A retainer is an orthodontic device that helps keep your teeth in their new, proper position after you've finished wearing braces or other forms of dental treatment. If you're looking for orthodontic treatment near you, it's essential to understand the role retainers play in ensuring your treatment results are long-lasting. At Zurcher Orthodontics, we want to ensure our patients know why retainers are so important and how to care for them properly over time.

Why Retainers Are Necessary

When teeth move into their desired location during orthodontic treatment, they remain in flux as the surrounding bone and gums adjust. Over time, the teeth can become loose and return to their original position if not held in place with a retainer. Wearing a retainer after your orthodontics will help keep the newly aligned teeth in place until the desired result has been achieved. 

Types of Retainers

Several retainers are available at Zurcher Orthodontics, depending on your needs and goals. These include the following:

Essix Retainers

Essix retainers are a type of dental retainer fabricated from a transparent plastic material and used to hold teeth in place after orthodontic treatment. They are custom-made to fit the individual's teeth, and their thin, comfortable design makes them barely noticeable when worn. Essix retainers are typically used to maintain the final results of orthodontic treatment, such as braces. They are easy to remove and clean and can be worn for as long as necessary to keep the teeth in their desired positions. They are also used to correct minor misalignments or prevent further movement of teeth. Essix retainers can be an effective and aesthetically pleasing option for maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile.

Hawley Retainers

The most common type of retainer is a Hawley retainer, consisting of a metal wire that surrounds the teeth and keeps them in place. Hawley retainers can be removable. After the braces come off, patients may be required to wear their removable retainer all day and night for around a few months. After this time, an orthodontist can evaluate how often patients need to continue wearing their retainer.

Bonded Retainers

Bonded Retainers are a specific type of wire bonded to the backside of your teeth and cannot be removed by the patient. This type works well for people who may forget about wearing their retainer or want to ensure that their teeth stay in place afterward. An orthodontist must only adjust bonded retainers.

Retainer Care

No matter what type of retainer you have been fitted with, proper care is essential for keeping it clean and functioning over time. When not worn, you should always store it securely in its case so it does not become brittle or warped from exposure to heat or cold temperatures; this will help ensure it comfortably fits when you wear it again. Additionally, brushing your retainer regularly with toothpaste will help remove any food particles from its surface and prevent bacteria from forming on it while preventing foul odors from developing over time. 

Fixed retainers can be more challenging to clean as they require you to get behind your teeth, where regular brushing can not reach. Patients with fixed retainers must floss daily and may want to invest in a cleaning device, such as a floss threader, to get behind their retainer.

Do I have to Wear a Retainer Forever?

The time needed to wear your retainer may depend on your age and the condition of your teeth before getting braces. In any case, our recommendation is always this: Follow instructions carefully when wearing a retainer, and post-brace maintenance will always seem easy! You should wear your retainer for a few years or longer to ensure your teeth are aligned even after your braces come off.

Retainers Near Me in Jordan Landing and Draper, UT

Zurcher Orthodontics is here to help you to maintain the smile and dental health you have always wanted. We will ensure you get the best care, so your straight teeth last a lifetime.

With proper care and regular wear, retainers can help ensure your smile looks great for years! If you're considering treatment at Zurcher Orthodontics, don't forget to talk with Dr. Zurcher about how often he recommends wearing your retainer after completing treatment so you can enjoy beautiful results permanently! Contact us today to set up an appointment!