After you finish your Invisalign treatment, your teeth will look perfectly straight and feel much more comfortable while at rest. It’s nice to know that you likely won’t be needing orthodontics again – but there is one thing you should be aware of. In order to maintain your treatment results and prevent your teeth from slipping back to their original positions, you’ll have to wear another type of oral appliance: a retainer.
Each retainer is a bit different, but this post can give you an overview of what to expect. Keep reading for the details!
Removable Retainers
Like your Invisalign aligners, a removable retainer is a dental tray that you’ll be able to take out and put back in. Usually, these trays are a clear plastic material – also like your Invisalign! Your dentist will let you know how often you should wear this type of retainer, though it’s not uncommon to have to wear it only at night while you sleep. All things considered, removable retainers are pretty low maintenance.
Fixed Retainers
As you may have guessed, fixed retainers are cemented in place. Don’t worry; your dentist will use a special adhesive that’s safe for your mouth. You won’t be able to remove this type of retainer, but they often have a thin, low profile. Essentially, fixed retainers are a small strip of metal wire that will be attached to the back of your teeth. After a while, you’ll hardly notice that it’s there!
Caring for Your Retainer
The amount of care you’ll have to devote to your retainer depends on the type. Removeable retainers have to be rinsed before and after inserting them and should be cleaned at least twice a day. This prevents bacteria from building up on the retainer and causing problems for your smile.
Fixed retainers can be a bit tricky to keep clean, as plaque and bacteria can hide between the retainer and your pearly whites. Be sure to brush a fixed retainer gently as part of your twice daily oral hygiene routine and use an interdental brush to get behind it and reach the hidden ickiness.
Your Dentist is There to Help
While wearing and caring for your post-orthodontic retainer isn’t exactly rocket science, everyone gets brain fog from time to time. If you need a reminder about the proper way to handle your retainer or need help cleaning behind the fixed wire, don’t hesitate to call your dentist! They also want your teeth to stay nice and even and will gladly offer their professional assistance.
About the Practice
Dr. Sivan Patel and Dr. Amir Danesh Sani are highly experienced dentists with skills in a number of advanced treatments. Both believe that patient education is the foundation of good oral care, and make sure that their patients are well-informed about their treatments and aftercare. If you have any questions about wearing or caring for your retainer, contact Dr. Patel and Dr. Sani’s office at 847-297-0808.
