so hard to get, you’ll need to wear your retainer at night for the rest of your life.
