Wearing a retainer is something most people who have had braces are familiar with. Though you don’t have to wear it as often as you do braces, the retainer is an integral part of your treatment. It’s important to understand why it’s needed to ensure you stick with best practices and maintain a straight smile.

What Are They?

Once your teeth are realigned with braces, you’ll have take measures to keep them from shifting. This is where retainers come into play. Retainers are mouthpieces and fixtures designed to hold your teeth into place. This will stabilize your bite, keep space for teeth that haven’t erupted yet, and overall, preserve the results of the braces. There are removable options, both visible and clear, which are molded to fit your teeth, and bonded or fixed ones that are attached behind the teeth.

On average, you should wear your retainer full-time for 4 to 6 months once the braces come off, and then for a total of 12 months after. This timeframe will vary from patient to patient.

How Do I Maintain Them?

Removable retainers are convenient, though you have to be diligent about cleaning them and using them as advised by your dentist. Generally, you should wash them with lukewarm water after every meal and scrape away debris with a soft-bristle brush. Bear in mind that they aren’t as durable as bonded retainers, so be mindful of where you place it and keep it away from pets. You should also avoid certain foods, such as popcorn and nuts.

Fixed retainers can’t be lost or removed easily. They’re attached to the back your teeth, so while they’re less noticeable than other types of retainers, they’re a bit tougher to clean. Remember to brush around the retainer to remove food debris. Flossing is tricky since the retainer wire will stop the thread from reaching between your teeth. You may have to use a floss threader. Ask your dentist to demonstrate the proper cleaning technique.

Whether you’re interested in exploring braces and orthodontic solutions or simply needed general dental care, turn to James Julien, DDS. Based in Kenai, AK, Dr. Julien offers comprehensive oral care, including cosmetic dentistry services. He takes a personalized approach to treatment and will build a long-term plan to ensure you achieve your ideal smile. Call (907) 283-4857 to schedule an appointment. You can visit his website to learn more about the practice.