Orthodontic Retainers

Keeping Your Smile Straight After Treatment

Orthodontic retainers are removable or fixed appliances used after orthodontic treatment to maintain the position and alignment of the teeth.

Smile experience orthodontics doctor explaining digital retainer scan to young patient in new jersey

Even when braces or aligners have moved teeth into their corrected positions, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original misaligned state. Retention devices help prevent this relapse by holding the teeth in their new positions, ensuring the orthodontic treatment’s long-term success. At Smile Experience Orthodontics, we offer several different types of retention devices for patients at our Wayne, Florham Park and Oak Ridge offices.

Preparing for Your Retainer

Once you have completed your braces or clear aligner treatment, a member of the Smile Experience Orthodontics team will create a 3D model of your teeth so that he can customize your retention devices for a perfect fit. When your devices are ready, our team will either affix your permanent retainer to your teeth, or show you how to insert your removable devices. We will continue to schedule your regular check-up appointments and also share tips for caring for your new appliances.

Types of Retainers

Smile Experience Orthodontics offers two types of retainers:

  • Permanent: Also known as fixed or lingual retention devices, these appliances adhere to the back of the teeth—usually to the front bottom teeth—and cannot be removed.

  • Removable: These devices can be removed to eat, brush and floss. Smile Experience Orthodontics offers two types of removable devices: Hawley and clear.

The type of device you select will depend on your individual needs. It is important to note that each type of retention device has its own considerations for hygiene and maintenance.

Permanent Retainers

Permanent devices, also known as bonded, fixed or lingual devices, are thin wires that are attached to the back of your teeth to prevent them from shifting back to their original positions. These stay in place for as long as Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. Nicole Czajka recommends and are discreet and difficult for others to see. Where the device is adhered depends on your individual needs, however, it is usually placed on the backside of your front bottom teeth, as these teeth are very prone to shifting.

Smile experience orthodontics doctor reviewing retainer care with adult patient in wayne, oak ridge, and florham park, nj

Caring for Permanent Retainers

Caring for permanent retention devices is essential to maintain a straight and healthy smile after orthodontic treatment. Care tips include:

Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, paying special attention to the area around the device. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the wire and the back surfaces of your teeth. It’s essential to remove any plaque or food particles that may accumulate around the wire.

Flossing can be a bit trickier with a permanent retention device. You can use floss threaders, interdental brushes or water flossers to clean between the teeth and under the retainer wire. Regular floss might not be effective with the wire in place.

Continue to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. Be sure to attend all orthodontic check-up appointments as directed by Dr. Rosenberg to ensure your device is still functioning properly and your teeth have maintained their new positions.

Be mindful of what you eat to avoid damaging the wire or getting food stuck around it. Avoid sticky or hard foods that could bend or break the wire. Cut up crunchy fruits and vegetables into small, manageable pieces.

Try to avoid habits like biting your nails, chewing on pens or using your teeth to open packages, as these activities can put undue pressure on the wire and even damage it.

If you participate in sports or physical activities where there’s a risk of impact to the face, wear a mouth guard to protect both your teeth and the retention device.

If you notice any issues with your device such as a loose or broken wire, contact our Wayne or Oak Ridge offices immediately for advice and to schedule a repair appointment.

Remember that permanent retention devices are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but they are not indestructible. Proper care and maintenance will help ensure they remain effective and keep your smile beautiful for years to come.

Removable Retainers

Unlike permanent retention devices, removable retainers can be taken out when eating or brushing or flossing. At Smile Experience Orthodontics, we offer two types of removable retention devices:

  • Hawley: These consist of a plastic or acrylic base that rests against the roof of the mouth (for the upper jaw) or the floor of the mouth (for the lower jaw). They also have a wire that wraps around the front teeth. The wire can be adjusted to maintain the teeth’s alignment over time.

  • Clear: Clear devices, also known as Essix or Vivera retainers, are made of a transparent, medical-grade plastic material that fits over the teeth. They are less noticeable compared to Hawley devices but may not be as durable.

Caring For Removable Retainers

Initially, removable retention devices are usually worn full-time, meaning they are kept in place throughout the day and night. This ensures the teeth remain stable in their new positions during the critical post-treatment period. After a few months, Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. Nicole Czajka may recommend transitioning to wearing them only at night. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a removable retention device:

Proper hygiene is essential to keep removable devices clean and free from bacteria buildup. It’s typically advised to remove them before eating and to clean them with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner. Avoid using hot water, as it can distort the device’s shape. You should always only place devices on clean teeth.

Removable appliances can be lost or damaged if not handled carefully. Always keep them in their protective case when not in the mouth, and avoid wrapping them in napkins or tissues, as they might get thrown away accidentally. Also, be sure to be gentle when removing or replacing your device. If the devices are lost or damaged, contact Smile Experience Orthodontics immediately for a replacement.

It’s normal to experience some initial discomfort when wearing devices, especially during the first few days. The mouth will need time to adjust to the appliance. Additionally, they may temporarily affect speech, causing a slight lisp, but this typically improves as the mouth adapts to the appliances.

Even after the active orthodontic treatment is complete, it’s essential to visit Smile Experience Orthodontics for regular check-ups. Dr. Rosenberg will monitor the teeth and the condition of the removable device to ensure the teeth remain properly aligned.

With proper care, removable devices can last for several years. However, they are not indestructible, and over time, they may wear out or become less effective. Dr. Rosenberg will advise you on when to replace your appliances.

Do I Have To Wear My Retainers?

FAQs

Retainers play an important role in protecting your smile after braces or clear aligner treatment. Even years after treatment ends, questions can come up about fit, replacement and tooth movement. At Smile Experience Orthodontics, we’re here to help you keep your results on track and know what to do when something changes.

Contact Smile Experience Orthodontics as soon as you can. Going without your retainer gives your teeth an opportunity to shift, especially soon after treatment. Our team can let you know what to do next and arrange for a replacement if needed at our Wayne, Florham Park or Oak Ridge office.

Your retainer may feel tighter than usual when you put it back in, which can be a sign that your teeth have started to move. If it still fits comfortably, resume wearing it as directed. If it will not fit or causes significant discomfort, contact our team rather than forcing it into place.

A retainer is designed primarily to hold teeth in position, not provide full orthodontic treatment. If your teeth have shifted slightly, Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. Czajka can evaluate whether your existing retainer is still appropriate or whether another option would be better for safely restoring your alignment.

Your retainer can wear down, crack, warp or become loose over time. If yours no longer fits snugly, has visible damage or seems noticeably different from when you received it, bring it to your next visit or contact Smile Experience Orthodontics. Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. Czajka can determine whether a replacement is needed.

Neither option is automatically better for everyone. A permanent retainer stays attached to the teeth, while a removable retainer can be taken out for eating and cleaning. Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. Nicole Czajka can recommend the type that makes the most sense based on your teeth, treatment history and long-term retention needs.

Young orthodontic patients walking through smile experience orthodontics in wayne, oak ridge, and florham park, nj

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