Retainers

When your braces come off, you start a new phase of your orthodontic treatment… retention. The retention phase of your treatment is just as important as the braces phase because without retention, your teeth will move.

What kind of retainers can I choose?
 There are 3 types of retainers.
1) Clear (Essix) retainers are the most popular because they are the least visible and easiest to wear. They are made of a thin plastic shell that is vacuum formed from a stone model of your teeth.

2) Hawley Retainers are most popular for younger patients. They are made of wires and colored acrylic. The fun part about Hawley retainers is you can have them made in any color you want. You can even have a design or logo with your favorite team.


3) Fixed Retainers are made of an orthodontic wire that is permanently bonded to the tongue side of your teeth.  They have the advantage staying in your mouth 24 hours a day but have the disadvantage of causing tartar buildup, gingivitis and other gum problems if they are not kept clean.

How often do I wear my retainers?
We recommend every patient wear their retainers full time for 1 year after completing treatment. Full time means all day except for eating and sports. After a year you can wear them only a nights.

Why do I need to wear my retainers?
Your teeth are not actually fused to your jaw bones.  They are actually suspended from the bones by tiny fibers called periodontal ligaments.  Two sets of these fibers reset to their new position after 6 months, but the third set takes a year.  That is why it is so important to wear your retainers all the time for the first year.

Why do my retainers make me talk different?
When you get your new retainers you may talk with a lisp for a few days. This is because your tongue hits the retainer when you talk.  This throws off the timing when you speak.  Not to fear!  If you keep wearing your retainers and work through it, your tongue will adapt and you will talk normally in 2-3 days.

I noticed increased saliva with my new retainers. Is that normal?
Yes, this is natural and your body's normal reaction from having an object in your mouth like food.  Like with the speech, the increased saliva will go away after a days or so if you keep wearing your retainers.

What do I do if I loose my retainers?
If you can't find your retainers, call our office as soon as possible.  Every day you are not wearing your retainers, your teeth can shift.  We can usually make a clear retainer within one day.