Ways To Use Dental Retainers After Braces

The primary use of the retainers is to keep your teeth perfectly aligned and to reduce the risk of improper or relapse development of the bite. Usually, retainers must be worn immediately after the extended period of getting braces to give stability to the teeth that have been freshly fixed. Your La Verne dentist would suggest to you how long you must keep the retainers on; however, it is generally recommended to wear them for a constant 6 weeks in a row, excluding the nighttime. Visit La Verne family dentist for more detailed consultancy with experienced dentists.

How many types of retainers are available for people after braces?

There are three broad categories of retainers available in the market based on their functionality: removable retainers and fixed retainers.

1. Removable retainers

Removable retainers are mainly made up of a series of wires that will fit inside the hole of your teeth, bringing them to functionality. They mostly come in different sizes, and every size is unique as it is designed to replace more teeth. The retainers are mainly made up of transparent plastics and wire made of metal wrapped around the lower or upper teeth. The removable retainers are primarily designed so that they can be removed and put on quickly, as they can be popped out when you are brushing, eating, or flossing. Regular visits to the dentist are essential to make sure that everything goes right.

1. Fixed retainers

Retainers that are fixed are generally made up of metal wires, or they are attached to the teeth permanently until a dentist removes them. They do not come in different sizes, and they do not have contours that will allow them to fit perfectly around your teeth. Unlike removable retainers, fixed retainers are not allowed to be moved without the help of a dentist, so they have to stay in place, just like permanent retainers, for at least a period of 6 to 7 weeks. However, fixed retainers will provide you with a long-lasting result as they are temporary or just stay in place for a more extended period.  

Frequently asked questions

Why is it important to wear retainers after the braces?

After the braces sections are over and when they are removed permanently, teeth tend to shift back to their natural position, that is, their original position. The primary use of retainers is to hold back the teeth in place even after the braces are removed, during the process of tissues and bones around them being stabilized. It is essential to wear the retainers after the braces to keep the teeth in position. 

For how long do I need to wear my retainer after braces are removed?

The duration mainly depends on the speed of your recovery. The duration of the recovery can vary from person to person as most things are uncertain. Generally, the dentist recommends that the patient have the retainers on for 6 weeks without any brakes. Some also advise the patients to wear retainers at night for the rest of their lives to prevent them from shifting back to their natural place. 

 How many days can I clean my retainers?

You must clean the removable retainers daily with the help of lukewarm water before you can drink or eat anything. You must use a gentle product to clean your retainers to keep them safe from any type of damage. If your retainers are fixed, then you must keep your oral hygiene reasonable and clean and brush daily.

What are the foods that I can have with my retainers?

If you are wearing removable retainers, you must remove the retainers first hand before having anything, such as any meal or snacks or some kind of drink, that can cause damage to your retainers. You must avoid hard, chewy, or sticky food that could damage your teeth as a whole.