All About Retainers After Braces
If it is almost time for you to start thinking about wearing retainers after braces have been removed, you probably have a few questions. What type of retainer will you wear? How often and how long do you have to wear it? Will it hurt to have the braces removed? There are a few different types of available retainers after braces have been removed for you to choose from. It is inevitable you will need to spend some time wearing one to make sure that your teeth stay picture perfect.
Removing Braces
The first thing you probably want to know about “retainers after braces” is how exactly they get them off your teeth and if it will hurt. Braces have come a long way so those that had to wear them many years ago will probably tell you that there is some pain involved but the process is a bit simpler now.
The brackets just twist off so they are pretty easy to remove. Occasionally, the removal of the bands can cause a bit of discomfort but if you experience pain you can simply tell your orthodontist and he or she can cut the bands.
Types Of Retainers After Braces
It is very important that you wear your retainers. After braces have been removed, your teeth are very vulnerable and since you have probably invested a considerable amount of time and money on them, the last thing you want to do is jeopardize the outcome. The retainer is essential to keep your teeth in the position that they are meant to be in.
Also, you must wear your retainer precisely the way that your orthodontist advises because it traditionally takes around nine months for the periodontal ligaments in your mouth to remember what position they are suppose to be in. Once you get past the first year, most people only need to wear their retainer a few nights a week to keep their smile looking fabulous.
Retainers after braces basically come in three different types being Hawley retainers, Essix retainers and Permanent retainers.
- Hawley Retainers – These are the most common type of retainers after braces that are chosen. They are made from acrylic that has been molded specifically to your mouth. The Hawley retainer contains a wire that works to hold your teeth in place. The acrylic portion of the retainer is available in clear or many different colors and patterns if you want something a bit more personalized.
- Essix Retainers – These retainers are quite similar in appearance to an Invisalign aligner tray or some types of whitening trays. Many people absolutely love these while other people find them unbearably uncomfortable.
- Permanent Retainers – These types of retainers are actually glued directly to the back parts of your teeth so they cannot be removed.
Ultimately, your Orthodontist will help you decide on a retainer choice and may recommend one over another. Whichever type you decide on, you really need to listen to your Orthodontist and wear it as long as they advise. You will probably wear it 24 hours a day, seven days a week at least for the first several months and then later they will tell you when you can start just wearing it at night. If you do not wear your retainer, there is a very good chance that your teeth are going to shift, especially if you had extractions.
Cleaning Your Retainer
While you can use your toothbrush to clean a Hawley retainer, you cannot use your toothbrush with an Essix retainer. It is recommended for both types to use a retainer cleaning product. Some types of products will come in a tablet form that are ideal for traveling because you do not need to use any type of cleaning device with them. They work similar to a denture cleaner. Other types of retainer cleaning products will come in powder form and you will use them with a battery-operated bath. These are very efficient in removing buildup.
Your Orthodontist will be able to recommend what cleaner will work best with specific retainers. After braces have been removed, be sure to be consistent with good oral hygiene to assure the life of your picture perfect smile.