The Role of Retainers in Maintaining Your Orthodontic Results

Regardless of whether you’ve had braces, Invisalign, or another type of orthodontic treatment, finishing it is a huge accomplishment! But the road to a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles doesn’t stop when your device comes off—it enters its most important phase: retention. A retainer is one of the most important tools in this stage. For those who want results that last, such as those wanting  retainers in Portland, the role of retainers are key in keeping your smile stable.

Retainers are Important After Orthodontic Treatment

Ortho Appliances get your teeth into their ideal position, however your teeth will want to go back to where they “wanted” to be. This “orthodontic relapse” is most prevalent in the first several months following the removal of braces. That’s where retainers come in — they help “retain” your teeth in their new positions, giving surrounding bone and tissue time to stabilize.

At Garfinkle Orthodontics, the retention phase of treatment is given the attention and customization that all other phases receive. Patients are also educated and Fillet cushioned guards are individually crafted into the patient’s retainers.

Types of Retainers Available

Retainers are typically either removable or fixed. They can serve the exact same purpose but are chosen depending on the individual patient’s orthodontic history and their overall lifestyle and preferences.

Removable retainers : These are made of clear plastic (for example, an Essix retainer) or the more traditional wire-and-acrylic kind (the Hawley retainer. They’re easy to clean and easy to use, but you have to be patient about wearing them.”

Fixed Retainers: Also known as bonded lingual retainers, there are thin wires attached behind the front teeth (usually on the lower arch). Permanent retainers are perfect for those wanting low maintenance and are frequently fitted in conjunction with upper removable retainers.

When patients are in need of Portland retainers it isn’t unusual for either type of retainer to be used, with customizations possible thanks to local orthodontic providers like Garfinkle Orthodontics.

How Long Are You Supposed to Wear a Retainer?

How long do retainers need to be worn? There’s no single answer to this as everyone can be different but, generally speaking, your orthodontist will advise that you wear your retainers full time (except when eating and cleaning) for the first few months after your braces have been removed. Afterwards nighttime wear might be enough. But some patients should use retainers at night permanently to sustain their results.

From making a long-term commitment to wear your retainer as prescribed, we can help prevent the need for retreatment further down the road. A lot of people who suffer orthodontic relapse are guilty of not wearing their retainer long enough.

Caring for Your Retainer

If you take care of it, your retainer will last (and stay germ-free) for a long time. Clean removable retainer daily with toothbrush and soap. Don’t use hot water it can warp the plastic. For fixed retainers, flossing aids or water flossers are ideal for cleaning between the bonded wire.

Offices that provide Portland retainers like Garfinkle Orthodontics will give you detailed care instructions and follow up appointments to check the fit and quite literally the function of your retainers.

Conclusion

Patient compliance is directly proportional to the wearer of retainers. They are small but mighty. When you need reliable Portland retainers, make sure to go with an experienced provider so you get the right style, fit, and advice for results that last. When it comes to teeth, retaining your perfect smile is just as important as achieving it.

If you want to learn more about Invisalign Braces In Hillsdale, a top orthodontist you can visit to: garfinkleortho.com