Once you have completed teeth straightening with removable orthodontic braces dentist will provide you retainers for holding on the results in the long run. You may find a little awkward not knowing its significance. Here, in this blog you can understand why you need to wear retainers after teeth alignment treatment. So, continue reading……

What is tooth retainer and what is its use?

Orthodontic retainer defines that a device maintains the teeth alignment orthodontic treatment. Remember that teeth even shift the position in adulthood too.

So, you should continue the use of retainer despite the age to stop the teeth from returning to their pre-treated position. Retainers are final phase of an orthodontic treatment which barely talked about. Next time when you are at the dentist for the treatment raise your concerns on it.

Different options for retainers to pick from

A number of options are available for orthodontic retainers. The orthodontist is the right person to determine the most suitable one for your condition. However, you can also select which one best suits you!

Fixed retainers

Fixed retainer comprises of metal wire to place back of the teeth in both lower and upper canine. But, it is completely invisible from front. Initially, you need some time to get familiar with this option. The extra thinness of the retainer alleviates any sort of discomfort and pain making the entire procedure quite pleasant.

However, due to the use of metal wires you may find flossing quite tough. Hence, you need to adapt new brushing technique which will ensure complete removal of plaque from the mouth. Even, you have to go for professional teeth cleaning once in every 6 months-1 year based on your condition. 

Removable retainers

Removable retainers as it name suggests equips with removable feature. It acts similar to removable orthodontic appliances like aligner and clear braces! It allows you to pop it out during brushing and eating. Hence, you can continue with the dental hygiene regime without any hindrance. Plus, adaptation is quite easy and less time consuming!

Mobile tyre services to ensure zero disruption and prompt solution

However, it is extremely important to put on the retainer back into the mouth once you are done with eating and cleaning. Try to maintain the hours specifically mentioned by the dentist to wear the retainers for desirable results. When you remove it always store in the provided box. Removable retainers are available in the following types:

• Hawley retainers- This retainer makes use of hooks to place on teeth with a wire is there outside the teeth! It covers up the whole palate resisting the bite alteration along with unprecedented teeth movement.
• Removable clear retainers- This one is quite popular for the extended comfort and the less visibility. Moreover, you can pop them out to clean similar to aligner. It is a kind of splint which you can find in clear braces that barely causes discomfort.

Retention phase

Once the orthodontic treatment is over, you can commence the retention phase! If you are going with fixed one then you can get it in a single day! For providing a customised and removable retainer the orthodontist will carry out 3D scan ensuring that it will snugly fit the teeth. Until the delivery of retainer, you should continue putting on the aligner for best results.

How long need to put on the retainer after orthodontic treatment?

Despite the type you choose, retainers must be put on every day. But there is no answer how long you need to put it on specifically for the desirable outcome. Basically, it varies on the option you select:

• Fixed retainers don’t move at all and you can put it for long without any hindrance.
• You should put on removable orthodontic retainer throughout the day except during brushing and eating. To get familiar with it, you must put them at night. 

When to put an end to use of retainer?

After getting the retainer, every patient wants to know when to stop using it! Whether you are putting on removable or fixed retainer, they are going to serve you for long. You must use it for the rest of your life once the orthodontic treatment concludes. By this way only you can retain the obtained results in the long run. 

Risks of not using retainer post orthodontic treatment

Earlier there was no proper option of retainers so most orthodontic treatment lost its effect after some time. Hence, there are many patients who need to restart the treatment again for smile alignment.

Therefore, it is clear that if you stop using retainer or removable dental appliance after orthodontic treatment the effects will go away after some days. This will leave you in utmost need of another braces treatment.

How can you clean the retainers?

When people get retainer treatment, they start thinking what involves the cleaning procedure for clear or permanent retainer. But the fact is it is quite simple. Remember fixed retainers never deem any special attention and additional care. You can clean it while brushing the teeth normally!

However, removable retainers deem additional care. As you can remove them, just wash it using neutral soap and cold water. Avoid using the toothpaste for cleaning purpose as it will scratch it. Sometimes, it can lose its transparency making the aesthetic non-pleasant. However, daily wash will ensure the good working condition of the retainers by killing foul smells.

What is the cost of fixed and removable retainer in the UK?

Now you have understood the significance of putting on the retainers post braces treatment! Still, worried about the retainers cost? It varies whether the retainer is removable or fixed! Even other aspects including material used, the clinic you visit for the treatment and the dentist contribute to the cost too. 

• Cost of removable retainers in the UK is £60-£200 approx
• Cost of fixed retainer in the UK is £100-£400 approx

These are the cost of one unit. So, if you need multiple for the treatment then the cost will naturally spike up.

When you are in need of orthodontic treatment in London, you can schedule a dentist consultation at 1A Orthodontics. During the appointment, your queries will be answered while guiding you through the treatment simultaneously.