Why are retainers important after orthodontic treatment?

The most important reason for wearing retainers is to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position. The second reason is to maintain the shape of your jaw, and the third reason is to reduce jaw clenching and grinding.

After completing your orthodontic treatment at Care Orthodontics, Dr. Nancy Phan and team will recommend that you wear retainers. Retainers will hold your teeth, gums and bones in placed until they are stabilized and are less likely to relapse.

There are 3 kinds of retainers. Today, Dr. Phan will share with you the pros and cons and each type:

Hawley retainers:  They are the most common type of retainers and are made out of wire and acrylic. They are removable and are custom made from the impression of your teeth.

• Pros:  These retainers are most durable. They can last up to 15-20 years as long as they are well maintained, kept in their retainer cases, and being worn daily. They can be repaired to accommodate a new crown, a big restoration or even an implant crown or bridge. They allow the person to brush and floss easily.
• Cons:  They require a short adjustment time initially. When first worn this type of retainer may alter your speech a little. Your mouth may salivate a little more until your tongue adjusts to function with these retainers in the mouth.

Clear retainers:  They are removable and transparent. They are custom-made from the entire arch and can be used to hold teeth or to produce minor movements. They are commonly used in Invisalign treatment to move teeth.

• Pros:  These retainers are very esthetic and they are very thin so they are very easy to wear. Most people do not need any adjustment time. Your speech is not affected. In addition, this kind of retainer can be used as a mouth guard to prevent enamel wearing down during grinding.
• Cons:  Their average life time may be 3-10 years depend on the amount of teeth grinding or clenching. Patients who experience heavy clenching and grinding may wear out clear retainers quickly and require a replacement set.

Bonded retainers. They are fixed, non-removable and cemented directly in the back of upper and lower six front teeth.

• Pros:  These retainers stay in the mouth 24-7 unless there is any breakage. For people who forget to wear retainers, for whom teeth have shifted easily, or who prefer to leave retainers in the mouth all the time, this type of retainer is indicated. 
• Cons:  These retainers require the most daily care and maintenance. You need thorough brushing and a special flossing device to keep stains and food away from these retainers. You need to avoid incorrect biting or flossing to prevent bonding breakage. Bonded retainers are not life-time permanent retainers. The bonding can break off and cause your teeth to shift. Broken bonded retainers will need to be repaired or replaced by an orthodontist. In patients who have periodontal diseases such as loss of bony attachment around teeth or have loose teeth, bonded retainers can break easily and require frequent repairs.   

If you have any question about retainers, you can contact us for a consultation appointment at (408) 971-2885 with Dr. Nancy Phan. You can also check our website at www.CareOrthodontics.com for other useful information and tips.