Retainers Specialist

What is a retainer?

A retainer is usually worn following treatment with braces to help ensure your teeth stay properly aligned and don’t drift out of place. Retainers can effectively prevent what’s called a relapse when your teeth start moving back to their original positions. It typically takes around four to six months for the new positioning of your teeth to become permanent.

Most orthodontic treatments, such as traditional metal braces, involve retainers as the final step in the process. Retainers not only improve your results from your orthodontic treatment, they also maintain your impressive results and beautifully aligned teeth.

In addition to braces and orthodontic treatment, retainers can be used long term to selectively reduce age-related changes and crowding of the teeth.

What are the different types of retainers?

Different types of retainers are available depending on the individual. Retainers can be either fixed onto the teeth or removable. In some cases, Dr. Buchsieb might recommend more than one type of retainer to significantly reduce the chance of your teeth relapsing. 

Retainers can be comprised of different materials that have certain advantages. For example, a vacuum-formed retainer is a clear and removable retainer that’s typically worn on a part-time basis. A bonded retainer is a fixed retainer that’s stuck onto your teeth and typically hidden on the backs of your teeth, so it isn’t visible.

Clear plastic retainers are available for optimal discretion. Other types of retainers include wire retainers made of thin metal wire and acrylic or plastic that’s shaped to fit the roof of your mouth or along the inside of your lower teeth. The attached metal wire runs along the outside of your teeth to maintain alignment.

Clear plastic retainers are virtually invisible and might be more comfortable than wire retainers.

What are the advantages of a retainer?

Both removable and fixed retainers offer an array of advantages in the orthodontic sphere.

Removable retainers are easily removed when you want to brush or floss your teeth and eat. Removable retainers are also convenient to get and easy to handle and take care of. It’s important to remember that removable retainers can be damaged, misplaced, or lost when they aren’t in your mouth, especially if they’re not stored in a case.

With fixed retainers, you don’t have to worry about losing or misplacing them, and you can be sure you’re adhering to your proper orthodontic treatment plan.

Learn more about retainers and embark on your way to beautifully aligned teeth. Call the office or click to book today.