Are Retainers Good Choice For Teeth Straightening?

To hold your teeth in place custom devices are designed that are known as Retainers. After orthodontic treatment they’re prescribed, such as braces, after it’s been corrected or reshaped, to keep your bite in place. To wear a retainer for a long time can be irritating but it’s a mild inconvenience compared to having to go through braces all over again.

With braces after your teeth have been straightened, a retainer keeps your teeth from moving. For the new position of your teeth to become permanent, it can take at least four to six months. Your teeth will try to shift back to their original position, during that time, which is called relapse. A teeth retainer prevents this from happening when used as instructed.

What are the types of retainers?

After you have had your braces removed there are three types of retainers that orthodontists prescribe. To keep your teeth from moving and to settle them permanently in their new place, both types are prescribed:

1. Bonded retainer- Bonded retainer is the first type of retainer. To keep them in place for the first few months after treatment, it’s attached to your teeth after your braces are removed. If you need to wear your retainer at all times as a follow-up to orthodontic treatment, a bonded retainer is recommended.

2. Hawley retainer- This is the second type of remover and it is a removable kind. It is also called wire retainers or permanent retainers and can be taken out for cleaning and for eating meals. For you to wear your retainer and follow your orthodontist’s instructions, having a removable retainer doesn’t mean it’s any less important.

3. Clear retainer- It is also a removable kind of retainer. It’s designed to mold to and fit the new position of your teeth perfectly so clear retainers also called a molded retainers. They become popular in recent years because they’re virtually invisible and more likely to be worn. It is not as similar as Invisalign, which is used to straighten teeth, not prevent them from moving out of position. Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wear and use.

How to clean retainers?

When you remove it, clean your removable retainer with lukewarm water every time. When it’s still wet, rinsing your retainer with your saliva will keep food from hardening on your retainer.

You can purchase a special soaking product to soak your retainer in between uses if your Miami orthodontist recommends.

To scrub every part of your retainer once per day, you may also want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. As many kinds of toothpaste are abrasive and can scratch your retainer, do this carefully though. On which kind to use, consider asking your orthodontist for advice.

Use a clean cotton swab dipped in water to clean it out if food debris gets trapped in your retainer. Don’t try to wash it in the dishwater and don’t boil your retainer in water.

What is the cost of retainers?

The cost of traditional Hawley retainers is between $150-600. Like an Invisalign or an Essix retainer, Replacement clear retainers cost between $400-4800. The first retainer you receive is usually included in the cost of your total orthodontic treatment. To place or replace permanent retainers cost between $150-$500.