About this topic
Retainers help to hold your teeth in place. Your dentist may want you to wear one after you have had your dental braces taken off. Other times, your dentist may suggest a retainer to help move your teeth to the correct position in your mouth. You may need to wear your retainer 24 hours a day at first. After a while, you may only have to wear your retainer at night. In time, you may only need to wear it every few nights. ‚
General
Retainers come in a few different types. ‚
- Wire and plastic retainer ¢ ˆ ’ You will have a plastic mold that fits perfectly inside of your mouth. It is joined to a wire that goes in front of your teeth. This kind of retainer is easy to adjust and lasts for a long time. You may lisp when you talk with your retainer in place and it is easy for others to see it. The retainer is easy to take out when you eat or brush your teeth or retainer.
- Molded plastic retainer ¢ ˆ ’ The molded plastic fits down snugly over your teeth. It is clear and not easy to see. This kind of retainer may wear out after a few years. It does not allow your top and bottom teeth to touch. The retainer is easy to take out when you eat or brush your teeth or retainer.
- Fixed or bonded retainer ¢ ˆ ’ Most often you will have a fixed retainer on your bottom teeth. The dentist will glue it to the inside of your lower front teeth. Later, you may switch to some other kind of retainer. A fixed retainer does a very good job of keeping your teeth in the right place. You may have more problems when you brush and floss your teeth with this kind of retainer.
What will the results be?
Retainers can help keep your teeth in the correct place when they are worn as directed. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
- Clean your retainer each day. This will get rid of germs, plaque, and small pieces of food. Ask about the best way to clean your retainer.
- Ask if it is ok to brush your retainer with your regular toothpaste.
- You may be able to soak your retainer for a short time in mouthwash or denture cleaner.
- Take care of your retainer when it is not in your mouth.
- Use a special container to store your retainer whenever it is not in your mouth. Keep it in a safe place. Retainers are easy to lose or damage.
- Keep your retainer away from hot water or other heat sources. The plastic can melt or change shape.
- Keep your retainer away from pets and small children.
- Do not bend the wires on your retainer.
- Learn the best way to clean your teeth if you have a fixed retainer.
- You may need to use special tools to help brush and floss your teeth to keep them clean.
- See your dentist regularly and bring your retainer to the appointments. Your dentist can check your retainer so that it continues to fit the right way.
Where can I learn more?
American Association of Orthodontists ‚
https://www.aaoinfo.org/system/files/media/documents/Retainers-14-hl.pdf ‚
Kids Health ‚
http://kidshealth.org/kid/feel_better/things/retainers.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚