Keeping Your Smile Straight for Life
Congratulations! You’ve completed your orthodontic treatment and achieved the beautiful, straight smile you’ve always wanted. However, the journey doesn’t end when the braces come off or the clear aligners are finished. To maintain your results, wearing retainers is essential—and not just for a few months or years, but ideally for life.
Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions, a phenomenon known as “orthodontic relapse.” The best way to ensure your teeth stay in their ideal alignment is to commit to wearing retainers nightly, as prescribed by your orthodontist.
Why Retainers Are So Important
During orthodontic treatment, braces or aligners move your teeth into new positions by applying gentle, continuous pressure. This process also affects the surrounding tissues, including the ligaments and bone, which need time to stabilize after treatment. Without a retainer, your teeth can slowly shift back, undoing all the hard work and time spent achieving your perfect smile.
Wearing retainers keeps your teeth in place while the bone and tissues adapt to their new alignment. Consistent retainer use ensures long-term stability and prevents the need for future orthodontic corrections.
Types of Retainers
There are three main types of retainers, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Dr. Funk will recommend the best type for your needs based on your treatment and lifestyle.
1. Essix Retainers
Essix retainers are clear, removable retainers made of thin plastic that fit snugly over your teeth, similar to Invisalign aligners.
Advantages:
- Discreet: The clear material makes these retainers nearly invisible, making them a popular choice for those who prioritize aesthetics.
- Comfortable: They are lightweight and don’t have wires or bulky components.
- Easy to Clean: Since they’re removable, you can clean them easily by rinsing or brushing.
Disadvantages:
- Durability: Essix retainers can crack or warp over time, especially if exposed to heat or if not handled carefully.
- Shorter Lifespan: They typically need replacement every 1-3 years, depending on wear and tear.
- Risk of Misplacement: Because they’re removable, there’s a higher chance of losing them if not stored properly.
2. Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers, also known as permanent retainers, consist of a thin wire bonded to the back of the front teeth. They are typically used for the lower front teeth but can also be applied to the upper teeth in some special cases.
Advantages:
- No Compliance Required: Since they’re fixed in place, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to wear them.
- Invisible: The wire is hidden behind your teeth, making it completely unnoticeable from the front.
- Durable: They can last many years without needing replacement.
Disadvantages:
- Harder to Clean: Fixed retainers make flossing more challenging, requiring special tools like floss threaders or water flossers to maintain oral hygiene.
- Potential for Breakage: The bonding material can wear down, and the wire can loosen or break over time, requiring repair.
- Limited to Certain Teeth: Fixed retainers usually only stabilize the front teeth and may not address movement in the back teeth.
3. Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers are removable retainers made of a hard acrylic plate that sits on the roof of the mouth or along the lower gumline, with a metal wire that wraps around the front teeth to hold them in place.
Advantages:
- Adjustable: The wire can be adjusted by your orthodontist to make minor corrections if needed.
- Durable: They are long-lasting and resistant to damage.
- Easy to Clean: Since they’re removable, you can thoroughly clean both the retainer and your teeth.
Disadvantages:
- Visible: The metal wire is noticeable, making them less discreet than Essix retainers.
- Bulkier: The acrylic plate can feel bulky in the mouth, especially for new users.
- May Affect Speech: Initially, some people experience difficulty speaking while wearing a Hawley retainer.
Tips for Retainer Success
- Wear Consistently: Follow instructions for retainer wear. Dr. Funk may ask you to wear them full-time initially and transition to nightly wear for life.
- Clean Properly: Clean removable retainers daily with a soft brush and mild soap or retainer cleaner. Avoid hot water, as it can warp Essix retainers.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: For fixed retainers, use floss threaders or a water flosser to clean around the wire and prevent plaque buildup.
- Protect Your Retainer: Always store removable retainers in a protective case when not in use to avoid damage or loss.
- Monitor for Changes: Visit your orthodontist regularly to ensure your retainer fits properly and your teeth remain stable.
A Lifetime of Smiles
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your smile, and retainers are the key to protecting that investment. By wearing your retainer consistently and caring for it properly, you can enjoy a straight, healthy smile for the rest of your life.
If you have questions about retainers or need advice on which type is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We’re here to help you maintain the smile you worked so hard to achieve!