If you have any questions about retainers you can learn a lot from quality websites. However, always consult your orthodontist near me for all your specific questions. Your dental care is a personal and unique plan.

Clear retainers for teeth – Invisible aligners

When individuals start to think about clear retainers for teeth, the first thing they might do is look up their local orthodontist in Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154. But once you find that orthodontist what should you talk about? Do you need to know about cleaning retainers? Are you a good candidate for a removable retainer? Should you ask about if Hawley retainers will be good for your oral health compared to bonded retainers? Is there a difference between teeth aligner and types of retainers? And while these are all excellent questions that need to be asked, you should specifically ask your orthodontist about your care.

Before we get into answering those questions and more, let’s take a look at what some of the experts in orthodontic medicine have to say about the importance of your retainer.

Retainers are used for holding teeth after orthodontic treatment in the treated position for the period of time necessary for the maintenance of the result (Demir, A et al., 2012).

There are different types of retainers, an example of which are Hawley-type retainers, which are used by clinicians worldwide (Demir, A et al., 2012). These are one of the very common types.

Another type of retainer is the Essix type. Studies have found that it completely encapsulates the dentition and so provides better retention than some other types (Demir, A et al., 2012).

Will my retainers re-straighten my teeth? Retainer to move teeth

This is a common question The unfortunate answer is no. Braces and Invisalign are designed to straighten teeth, while a retainer’s primary purpose is to retain teeth in those correct positions. This is why it’s absolutely essential that you wear your retainer as often and as long as your orthodontist recommends as that is the only way to ensure that you will keep your teeth in the correct positions.

The very name retainer lets you know what its actual function is, it is designed to retain your teeth in the new position, not readjust them. While it is possible that if there has been some very minor drift that your retainer could assist, the best thing to do is to always check you with your orthodontic office, make sure that you’re using your retainer properly, and ensure that it is not damaged or broken as that could possibly lead to your teeth shifting out of their position without you even noticing.

Why do some people need a wire retainer behind their teeth? Teeth retainer

Because orthodontic medicine is incredibly individualized, there could be a number of reasons why an orthodontist may recommend that you get a bonded wire retainer affixed to the back of your teeth. However, generally the most common reason is to ensure that the teeth stay stabilized. This helps to give your teeth some extra support, especially after you have just moved them into their new positions. These retainers should be in for about 2 years although your particular needs may vary/ Talking with your orthodontic office can let you know whether you will need longer or less time with your retainer.

How do retainers feel like? Retainer braces

If you have just finished wearing braces, retainers are going to feel like a welcome relief. This is because retainers are significantly less invasive than most braces are. While there are some permanently bonded retainers, they do not take up near the amount of space or inhibit your ability to eat quite like braces do. This is why many individuals feel such a feeling of liberation when wearing their retainers, especially if they have worn braces for many years.

If you’re utilizing a removable retainer it can be even more liberating. The ability to feel your teeth and mouth again without any obstructions will at first seem strange as your body has gotten used to the presence of braces, however, it is a strange that most people welcome. What you will feel specifically will of course depend on what specific type of retainer you get.

If you get a retainer that goes over the teeth (Essix retainer) you’re very likely to feel a thin piece of plastic and it may not feel much different than if you had the Invisalign treatment. If you’re getting a bonded retainer you will feel a thin wire on the back of your teeth with your tongue but again nothing intrusive.

Are Hawley retainers suitable for those who grind? Orthodontic retainer

Hawley retainers are the plastic and wire kind that many people think of when they think of a retainer. But there is the Essix retainer you can choose also.

Not only is it suitable, it is generally recommended! This particular type of container was made for those who have extreme issues grinding their teeth while they sleep. Because it covers the surface of the teeth it can help protect against any grinding in the night. This protection is so essential for individuals who want to help protect the longevity of their teeth, make sure they continue to have a smile they can enjoy, and protect their enamel from irregular wear which can open them up for further dental problems.

While it can sometimes be difficult to see the symptoms caused by grinding teeth, many individuals can feel strain in their jaws, sensitivity in their teeth, and a whole host of related issues and so wearing this type of retainer is a great way to help prevent that kind of damage.

Is a teeth retainer permanent? Permanent retainer

Permanent is a relative term. While it may seem like forever, generally retainers will need to be worn for a few years. However, there are some orthodontic offices that recommend that retainers should be worn as long as you’re able to wear them. A retainer is designed to retain teeth in the correct position and because no two patients are alike, some people may continue to experience shifting in their teeth years after the braces are off and so should continue to utilize dental retainers.

Some individuals may have fewer issues and so it’s important to check in with your orthodontic office. Only your office will be able to tell you for certain how long you specifically need to wear your retainers for. However, wearing them for the requisite amount of time is essential if you want to make sure that you keep that beautiful smile that you have earned.

Reference:

Demir, A., Babacan, H., Nalcacı, R., & Topcuoglu, T. (2012). Comparison of retention characteristics of Essix and Hawley retainers. Korean journal of orthodontics, 42(5), 255–262. https://doi.org/10.4041/kjod.2012.42.5.255

 

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