It can be exciting when your braces finally come off and you get to see your new and improved smile with perfectly straight teeth. However, the journey isn’t over. You will still work with your Melbourne orthodontist as you go through the retainer period once the braces are gone. Your retainer is another custom-fitted appliance that will help you maintain your perfect smile for years to come.

What is a Retainer?

An orthodontic retainer is a custom-fitted appliance used to hold your teeth in place after treatment with braces. The braces work to shift your teeth into the proper alignment over time. Once the braces are off, your teeth naturally will want to return to their original positions. 

Wearing your retainer as directed by Dr. Reddick will prevent the teeth from shifting and settling like this. Most patients must wear a retainer for approximately the same time as they wore braces. You might only be instructed to wear your retainer at night, but every patient is different. Research shows that patients who wear retainers as directed have the best overall outcomes from treatment with braces.

Different Types of Retainers

Depending on your orthodontist’s recommendation, you may be fitted with either a fixed retainer or a removable one. Removable retainers are usually made of clear plastic or a mix of metal wires and plastic. Unlike your braces, a removable retainer can easily be taken out whenever you want to eat or brush and floss your teeth. Initially, you’ll likely be wearing the retainer full-time. Once your orthodontist gives the okay, you can wear the retainer at night.

Fixed retainers include a thin wire that is fixed to the back of the teeth. They can’t be removed without help from your orthodontist. This type of retainer offers constant support for patients who are at greater risk of having their teeth shift out of place. It does require careful maintenance, and you will have to come back for several scheduled appointments at Reddick Orthodontics to monitor your progress.

If Your Retainer is Damaged or Broken

A retainer is a highly delicate appliance, especially the removable kind with metal wires. It can be damaged very easily. Simply dropping it and having it bounce off the floor can alter its shape. It’s also common for students to accidentally set a heavy textbook on top of their retainer, which can bend the wire out of its proper shape. When you wash the retainer, using water that is too hot can warp the plastic portion out of shape. It takes a lot of TLC to keep your retainer in good shape!

What happens if your retainer becomes broken, warped, or misshapen? It’s not the end of the world. Your teeth aren’t going to dramatically shift back to their original positions if you don’t wear a retainer for a few days.

However, if your retainer no longer fits in your mouth, you should treat it with urgency. The best course of action is to call our office so you can get a new retainer as soon as possible. 

Caring for Your Retainer

If you take good care of your retainer, it will take good care of your teeth. Daily cleaning is necessary so it doesn’t build up harmful bacteria on it. These bacteria can cause bad breath, a gum infection, or even cavities if they stay on the retainer for too long. Cleaning your retainer is as simple as brushing it with a soft-bristled toothbrush once a day. Be sure to use lukewarm water. As mentioned above, hot temperatures can warp the shape of the plastic. 

A good habit to develop is putting your retainer in its carrying case anytime you take it out. This will keep it safe and undamaged if you accidentally drop it or set something on top of it.

Keep regular appointments with your orthodontist to monitor your progress with the retainer. If a teenager goes through a growth spurt, they might find it challenging to fit the retainer in their mouth and adjustments will need to be made.

If you have any questions about your retainer or want to explore treatment with braces, Contact Us at Melbourne Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.