Find out more about retainers, and how they are used in orthodontic care.
Once your treatment is completed and your teeth are straight, we have to hold them in place with retainers.
Without retainers teeth will always shift over time. We always recommend at least part time retainer wear forever - or as long as you want straight teeth! We also sometimes use retainers for minor straightening of the front teeth, or to help with bite correction. This is usually in children, but sometimes also for adults.
With our state of the art technology, we can avoid impressions in most cases! We can scan your teeth with our digital scanner, and print a model of your teeth with our 3d printer. We then use this model to make your retainer.
We use Hawley retainers and clear plastic retainers. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Hawley retainers have wires in the front and on the sides, and hard acrylic behind the teeth. When worn as instructed, Hawley retainers are good at keeping the front teeth straight. They also can be adjusted if necessary. Hawley retainers are durable and can last many years. Hawley retainers are best for deep bites, and for people with short teeth. They are also best for anyone who has gingivitis.
Clear retainers are made of clear plastic that is heated up and pressure formed over a model of the teeth. Clear retainers fit tightly around the crowns of the teeth to prevent unwanted movement. They are not as durable as Hawley retainers. People who grind their teeth can wear them out quickly. Clear retainers are best for open bites and for anyone who doesn’t want to show metal in their mouth.
Fixed retainers are wires that are cemented behind the front teeth to hold them in place. Fixed retainers are good at holding teeth tight together when they tend to spread apart. They do make it more difficult to clean between your teeth, because the wire is in the way. We do not recommend fixed retainers in most cases. In rare cases where spaces in the front teeth will not stay closed, we may decide to use a fixed retainer.
The first few days with a new retainer can be challenging, but you will adjust quickly! Retainers are essential for keeping your teeth where we want them!
Retainers can be tight at first, and may make your teeth a little sore. You can take ibuprofen or Tylenol if needed. The discomfort should go away within a few days. Make sure that you keep wearing your retainers, even if your teeth are sore. If you take them out because your teeth hurt, you won’t ever get used to them. If your retainer is rubbing your gums or cheeks and not getting better, please call us. We can adjust the retainer to make it more comfortable.
You should brush your retainer with your toothbrush and toothpaste every time you take it out. This will help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. You can also use retainer cleaner tablets to soak it as needed. Many people like to soak their retainer a few times a week. Denture tablets are the same as retainer tablets, and often cost less. We also sell ultrasonic retainer cleaners at our office. Please ask at the front desk if you are interested.
Discover frequently asked questions and their answers about retainers.
Schedule your free consultation today, and let us help you select the best retainer to maintain your beautiful smile.
We offer a variety of services to meet all your orthodontic needs.
Springer Orthodontics offers orthodontic care for children and adults in New Philadelphia, Ohio and surrounding areas.
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