What Are Retainers and Why Are They Important?

After completing orthodontic treatment, many people feel that this milestone marks the end of a long journey after investing so much time and money into having a straighter and more confident smile. Unfortunately, completing orthodontic treatment, whether that involves the use of traditional braces or modern clear alternative aligners, does not mean that teeth will remain in their new position permanently. During the first few months after treatment, teeth will want to revert back to their original position. This natural phenomenon is one reason why orthodontic retainers are so important after treatment.

Orthodontic retainers are dental devices that are customized to hold teeth into their corrected position. Orthodontic retainers also help stabilize the teeth while the gums, as well as the other supporting tissues and structures, settle into their new position. No matter what kind of orthodontic treatment was used, the gum, bones, and other supporting structures of the teeth will help protect your investment in a new smile.

What is a Dental Retainer?

After orthodontic treatment, retainers are one type of dental appliance that are used to hold the teeth in their corrected position. Like other dental devices, retainers must be custom made to the patient’s dental structures and alignments so that they can be both secure and comfortable.

When a patient is undergoing orthodontic treatment, gentle pressure aids in the movement of the teeth along with the supporting jaw and other structures. Once treatment is complete, there is a period of time that these structures and tissues need to reorganize and stabilize. Without a retainer, teeth will shift back along the path of least resistance, also known as orthodontic relapse.

The type of retainer that a patient receives, whether a removable one or a fixed, or permanently bonded one, will depend on the patient as well as the professional’s discretion. The professional will also give guidance on the use of the appliance.

Why Are Retainers Important?

Retainers are a vital component of any comprehensive orthodontic plan. They maintain the end result of the entire treatment plan by preventing the shifting of teeth, while also promoting the health of the patient’s smile in the long term.

Stop Teeth from Moving

Nothing in the body, including teeth, is truly fixed in one place. Tooth movement is a normal part of aging. Even the pressure of chewing, the health of the gums, the loss of teeth, and bad habits like clenching or grinding can cause shifting.

Teeth have a high tendency to move after the removal of braces or clear aligners. The shifting may cause old gaps to return or overcrowding and unevenness to reappear. Retainers keep teeth in the desired position to minimize these issues.

Preserve the Results of the Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is an investment of time and money. But retainers make sure that the investment is not wasted.

Shifting of teeth is often a strong enough sign that a patient requires additional orthodontic treatment. But by wearing the retainer, the investment of time and money in braces or clear aligners will not be wasted.

Allow the Bone and Gums to Catch Up with the Teeth

Orthodontic treatment changes the position of teeth. The supporting structures of the teeth, the bone, and the gums, also have to change. These structures need time to catch up to the teeth.

An important job of a retainer is to keep teeth stable while these changes are happening. They keep teeth in the position of new alignment while the supporting structures strengthen.

Help Maintain a Straight Bite

Orthodontic treatment is designed to help a patient’s smile, but also to help mitigate any functional issues with a patient’s bite. If teeth begin to shift after treatment, the bite will become uneven again, and will also undermine the goal of the treatment.

Retainers preserve your bite and make chewing, speaking, and distributing force when you clench more comfortable.

What Are the Main Types of Retainers?

There are different types of retainers, each with their own sets of benefits. The patient’s alignment, lifestyle, oral hygiene, and the chance of them needing to start another round of braces (relapse) will all be factors in choosing a type of retainer.

Clear Plastic Retainers

Clear plastic retainers are a close fitting, removable, and retainer made of plastic. They are hard to spot making them a great, easy to wear, and popular option.

They are comfortable to wear, but are susceptible to heat and grinding. They need to be cleaned often and stored when not in use.

Hawley Retainers

A Hawley retainer is an adjustable, removable, acrylic retainer with a metal wire that fits across the front teeth. The metal wire is a big feature of these retainers. They are strong and can last for many years as long as they are taken care of.

Fixed Retainers

A fixed retainer is a wire that is located behind the front teeth and gets bonded into place.

These retainers offer great long-term retention for the teeth that are frequently seen (front teeth), but can trap food and require careful oral hygiene (brushing and flossing).

How Long Should You Wear a Retainer?

The schedule for wearing retainers varies from patient to patient. It is common to wear removable retainers all day long, only removing them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. After some time, the dentist may instruct the patient to wear the retainer only at night.

For some patients, there is a long-term need for retainers. To maintain permanent teeth alignment, it may be necessary to wear retainers for part of the night.

With some exceptions, it is important to follow the prescribed wearing schedule. Skipping the retainer for several nights may cause the teeth to shift, and the retainer will no longer fit comfortably.

How Should You Care for Your Retainer?

Cleaning a retainer ensures that it remains effective and comfortable. After each use, removable retainers should be rinsed and brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush. It is important to use a cleaning solution that will not be damaged by the appliance. Retainers should not be left unattended; retainers should always be put in a case when not worn.

For a fixed retainer, special flossing and brushing tools may be prescribed. Retainers also should be seen during regular check-ups to assess their condition.

Signs That Your Retainer Needs Repair

Your retainer has to fit correctly, but it should not cause noticeable or severe pain. You should always consult your dentist if your retainer cracks, becomes loose or warped, or is not fitting as it once was.

If your retainer has become tight, it usually means your teeth have begun to shift, and a retainer should never have to be forced into position. Forcing it into position may warp the retainer, and do damage to your teeth. Dentists in Deira Dubai can evaluate your teeth to help you understand if your retainer is functioning correctly, or if a new one is necessary.

Why Regular Dental Checkups Still Matter?

Having a retainer does not mean you can skip your regular visits to the dentist. Regular check ups are essential for monitoring not only how your teeth shift, and how your gums and bite are, but also to assess the condition of your retainer.

The dentist can clean areas that may be difficult to reach, especially around fixed retainers. Small problems may cause tooth decay or irritation and may worsen gum problems and the retainer may also get damaged.

Get The Best Quality Retainers from Next Care Dental Clinic

Next Care Dental Clinic is an excellent option to get retainers. The dental clinic has professionals who can assess and evaluate your need for a retainer, as well as provide a custom fit. The team of professional dentists in Deira is ready to help you maintain your orthodontic results in the form of excellent personalized dental care. Located in Deira Dubai, dental care is conveniently accessible, and many patients searching for the best dental clinic in Deira, and the most experienced dentists in Deira Dubai, have reported a great experience.

Conclusion

Retainers after orthodontic treatment are important to keep the teeth from going back to the previous spots. An orthodontic treatment retainer also protects the gums and jaw while they are healing and helps keep the bite aligned.

Having a clear Hawley, or fixed retainer, is not enough. They must also be worn, maintained, and cared for. This includes following the instructions of the orthodontist, cleaning the retainer, and going to check-up appointments.