For kids and adults who have worn braces (which is most of us), it can be a long and arduous process from when braces are put on to the glorious day when they can be taken off to reveal a new smile. However, most people still need to wear a retainer after braces, to ensure that the hard work that went into their smile will not go to waste. 

Do You Always Have to Wear a Retainer After Braces?

As humans, it can be easier to grasp concepts and ideas that have a due date. This applies to orthodontic work as well: we thrill in the expectation that our braces will come off after so many months or that an expander has a due date. 

Wearing a retainer after braces, however, does not have a deadline. Once the braces come off, your retain becomes a permanent feature of your life if you want your teeth to remain in their new alignment. While the need to wear a retainer goes away, you may need to replace your retainer after a few years depending on how you take care of it. 

How Frequently Should You Wear Your Retainer?

The frequency with which you should wear your retainer after braces depends on two main factors: retainer type and how long you’ve had the appliance. The key is to follow your orthodontist’s specific instructions because he or she will know what is best for your teeth.

Retainer Type

There are three main types of retainer. Bonded or fixed retainers are permanent, so the question of when to wear it is a no-brainer—always as you can’t remove it. Bonded retainers still require regular care. 

Removable retainers usually fall into two categories: wire retainers, also called Hawley retainers, and molded retainers (clear plastic retainers). The majority of surveyed orthodontists prefer to prescribe removable retainers after other orthodontic treatment. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions on when to wear your removable retainer. Such instructions are likely to change depending on when you had your braces removed.

How Long You’ve Had Your Retainer

When you wear your retainer after braces also depends on how recently your braces were removed. It is common for the first three to six months for orthodontists to recommend full-time use (excluding mealtimes and cleanings). After that, wearing your retainer only at night is likely to be sufficient. Work with your orthodontist to determine the best personal treatment plan for you.

What Happens If You Neglect Your Retainer?

When it comes to wearing a retainer after braces, it can be tempting to let the habit lapse. However, the consequences of doing so can be dramatic. The alignment of your teeth is determined by the aging process and your genes, and orthodontic interventions like braces don’t change your genetic code. 

If you neglect to wear your retainer after braces, you run the risk of your teeth reverting to their original alignment. This relapsing process is known as mesial drift, and the only way to prevent it is to wear your retainer regularly for the rest of your life. Otherwise all your orthodontia will have been in vain.

How to Care for Your Retainer

In order to keep it in good condition, you must take regular care of your retainer. This boils down to following your orthodontist’s instructions about how to treat the appliance. You should clean your retainer regularly, either by brushing or by submersion in a denture-cleaning solution. Avoid high heat. 

When your retainer is not in your mouth, make sure it is in its case. Leaving it around leaves it open to mechanical and biological damage. Remember, you put that thing in your mouth. When you are wearing it, avoid eating or drinking anything other than water. Other beverages can stick between the appliance and your teeth or the roof of your mouth, fostering decay.

If you have a permanent retainer, ask your orthodontist how best to care for it. Suggestions will probably include the use of an interproximal toothbrush which makes removing plaque and tartar around bonded retainers easier.

Do You Need Orthodontic Services?

If you are in need of orthodontic services, you have come to the right place. We at Pobanz Orthodontics offer a variety of different orthodontic services from putting on braces to helping our clients find the perfect retainer. It is important to have access to a qualified and experienced orthodontist when it comes to taking care of your teeth or getting braces. That is why you should consider reaching out to us at Pobanz Orthodontics. For more information or to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out to us today.

Types Of Braces

For many people, the thought of braces conjures up eighth or ninth-grade days when their attempts to obtain a nice smile earned them titles such as “brace face” or “metal mouth.” However, this unfortunate side effect of braces is now becoming more and more obsolete as additional types of braces have emerged on the market and as more people have turned to orthodontics to improve their smiles. Continue reading to learn more about what types of braces are available to you.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces, synonymously known as metal braces, are the most common type of braces. These kinds of braces have been a way for people to achieve a straight smile for over 100 years. Using wires and elastic ties, braces slowly shift your teeth over a specific time period. However, as previously mentioned, traditional braces have not always been aesthetically pleasing or, very comfortable, for that matter. Luckily, over time traditional braces have had innovations that have made them smaller, more effective, and more comfortable. So traditional braces are still an excellent choice for straightening your teeth.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are very similar to traditional braces but are much less visible than metal braces. Ceramic braces are made of a clear or tooth-colored material that more easily blends in with your teeth. Ceramic braces are a great alternative to traditional braces, as they can be more discreet and inexpensive, but it is important to keep in mind that they are slightly larger than metal braces and they can cause stains, depending on your brushing and eating habits.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, otherwise known as Invisalign, are excellent options for people who do not want to have all sorts of wires and bands restricting their teeth or who want to find a less noticeable option. Clear aligners look similar to retainers or mouth guards, except they are completely clear and adhere to your teeth, so you don’t even see them. Clear aligners are great for simple problems such as misaligned teeth, small overbites, or gaps. Clear aligners are a great option for people who prefer a removable option, a clear option, and want fewer appointments.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are similar to both traditional braces in that they use wires to move the teeth. They are available in metal or clear or ceramic material, but they are different from metal and ceramic braces in that they use doors and clips to hold the wires in place, instead of rubber bands. Self-ligating braces are easy to adjust and are also usually fairly comfortable to wear in comparison to other types of braces.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are the least common type of braces on the market. Lingual braces are a pretty interesting option because they actually sit on the back of a person’s teeth. They are completely invisible and can be customized to fit different people’s needs. It is important to note that certain problems might accompany lingual braces such as a change in speech or irritation to the top of the mouth or the tongue. Lingual braces are pretty rare due to being relatively new to the market, but if you are interested in getting them, speak with your orthodontist to learn what lingual brace options they have.

Are You Looking For New Braces?

If you are in need of braces, we at Pobanz Orthodontics are at your service. Clearly, there are many different types of braces available out there and it can be difficult to choose which ones are best for your situation. Luckily, we at Pobanz Orthodontics can help educate you and help you make a choice that will be most beneficial for you. Our team is talented, experienced, and professional, meaning that we will take care of you every step of the way. For more information about braces or about our company, feel free to reach out to us today.