Removable retainers
This makes holding the teeth in their new straight positions important until the jawbone and gums adjust to the new position. A removable or fixed retainer can serve this purpose, ideal retention includes both a fixed and removable retainer.
Why do the teeth move after braces?
Braces hold your teeth in position during orthodontic treatment, but after their removal, the stretched elastic fibres in the gum try to pull the teeth to their previous position. This process is known as an orthodontic relapse. It takes a while for the fibres to stop pulling the teeth.
Over the years, the jaw continues growing, and the teeth become more crooked. This is part of the natural ageing process. Natural jaw growth and teeth movement still continues after braces treatment, so indefinite use of retainers is necessary.
Removable clear retainers
Removable retainers look like a thin, clear gumshield that fits over the teeth to keep them in place. They are custom-made to fit over the teeth perfectly. After your braces treatment, the orthodontist will take a scan of your teeth then fit your retainers the following week.
Instructions
Your orthodontist will advise you on how often you should wear your removable retainers. You may have to wear the removable retainers at all times, except for cleaning the teeth, eating and drinking, for at least the first week.
You will have a review appointment during your retention period. Ensure you bring your retainers to these appointments. Attending these appointments is important as you will receive further reassurance that yout result has remained stable and further instructions.
If the retainer rubs your gums, you can smooth sharp edges with a nail file. If you have problems with your retainers or have damaged or lost them, contact your orthodontist immediately. Do not wait until your next appointment. Losing your retainer is an emergency, as your teeth can relapse if you do not wear your retainers.
If you fail to wear your removable retainer and your teeth relapse, you will need another teeth-straightening treatment.
Caring for your retainers
- Remove your retainer before brushing your teeth, and clean them using a toothbrush and liquid soup or mild detergent at least two times daily. Avoid using hot or boiling water, bleach or toothpaste to clean your retainer. To keep the retainers fresh, you can soak the retainer in a special cleaning solution containing an effervescent tablet cleaner.
- Ensure your teeth are clean before fitting the retainers at night. Before sleeping, dip your retainers in fluoride mouthwash to protect your teeth.
- Retainers are fragile, so be careful so they don’t get broken. Store your retainers in a rigid plastic container. If you wrap your retainers in a tissue or put them in your pocket, they can get damaged or lost easily. Replacing a retainer incurs an additional cost.
- At first, wearing retainers may leave more saliva in your mouth, but your mouth will return to normal after a few hours. After a while, the retainers may have holes on the biting surfaces, consult your orthodontist regarding replacing your retainers as needed.
- Keep your retainers away from pets, especially dogs to avoid them being chewed
Cost of retainers
Removable retainers can be replaced but this will incur a charge, your orthodontist will discuss this with you.
Retainer treatment time
The retainer treatment regime varies for each patient. Some people may need permanent retention to keep the teeth aligned. You will discuss this with your orthodontist.
You can call Kingston Orthodontics on 0203 002 2501 for more information on removable retainers.
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