Orthodontic Retainers
Wearing retainers after completing orthodontic treatment is crucial to maintaining the beautiful and straight smile achieved through braces or aligners. Retainers play a significant role in stabilizing the newly aligned teeth, allowing them to settle into their proper positions. Without retainers, there is a risk of teeth shifting back to their original misaligned positions over time. Consistent retainer use helps prevent this relapse, ensuring that the investment of time and effort in orthodontic treatment with us at Music City Orthodontics pays off in the long run.
Types Of Orthodontic Retainers
Hawley Retainers
Hawley's are made of metal wires and acrylic material that fit your mouth perfectly. The acrylic part sits on the roof of your mouth or behind your lower front teeth, while the metal wires wrap around your front teeth to keep them in place. These traditional retainers that help you maintain your smile.
Essix Retainers
These retainers resemble clear aligners used during orthodontic treatment. They are custom-made using a clear, thin plastic material and fit snugly over the teeth. Clear aligner retainers are nearly invisible when worn and offer a discreet option for retaining teeth after orthodontic treatment.
The alignment of your teeth after braces or Invisalign is preserved by using retainers. The best type of retainer for you depends on your personal preferences and your orthodontist’s advice.
​
Need a new set of retainers? Contact Music City Orthodontics for a free consult
Retainer Instructions
To keep your smile looking great after your orthodontic treatment, you need to take good care of your retainers and wear them regularly. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your retainers:
​
Wear your retainers at home, unless we say otherwise. Take them off when you eat or brush your teeth.
​
Bring your retainers to your follow-up visits so we can check the fit and make adjustments if needed.
​
Always use your retainer case to store your retainers when you are not wearing them. This will protect them from getting lost or damaged, which can be expensive to replace.
​
If you notice any problems with your retainers, such as cracks, breaks, or poor fit, call Music City Orthodontics right away to make an appointment.
​
Clean your retainers every day with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and warm water. This will remove plaque and prevent bad smells.
​
Speaking with your retainers may feel strange at first, but you will get used to it soon. Practice talking, reading, or singing out loud with your retainers on to speed up the process.
​
If your retainers break or go missing, contact us as soon as possible. Without your retainers, your teeth may move back to their original position.
​
Handle your retainers with care. Avoid exposing them to heat, such as hot water, hot cars, or dryers, as this can warp them. Keep them away from pockets, washing machines, and napkins, as these can cause them to break. Be gentle with your retainers, and they will last longer.