Post-Braces Retainer Wear: Why It's Essential, and What to Expect

Braces straighten teeth, correct bites, and reduce jaw pain. They also make your teeth easier to clean and improve the aesthetics of your smile.

Of the 4 million Americans who wear braces, 80% are teenagers. It's estimated that up to 50% of children will wear them at some point. 

While braces shift your teeth into alignment, once the braces come off, you want your teeth to remain in position. That is where retainers come in. 

In this blog, let’s review why retainers are necessary after braces.

Residents of Richmond Hill, Georgia, looking for ways to straighten their teeth can find help with Dr. Nils Anderson and our experienced team at Village Dental.

The importance of retainers

The process of braces takes months. So, when it's finished, you need to be sure your teeth don’t shift back (relapse) into their old positions. 

Retainers are devices used to help finish the job braces start because they allow your gums, jaws, muscles, and teeth to fully adjust to the new alignment. 

Types of retainers

There are two main types of retainers:

Fixed

Also referred to as bonded or permanent, this type uses a glue-like bonding agent to keep the retainer in position. It is the preferred choice for people at higher risk of relapse. The bonding may be placed on the upper or lower teeth.

Removable

Removable retainers come in several varieties. One is a removable wire version called the Hawley retainer, and the other is a molded clear plastic one. Both are fitted to your current alignment and make brushing and flossing easier because you can take them out before your dental hygiene routine.

Getting a retainer

The procedure for making a retainer varies based on whether you’re getting a fixed or removable one. 

For the fixed version, we use a metal wire to measure the proper tooth placement and glue it in place.

The removable version requires getting a mold of your teeth using a soft, putty-like material placed in a tray. The tray is placed in your mouth to create the impression, which is then sent off to a lab. The lab makes the retainer in about one week. 

For the first 4-6 months, retainers are worn day and night, after which you’ll be wearing it only at night.

Keeping your teeth straight is important to preserve the work you’ve already put in, and proper use of retainers is the key to reaching that goal. To find out what type of retainer you’ll need and how to properly care for them, make an appointment with Dr. Anderson and Village Dental today.