Retain Your Straight Smile

The time has come for your braces to be removed and you are excited! You’re ready to show the world your new, straight smile. You are also looking forward to having a healthier smile. You may be wondering, however, what comes after braces. How do you retain your straight smile?

In most cases, our Dr. Steven Ricci will recommend a retainer after braces or aligner treatment. As the name suggests, a retainer is used to retain the new position of the teeth while the bones and ligaments of the jaw re-tighten and stabilize. If you don’t wear a retainer as you should, the teeth can shift out of alignment. Because you moved the teeth in the first place, they can easily move back to their initial positions without the help of a retainer. For this reason, it’s vital to wear your retainer in order to retain your straight smile.

Types of Retainers

The two main types of retainers are removable and fixed. You can easily take removable retainers out when you eat or brush and floss your teeth. Patients tend to wear removable retainers for at least a year after they remove their braces. Hawley retainers are the most common type of removable retainer. These customizable retainers use a wire to keep them around the teeth. There’s also a more aesthetic type of removable retainer that uses clear plastic to make it nearly invisible. A fixed retainer uses cement to secure it to the back of teeth. These will stay in the mouth for several years, unlike other options. If you wish to retain your straight smile, talk with your orthodontist to determine which type of retainer is best for you.

Retainer Care

In order to retain your straight smile with a retainer, you need to know how to properly care for the appliance. Always carry your retainer case with you and always use it when you’re not wearing your retainer. This can help you to avoid losing your retainer. To clean removable retainers, soak them in denture-cleaning tablets or in vinegar and water. If you wear a fixed retainer, going to your regular checkups allows your dentist to check for cavities and to make sure that the areas around your retainer are clear of tartar and plaque.