Orthodontic Retainers
Orthodontic Retainers are tools used in orthodontics treatment to hold the teeth in place after the elastic fibers around the teeth have been stretched. The orthodontic treatment process involves moving the teeth from one position to another. In doing so, the bone and gum tissue around the teeth will be forced to adjust to the new tooth position. Keep reading to learn more about retainers and types of orthodontic retainers.
Wear Your Orthodontic Retainers
Since the elastic fibers around the teeth have been stretched, they tend to pull the tooth back to its previous position unless resistance is applied to that tooth, thus, orthodontic retainers. Our teeth tend to continue to move and shift throughout our lifetime, this is why orthodontic retainers are recommended to be worn regularly for many years, preferably every night
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
There are two types of Orthodontic retainers; Fixed or permanent retainers and removable retainers which can be removed out to eat or clean. These types of retainers have their pros and cons;
Pros and Cons of Fixed Orthodontic Retainers
Fixed retainers stay on the teeth every time, you don’t have to remember to put them back on after eating or taking them off. They can also be hard to clean properly with brushing or flossing. If they get loose, they can be really uncomfortable and the teeth might be moved out of place quickly
Pros and Cons of Removable Retainers
Proper hygiene; you can easily take off your removable retainers and brush or floss your teeth properly, they can also be taken out while eating so there is no restriction on the type of food to eat. On the downside, if not worn regularly, the teeth can move out of position
Clean Your Orthodontic Retainer
Considering that Orthodontic Retainers are worn for several hours, they tend to start smelling hence causing bad breath. You can easily prevent this by following the following rules;
- Do not put your retainers in boiling water or hot water, because they can easily deform or warp them due to high temperatures.
- Allocate a container for your retaniers, when it's not in your mouth, put it into a distilled water. you can add a little quantity of baking soda to it.
- You can have us look at your retainers from time to time, this will enable us disinfect the retainer using the right tools and cleaning products. And also replace it if broken.
- Brush your retainers regularly (every day). Allocate a toothbrush for this.
Working Hours
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Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm
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Saturday Appointment Only
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Sunday Closed