All About Retainers
Retainers Overview
Your retainers are custom designed to maintain the stability of your new smile. After the teeth have moved, and the surrounding bone has stabilized, the gum tissue surrounding each tooth takes an additional 4-6 months to remodel and stabilize around the new position of our teeth.
If the retainers aren’t worn consistently during this important window of time right after the braces are removed, the teeth will never be able to gain full stability, and are more likely to move back.
Video from the American Association of Orthodontics: Retainers Prevent Your Teeth From Becoming Crooked Again
How often do I have to wear my retainers?
Typically we ask that you wear your retainers full time for the first 6 months, and then at nights thereafter - for life.
If you ever feel that your retainers are feeling a bit tighter, then go back to full-time wear until they become passive again.
If your retainers aren’t in your mouth, ensure that they are in their proper case – not wrapped in a napkin, as this often results in lost retainers.
Hawley vs. Clear Retainers
We offer both Hawley and Clear Retainers, and one set of retainers is included in your orthodontic treatment plan. We have gradually started to use more clear retainers as we have noticed the superior retention they offer with less relapse of the teeth during those crucial first 6-12 months after the braces are removed.
Dr. Ko or Dr. Yoon will recommend the retainer option which is best suited to your treatment needs.
Retainer Instructions
Please wear your retainers as instructed by Dr. Ko & Dr. Yoon. Generally full-time for the first 6 months, then nights thereafter.
Do not play with the retainer with your tongue- this will also cause distortion & prevent the retainer from seating correctly over time.
Retainers can warp in excessive heat: Please do not soak your retainers in hot water or keep them in a warm car or next to a hot oven/stove.
Keep your retainers away from your pets, they love to chew on them!
Cleaning your retainers regularly is important to keep plaque and bacteria from building up (and becoming smelly!). To clean your retainers simply rinse them under water and brush them gently with a toothbrush & a non-abrasive toothpaste as needed.
You can also purchase retainer cleaners from drugstores or from your orthodontist as needed.
Remember that retention is just as important as braces in keeping your smile beautiful and straight.
