TLDR
Finishing braces or Invisalign is a huge milestone, but retainers are what keep that new smile in place. Whether removable or permanent, retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back after orthodontic treatment and are essential for protecting your investment. At Mint Hill Orthodontics, Dr. Little and Dr. Rainey will help you find the right fit and show you how to keep your teeth straight.
It’s a huge win when you finally finish your Invisalign treatment or get your braces removed—but is that really the end? After your orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may hand you retainers and tell you to keep wearing them for life.
At Mint Hill Orthodontics, we provide effective retainers in Mint Hill, near Charlotte, NC, to help prevent your teeth from returning to their old, crooked positions. Our team ensures your results last long after treatment ends.
Our expert orthodontists in Mint Hill, Dr. Little and Dr. Rainey, will take the time to educate you on everything you need to know, including types of retainers to use after Invisalign and how to clean retainers.
Why Do I Need a Retainer After Braces or Invisalign?
After braces or Invisalign, your teeth are correctly aligned, but the supporting bone and ligaments are unstable. Here are common reasons you may need a retainer.
- Your jawbone needs time to stabilize around the tooth roots.
- Gum tissues naturally try to pull teeth back into their original positions.
- A retainer stops the natural shifting and crowding that happens over time.
What Types of Retainers Are Available?
Choosing the right type of retainer often depends on your lifestyle and how consistently you’ll wear it. There are two main types of retainers.
Fixed Retainers and Removable Retainers
Fixed retainers, also called permanent retainers, are custom-fitted wires bonded to the backs of the front teeth, making them ideal for patients who may forget to wear removable retainers.
On the other hand, removable retainers include Essix and Hawley retainers. This type can be removed for eating and cleaning.
How Long Will I Need to Wear My Retainer?
If you're wondering, “how long should I wear retainers?”, the truth is that you may need to wear your retainers for as long as you want your teeth to stay straight. For the first few months, your orthodontist may recommend wearing them daily, but eventually you'll graduate to just wearing them while you sleep.
How Do I Take Care of My Retainer?
Proper care helps your retainer last as long as it should. Since it spends so much time in your mouth, it can accumulate plaque and tartar, leading to a cloudy appearance and an unpleasant smell.
Cleaning Tips: What to Avoid
The easiest way to keep your retainers fresh is to brush them every single time you take them out of your mouth. For a deeper clean, soak your retainer in a cleaning solution designed for orthodontic appliances. Don’t sanitize it by boiling, as it can warp and no longer fit your teeth.
At Mint Hill Orthodontics, we also offer orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign and braces in Mint Hill, to help you achieve your desired smile. After your orthodontic treatment, our orthodontist will recommend retainers to keep your smile looking its best. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Key Takeaways
- Retainers help hold your teeth in position while the surrounding bone and ligaments fully harden.
- Fixed or permanent retainers bond a thin wire to the back of your teeth, so you never forget to wear them.
- Removable retainers give you the flexibility to remove them for eating and cleaning.
- Proper maintenance, such as daily brushing and avoiding high heat, helps your retainer stay clean and retain its shape.
- Dr. Little and Dr. Rainey are expert orthodontists and will ensure your smile lasts forever with the best retainers in Mint Hill, near Charlotte.
Sources
- https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/what-are-dental-retainers/
- https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/early-orthodontics/how-long-do-you-have-to-wear-a-retainer
- https://minthillortho.com/
- https://minthillortho.com/invisalign/
- https://minthillortho.com/braces-mint-hill-nc/
- https://minthillortho.com/contact-us/
- https://minthillortho.com/our-practice/meet-our-doctors/dr-jared-little/
- https://minthillortho.com/our-practice/meet-our-doctors/dr-sarah-rainey/