[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After months of braces or clear aligners, you can now look in the mirror and see your beautiful, straight, new smile! We want you to be proud of your new smile and all that you’ve done to achieve it. We also want to make sure you keep that amazing smile for years to come. That’s why as soon as the braces or clear aligners come off, your retainers go on.
Kanning Orthodontics includes retainers as part of your treatment costs, and we give them to you after your main treatment of wearing braces ends. That’s when your teeth are the most vulnerable to moving out of place, upsetting the months we’ve put in with you to get them straight. Retainers will keep your teeth in place and keep your beautiful smile![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3443″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Why Do I Need Retainers After Braces?
Your teeth have just spent months being moved by the gentle pressure of braces or clear aligners. You could say they’re used to moving now.
Removing your braces or clear aligners doesn’t mean your teeth instantly stop moving. They’re on a roll! They want to keep moving since they’re so good at it now!
Retainers put the brakes on that movement. Your retainers are custom-made to hold your teeth in place and keep them from moving any further. Your jaw has learned to break down and rebuild so your teeth can move.
By holding your teeth in place, it allows your jaw to fully harden again, so the teeth will stay in place better. This is why we insist on you wearing your retainers for at least 22 hours a day when you first get them.
The biggest risk your teeth will move out of place will be in the first few months after your braces or clear aligners are removed. If you find your retainer only fits halfway or doesn’t fit anymore, contact your orthodontist so we can make new molds of your teeth to keep from your teeth shifting anymore.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3756″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
What Are the Types of Retainers?
There are three main types of retainers. Two are removable, while the third is a permanent option that is bonded to the back of the teeth. Each have their pros and cons, but we’ll make sure you have the best option for YOU!
- Hawley Retainer: When you hear “retainers,” you probably think of this traditional type. A custom-molded acrylic mouthpiece holds wires that fit over your teeth to keep them in place. These wire retainers pop onto and off your teeth and can be removed for easy cleaning.
- Essix Retainers: This newer type of retainer is also called Vivera or clear retainer. Similar to clear aligners, they’re meant to keep your teeth in place. Like Hawley retainers, they are removable for easy cleaning.
- Fixed Retainers: These are just as they sound. A wire is bonded permanently to the back of your teeth so it can’t be seen easily. Because bonded retainers are not removable, tartar can build up easily around the retainer. The upside is, you won’t lose it!
Will I Feel Pain With Retainers After Braces?
Some patients wonder if they’ll have the same discomfort with retainers that they had when their braces were adjusted or their clear aligners were switched out. Because your retainers are keeping your teeth in place rather than moving them more, you probably won’t feel much discomfort, if any at all. There may still be adjustments you have to make.
Retainers sit in your mouth slightly differently than your braces or clear aligners. Because of this, you may have a slight lisp or more saliva in the first few days as your mouth gets used to the feel of your new retainers. It shouldn’t take long for you to get used to the change.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3283″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
How Do I Keep My Retainers Clean and Safe?
Once you get your retainers, you’ll want to take good care of them. They’re made to last you for years. When you first get your retainers, you’ll be wearing them at least 22 hours a day.
After some time, usually six months to a year, you’ll be able to drop down to about 8 hours a day. Most people sleep with their retainers in so they can have them off during the daytime.
You need to store your retainers properly when you’re not wearing them. Here are some tips on how to take care of your new retainers.
- Clean your retainer with a retainer cleanser tablet, which you can find at major retailers and pharmacists. You can use a mild, liquid dish or hand soap as long as it’s clear. Colored soaps can stain your retainers over time.
- Some people recommend using denture cleansers, but these may not be best for clear retainers. Some denture cleaners contain abrasives that will damage retainers over time and make them appear cloudy. If you use denture cleaners, make sure they’re extra gentle or abrasive-free.
- Brush and floss your permanent retainers; a floss threader or interproximal brush can be used to get around the retainer. Maintaining your own oral hygiene will help as well.
- Safe cleaning alternatives for cleaning your retainers include white distilled vinegar or baking soda diluted in lukewarm water. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly before putting them in your mouth.
- Use a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab for more thorough cleaning of your retainers. If you have food particles or plaque trapped, a cotton swab or a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove them. Don’t use toothpaste! Abrasive material in the toothpaste can make your retainers cloudy over time.
- Do not expose your retainer to excessive heat (dishwashers, very hot water, leaving it on a heater or in a hot car). High temperatures can make retainers warp.
- Always carry a retainer case so you can use it if you need to remove your retainers. Do not wrap your retainer in napkins or tissues; many retainers are accidentally lost or broken when improperly stored.
What If You Lose Your Retainer or Your Retainer Broke?
What happens if your retainer gets lost? Wondering what to do if your retainer breaks? Don’t worry! Kanning Orthodontics can repair or replace your lost retainer or broken retainer.
However, we do have a small fee to cover the cost of that replacement retainer, which is why we strongly encourage you to take good care of your retainers and don’t lose or damage them.
How long does it take to make a retainer? Not too long! Making sure we keep your teeth from shifting is important, so the turnaround time for a replacement retainer is short.
Getting Retainers in Kansas City, MO
Kanning Orthodontics treats patients in Kansas City, MO, and Liberty, MO, with clear braces or clear aligners. Once you’re done with orthodontic treatment, we’ll customize retainers to help you keep that beautiful smile. You can schedule an appointment with us to get more information on our braces, clear aligners, and retainers. Call your orthodontist, and let us show you how beautiful your smile can be and how you can keep that smile for a lifetime! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4254″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://consult.smiles.app/letsgo/1?ref=G86l8ORkW1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
