Retainers
Maintaining Your Smile's Alignment
The most comprehensive orthodontic treatment will require braces or aligners. In both cases, your treatment will involve minor adjustments to your teeth to correct any misalignment. This guarantees a straight smile as well as an equally balanced bite.
But braces aren’t the only step needed to achieve an effective permanent orthodontic solution. After braces have been removed, the retention phase starts. It is crucial to continue with retention in order to keep your newly straightened teeth after treatment. The final results of your orthodontic treatment will depend on the retainer you choose, and you must maintain your sessions for your appointment with Dr. Bajaj even after your braces are removed.
Several distinct kinds of retainers can be suggested to you:
- Clear Retainers: A removable transparent tray made of plastic that can be placed on top of your teeth.
- Traditional Retainers – A removable device comprised of acrylic and wire that rests on the front of your teeth.
- Bonded Retainer is a small, fixed wire that is temporarily fixed to the tongue (tongue) part of teeth that are anterior.
Dr. Bajaj will provide you with the type of retainer most suitable for your orthodontic treatment strategy. The retainer must be worn as frequently as you are instructed. You’ve been under active treatment for several months or even for years. Retainers are essential to ensure that your teeth don’t slide back to their correct places.
If it’s not inside your mouth, store your retainer inside its case. The build-up of bacteria can affect the retainer, making it less clean and altering the fitting. Regular cleaning to eliminate these bacteria is a crucial aspect of maintaining your retainer properly.
To clean your retainer, you need to brush it with a moist toothbrush. Then, soak it in a solution of cleansing solution. Make sure to thoroughly rinse it with water that is cold or room temperature before putting it back in your mouth. Hot water may result in the appliance losing its shape, and it should be kept away from it.
For more information on how to properly care for and use your retainer, call our office.
Retainers FAQs
Can I eat and drink with my retainer?
Removable retainers should be removed when eating and drinking to avoid damage.
What if my retainer breaks?
Contact our office immediately for a replacement to ensure your teeth remain in place.
How do I clean my retainer?
- Clear Retainers: A removable transparent tray made of plastic that can be placed on top of your teeth.
- Traditional Retainers: A removable device comprised of acrylic and wire that rests on the front of your teeth.
- Bonded Retainer: A small, fixed wire that is temporarily fixed to the anterior part of teeth that are anterior.
How Long Will I Need to Wear My Retainer?
Retainer wear is typically a lifelong commitment to ensure your teeth remain in their new positions. While the frequency of wear decreases over time, it’s important to continue wearing your retainer as instructed by Dr. Bajaj to maintain your beautiful smile.
What If My Retainer Feels Tight?
If your retainer feels tight, it may indicate that your teeth have shifted slightly. Continue wearing it as instructed, but if the tightness persists or becomes uncomfortable, schedule an appointment with Dr. Bajaj. Adjustments may be needed to ensure a proper fit and to prevent further tooth movement.
Accepted Insurance Plans at Steele Creek Smiles
*We also accept and file insurances through the Zelis, Connection, and Dentemax Dental Networks. For a comprehensive list of providers, please click here. If you do not see your in-network dental provider listed above, please let us know. We will do our best to work with any insurance providers our patients carry.