Retainers
Retainers play a vital role in maintaining your newly aligned smile once Invisalign® treatment is complete. They help keep teeth in their corrected positions and prevent them from shifting back over time, ensuring that your results last.
Affordable Dental Retainers in Franklin, TN
Once braces or clear aligners are removed, most patients enter the “retention” phase. This stage is designed to keep teeth from shifting back to their original positions. To maintain your new alignment, you’ll wear a custom-made retainer, which may be fixed or removable. These appliances are typically crafted from clear plastic and thin wires for comfort and a barely noticeable fit.
The amount of time a retainer must be worn varies based on your treatment and age. Staying consistent is essential—without regular use as directed, teeth can shift, causing treatment setbacks or extending the overall process. Commitment during this final phase helps ensure your smile stays beautifully aligned.
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What types of retainers are available?
There are several types of retainers, each designed to support different orthodontic needs. Your orthodontist will recommend the best option based on your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Common types include:
- Hawley retainer: Made of a metal wire attached to an acrylic base that sits against the palate or behind the teeth. The wire can be adjusted to help keep teeth in place.
- Essix retainer: A clear, vacuum-formed tray made from a mold of your corrected teeth. It covers the entire arch and is nearly invisible.
- Fixed retainer: A small wire bonded to the back of the teeth, often used when significant movement has occurred. It helps prevent teeth from quickly shifting back.
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What do I need to consider when using a retainer?
To get the most from your retainer, proper care and consistent use are essential.
Keep track of it: Always place your retainer in its case when eating, brushing, or drinking. Leaving it in a napkin or on a counter makes it easy to lose and costly to replace.
Don’t eat with it in: Eating with a removable retainer can damage it and trap food, causing odors. Essix retainers also prevent your teeth from meeting, making chewing nearly impossible.
Clean it regularly: Brush your retainer inside and out to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup. Hawley and Essix retainers can be brushed, and Essix types may also be cleaned with denture or retainer cleaners.
Wear it as instructed: This final phase is crucial. Retainers help stabilize your teeth in their new positions. Skipping wear can lead to shifting, extra costs, and undoing months of progress.
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How do you know when it's time to replace your retainer?
Retainers are durable but not permanent. Replace yours if it feels too loose or tight, or if you notice cracks. Wearing a damaged or warped retainer can harm your smile. If you lose or break your retainer, contact your orthodontist promptly for a replacement.
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Can I use my last set of aligners as my retainer?
Retainers are designed for the final phase of treatment to hold teeth in place, while aligners are made to move teeth. Your orthodontist will determine when retention should begin and which type of retainer or retention plan is best for your needs.
More questions about retainers?
If you have questions about retainers, feel free to reach out to our office. We’re always glad to help.
