When you have freshly straight teeth, you tend to want to keep them that way. There’s one primary tool we use for this, and Kovacs Orthodontics wants you to be well-versed on it. We’re going to discuss how long you need to wear a retainer after braces.
The Point of It All
You might have a general concept of what retainers do for teeth, but our team wants your education to be thorough! Here are three of the main points of wearing a retainer:
- Maintains Alignment: First and foremost, a retainer maintains your new smile like a well-kept garden. You put a lot of work into getting that new smile with Dr. Kovacs, after all. It also helps retain the alignment of the jaws and the bite.
- Supports Bone and Tissue Stabilization: Surrounding bone and soft tissues don’t immediately adapt to the new alignment of your teeth. A retainer is needed for this initial stabilization period to start.
- Prevents Lifelong Shifting: As years go by, teeth will begin to slowly shift back into their original state if you don’t intervene. This is a big reason we stress the importance of retainers on a lifelong timeline.
Clear, Fixed, or Traditional?
You may not realize it, but there are actually a few different types of retainers. The variety Dr. Kovacs settles on will depend on your individual needs. Let’s take a closer look.
- Removable Retainers
- Hawley Retainers: These are the classic retainers you probably picture first, made from a base of acrylic and metal wire. They are adjustable, durable, and easy to clean. Hawley retainers can also be beneficial for bite alignment, which is a huge bonus for some of our patients.
- Wear Schedule: Initially, full-time wear is required, followed by nightly wear after the first year, which is usually indefinite.
- Clear Plastic Retainers: Made from transparent plastic, these retainers fit close to your teeth, which makes them a favorable option for those seeking subtly. Clear retainers may need replacement more often than Hawley retainers, as they aren’t quite as durable. They are lightweight but can be prone to cracking if not maintained.
- Wear Schedule: These also start with full-time wear before shifting to part-time use after the first year or so.
- Fixed Retainers
- Bonded Retainers: This consists of a thin wire that is permanently bonded to the back of your front teeth, providing continuous support without the need for routine removal and reinsertion. This comes in handy for patients who are concerned with the compliance aspect of a removable appliance.
- Wear Schedule: Bonded retainers are worn all the time and must be kept clean. Regular check-ups with Dr. Kovacs are important to ensure the bonded retainer remains in good condition after months of use.
Demystifying Retainer Use
There is a long list of myths that come with retainer use, which leaves people understandably confused! Kovacs Orthodontics wants to shed some light on the truth behind these prevalent misconceptions.
- Myth #1: You Don’t Need a Retainer After Clear Aligners
- Truth: Teeth can shift back after any type of orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners. This misconception probably comes from the fact that clear aligners look so much like plastic retainers. Retainers are just as essential after aligner therapy as they are after braces.
- Myth #2: You Can Clean Your Retainer with Toothpaste
- Truth: This seems like it would make sense, right? But toothpaste is abrasive in order to clean your teeth, so it can scratch plastic retainers. Mild soaps or specialized retainer cleaning solutions are the best options. In addition to not looking great, scratches on the plastic can trap bacteria, making them unsanitary.
- Myth #3: Retainers Last Forever
- Truth: The lifespan of your retainer depends on the type and if any damage occurs—but none of them last forever! Plastic retainers may need replacement every 1–3 years, and even more durable ones like Hawley retainers will need occasional replacement or adjustment. Remember that they sustain a lot: Daily wear, cleaning, and handling. It’s important for patients to monitor its condition and replace it when needed.
- Myth #4: Fixed Retainers Don’t Require Maintenance
- Truth: The exchange for the permanence of fixed retainers is maintaining regular cleaning and checkups to prevent plaque buildup or damage. Plaque and tartar can easily accumulate around fixed retainers like braces do—leading to gum disease or cavities if not properly taken care of.
The Retainer Relay
Kovacs Orthodontics has you covered long after your braces come off or you finish your last set of clear aligners. Retainers are essentially smile insurance—so keep up with them and use them properly! Our team in Miles City and Billings are here to answer any additional questions or concerns you might have.