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Retainers are custom-made devices designed to hold your teeth in their new position after orthodontic treatment. In Vancouver, retainers are an essential part of maintaining the results achieved through braces or aligners. They are typically made of plastic or metal and can be either removable or fixed. Retainers help prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back to their original positions, ensuring that your beautiful new smile is preserved for years to come. By wearing retainers as directed by your orthodontist, you can maintain the alignment of your teeth and protect the investment you’ve made in your orthodontic treatment.
The process of getting retainers in Vancouver usually begins towards the end of your orthodontic treatment. Once your braces or aligners are removed, your orthodontist will take new impressions of your teeth to create a custom retainer that fits perfectly. There are two main types of retainers: removable and fixed. Removable retainers, such as Hawley retainers or clear plastic retainers, can be taken out for eating and cleaning. Fixed retainers, also known as bonded retainers, are attached to the back of your teeth and provide continuous support. Your orthodontist will determine the best type of retainer for your specific needs and provide detailed instructions on how to wear and care for it.
Retainers in Vancouver offer numerous benefits by ensuring the longevity of your orthodontic results. They help maintain the proper alignment of your teeth, improve oral health, and prevent the need for additional orthodontic treatment in the future. Proper maintenance of your retainer is crucial for its effectiveness. This includes cleaning your retainer regularly, following the care instructions provided by your orthodontist, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Consistent use and care of your retainer will help preserve your straight teeth and beautiful smile.
The process of getting retainers in Vancouver begins towards the end of your orthodontic treatment. Once your braces or aligners are removed, your orthodontist will take new impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create a custom retainer that fits perfectly. This step ensures that the retainer will effectively hold your teeth in their new position. Accurate impressions or scans are critical for creating retainers that are comfortable and effective in maintaining the alignment of your teeth.
There are two main types of retainers: removable and fixed. Removable retainers, such as Hawley retainers or clear plastic retainers, can be taken out for eating and cleaning. These retainers are designed to fit snugly over your teeth and are usually worn full-time initially, then at night once the teeth stabilize. Fixed retainers, also known as bonded retainers, are attached to the back of your teeth using a dental adhesive. They provide continuous support and are typically used for the lower front teeth. Your orthodontist will recommend the best type of retainer based on your specific needs.
After receiving your custom retainer, you will have follow-up appointments to ensure it fits properly and is functioning correctly. Your orthodontist will provide detailed instructions on how to wear and care for your retainer, including cleaning techniques and the recommended duration of daily wear. These appointments are crucial for monitoring the stability of your teeth and making any necessary adjustments to the retainer. Regular follow-up visits help ensure the long-term success of your orthodontic treatment by maintaining the alignment of your teeth and addressing any issues promptly.
Adhering to your orthodontist’s instructions on how often and how long to wear your retainer is crucial. Consistent use of your retainer, especially in the first few months after your braces are removed, helps ensure that your teeth remain in their new position. Over time, your orthodontist may adjust the duration of daily wear, but maintaining this routine is essential for long-term success.
Proper cleaning of your retainer is essential to prevent plaque buildup and maintain oral hygiene. For removable retainers, brush them gently with a toothbrush and mild soap, avoiding hot water which can warp the plastic. For fixed retainers, ensure you floss around the retainer and use a water flosser to remove food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Regular cleaning prevents bacteria buildup and keeps your retainer fresh.
Retainers are delicate and can easily be damaged if not handled properly. When not in use, always store your removable retainer in its protective case to avoid loss or damage. Avoid placing your retainer in napkins or loose in your bag, as it can easily be discarded or broken. Be mindful when inserting and removing your retainer to prevent bending or cracking.
For those with fixed retainers, it is important to avoid sticky or hard foods that can damage the retainer or get stuck in it. Chewing on hard objects such as pens or ice can also cause damage. If you have a removable retainer, remember to take it out before eating or drinking anything other than water to avoid staining and breaking.
Regularly check your retainer for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any cracks, distortions, or if it no longer fits properly, contact your orthodontist for a replacement or adjustment. An ill-fitting retainer can be ineffective and may cause discomfort.
Regular follow-up appointments with your orthodontist are essential to ensure your retainer is working effectively. These visits allow your orthodontist to monitor the stability of your teeth and make any necessary adjustments to your retainer. Consistent follow-up care helps maintain your orthodontic results and address any issues promptly.
If you experience any discomfort, difficulty wearing your retainer, or have concerns about its fit or condition, communicate with your orthodontist. Open communication helps address issues quickly and ensures your retainer is functioning correctly, contributing to the long-term success of your orthodontic treatment.
Retainers are the best means of maintaining your fabulous new smile once we’ve helped you to craft it. We’re experts in the selection and fitting of all kinds of retainer, and with various options available to suit your lifestyle- fixed, unfixed, plastic, wire, whole mouth and half mouth- we’ll personalize it to make it your retainer.
There are two main types of retainers:
What is a retainer and how important is it that I wear it?
Retainers are designed to keep your teeth straight and can either be removable or fixed. Now that your teeth are straight, if you do not wear your retainer, your teeth are likely to drift towards their original positions. If this does happen it may be difficult or impossible to correct.
How long will I have to wear the retainers?
Normal age changes occur in the human body; in the mouth, these age changes show up as gum recession, increased lower front teeth crowding and increased turning of twisted or rotated teeth. Having orthodontic treatment does not grant immunity to these normal changes. These age changes vary in severity. Therefore we recommend that you wear your retainers for an indefinite period of time wear them as long as you want to keep your teeth straight.
Removable retainers:
Depending on each case your orthodontist will recommend to you your retainer regime. Please follow this carefully to ensure you do not get any relapse.
Do not eat or drink with your retainer in place. You will need to clean them regularly using: a toothbrush with soap and lukewarm water (not hot). Avoid using toothpaste or bleach as this will scratch and discolor the retainers. “Retainer Brite” can be used to clean the retainers and make them taste better.
Fixed retainers:
You may be fitted with a wire to the back of your bottom/top teeth. This is called a bonded retainer. You will need to keep this extra clean. Please avoid any hard, sticky and crunchy foods if you have been fitted with one. If this breaks please wear your removable retainer full time and contact the practice immediately.
You will not need to be seen often now the retainers are in place. You will be advised about your future appointments.
Retainers are expensive to replace so please take great care of them. Please keep them in a retainer box when they are not being worn. Also bring them to all future appointments!
Contact us for more information on retainers or to schedule a FREE consultation session in Vancouver.