Retainers
Sherwood, OR
 Completing your braces or Invisalign treatment is just one step in having a lifetime of straight and even teeth. Once your braces and Invisalign trays are removed, you will now need to wear retainers for an indefinite amount of time. This is important for preventing relapse and making sure your teeth do not go back to their original position.
At Senestraro Family Orthodontics, Dr. Seth Senestraro and Dr. Seth can help you keep your teeth straight and even with the help of custom-made, high-quality braces.
Types of Retainers
There are two major categories of retainers: fixed retainers and removable retainers.
Fixed Retainers
Like the name indicates, fixed retainers, also known as bonded retainers, are affixed permanently to your teeth and cannot be removed at home.
A fixed bonded retainer is equipped with a thin metal wire that is bonded to the back of your teeth. This way, it is practically invisible and does not impact the aesthetics of your smile. Many people who do not want to go through the hassle of removing their retainers every day and cleaning them often opt for fixed bonded retainers.
These retainers are designed to last for years if you take care of them properly.
In some cases, people will get a fixed retainer on one arch and a removable retainer on the other arch.
Removable Retainers
There are two types of removable retainers:
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Hawley Retainer: Hawley retainers are a type of removable retainers. They are equipped with a piece of acrylic that rests on the floor of the mouth or your palate, depending on which arch it is used on. The wire goes around your teeth and fixes the retainers in place.
Although these retainers are still noticeable, they are much less so than traditional metal braces. Hawley retainers can be adjusted for small corrections.
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Clear Retainers: Also known as Essix retainers, these retainers are made from smooth and supple BPA-free plastic. In appearance, these aligners are quite similar to Invisalign trays. These retainers can easily slip over your teeth and are almost invisible. They are also quite comfortable and since they are extremely easy to remove for cleaning, are fast becoming a very popular choice among patients. |
Maintaining Your Retainers
Your retainers will last for several years if you care for them properly:
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If you use fixed retainers, it is important that you carefully brush and floss around them to remove food debris and plaque.
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Make sure you keep your routine dental appointments so that we can make sure your fixed retainers are undamaged and clean.
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If you use removable retainers, it is important that you always keep them in their case when you are not wearing them. Never place them on a napkin or tissue paper as they can accidentally get thrown away. In addition, since they are transparent, if you put them anywhere besides your case, they may be difficult to find. In addition, they may become damaged, especially if a child or pet reaches them.
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Take off your removable retainers before eating or drinking any beverage, aside from water. This is because sugars can get stuck between your retainers and teeth and can increase your risk of tooth decay.
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To clean your removable retainers, take them off your teeth and gently scrub them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild toothpaste or cleansing solution. This will prevent plaque from accumulating on it.
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Do not wash your retainers with hot water or keep them in a hot place because it can warp their shape.
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Make sure you wear your retainers according to our directions. Not wearing them even for a few days may cause your teeth to shift back to their old position.
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Bring your retainers to all of your routine dental appointments so that we can make sure they are in good shape. |
If you are concerned about the evenness of your smile, Dr. Seth Senestraro and Dr. Seth at Senestraro Family Orthodontics can help you with that. We will evaluate your teeth and determine if you require orthodontic treatment. If you need a new retainer, we can make a high-quality custom retainer that fits your teeth precisely. To schedule a free consultation with us, call (503) 925-8899 today. |
