3 things you need to know about getting orthodontic retainers

1) How many kinds of retainers are there?

When your orthodontic treatment is completed, Dr. Nancy Phan will order retainers for you. There are different types of retainers: wire retainers (or hawley retainers), clear retainers or bonded retainers.  Wire and clear retainers are removable types, which mean you take them out to eat, brush, floss and clean. The bonded retainer is a fixed type.  It stays glued to your teeth at all times unless the glue broke off or you have it removed. 

In general, most common retainers are wire or clear retainers.  Removable retainers are easier to clean and maintain. They are easier to detect when lost, broken, or if not fit properly. They do not interfere with eating, flossing and keeping your teeth clean.  

Bonded retainers require a bit more maintenance care.  You need to use a special tool, called floss threader, to clean in between your teeth, below bonded wire,  to prevent stains and cavities.  Regarding diet, you need to avoid biting into hard food as the glue may break off and allow your teeth to shift.  If you detect any broken part of the bonded retainer, call your orthodontist for a check-up and repair immediately.

2) Which type of retainers do I need?

Your lifestyle will influence what type of retainer that you have to wear.  If you have an active lifestyle and want rigid set of retainers, Wire retainers will be a good choice.  Wire retainers may interfere with your speech during the first few weeks; however, after the adjustment period, your speech will get back to normal. They are a lot thicker than other types of retainers so they are very durable.  On the other hand, if you lift weight or grind your teeth at night, clear retainers or a custom mouth-guard are recommended as they may protect you from wearing away your enamel.  Finally, if you are out and about and traveling a lot, or if you snack a lot, or if you tend to forget to wear removable retainers, bonded retainers may be a good choice for you.

3) How long do I need to wear them?

Depending on your malocclusion and the complexity of your case, your orthodontist will let you know how long to wear the retainers.  Generally, most patient wears retainers full time during the first years out of braces then go to night-time wear the 2^nd year and after.  The more crowded your teeth started out with, the longer you need to wear retainers full-time after braces removal.  

Your teeth are constantly experienced forces and pressures by the opposite teeth, jaw muscles and tongue; thus they need constant retention to prevent shifting   In general, life- time retention is recommended. 

Whether you are a teenager or an adult, you will need to wear some type of retainers to prevent your teeth from slipping and getting re-crowding after braces. If you have any question, Dr. Nancy Phan, your orthodontist in San Jose, can help with answers.  Visit our website at www.CareOrthodontics.com or call Dr. Nancy Phan in San Jose CA at 408-971-2885 to schedule an appointment.