Teeth retainers are removable dental devices that fit over a person’s upper or lower teeth. They keep teeth in their correct alignment. People often use these as a follow-up to braces.
After teeth straightening treatments, such as braces, a person’s teeth need to be kept in place. A dentist or orthodontist may suggest wearing a retainer to achieve this.
Teeth retainers play an essential role in keeping teeth straight and healthy long term. They maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment and allow the bone holding the person’s teeth in place to heal.
Read on to learn more about why people use retainers, how to use them, and how to care for them.
What are retainers?
A retainer is a custom dental device that is molded to the shape of a person’s mouth. Orthodontists prescribe retainersTrusted Source following dental treatments that move a person’s teeth, such as braces.
Without using a retainer, a person’s teeth can shift back to their previous alignment.
An orthodontist may prescribe one of the following types of retainers:
- Permanent retainers: These are bonded to the teeth, so an individual cannot remove them. People may prefer these retainers because they are unnoticeable, but they may be uncomfortable.
- Hawley retainers: These retainers are made of wire attached to plastic (or acrylic) that is molded to a person’s mouth. Because they are removable, they are convenient and easy to clean.
- Clear retainers: These are custom retainers made using an exact replica of the person’s teeth. They are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice.
Who wears teeth retainers, and why?
People who have had their teeth aligned with braces use retainers. They are typically the final phase of orthodontic teeth straightening procedures and ensure that teeth stay in their new position.
Although some people may believe that orthodontic work is complete when braces come off, wearing retainers for the prescribed amount of time is essential. Not following the guidance of one’s dentist or orthodontist could undo the work of their braces.
Once a person has a retainer, they will regularly return to their orthodontist for checkups. The orthodontist will make any necessary adjustments, such as bending or trimming wires for comfort.
Duration of use
The length of time a person wears a retainer for depends on their specific course of treatment.
Sometimes, an orthodontist will attach a permanent retainer to a person’s teeth. They may leave this in place indefinitely, or they may replace it with a removable retainer after a period of time.
Alternatively, they may decide to give a person a removable retainer. According to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists, they may suggest that an individual wears that removable retainer almost 24 hours per day for the first 4–6 months.
However, many orthodontists recommend that people wear their removable retainer at all times for at least 9 months, according to one 2010 survey.
Following the initial period of constant wear, a person may use their retainer only at night.
A person’s dentist or orthodontist will tell them how long to wear their retainer for. This will likely be for 12 months or longer.
Precautions
It is important to always follow the advice of one’s dentist or orthodontist. If a person has any problems with their retainer, they should contact them right away.
People should take the following precautions to ensure effective use of their retainers:
- Wear the retainers as the orthodontist directs.
- Do not chew gum while wearing the retainers, and do not chew on the retainers.
- Be careful while removing the retainers from the mouth. Use both index fingers at the gumline to do so.
- Keep the retainers in their specific case.
- Consult a dentist or orthodontist if the retainers become uncomfortable.