Are you finally finishing up your orthodontic treatment? Congratulations! You put a lot of effort into transforming your smile. To ensure that your radiant new smile lasts a lifetime, you are now ready to embark on the next stage of the orthodontic journey: wearing a retainer.
At All About Smiles Ortho, we offer retainers in Orlando to all of our orthodontic patients. Retainers are small orthodontic devices that secure your teeth in their new positions while your jaw bone tissue grows around them and stabilizes them. This process of bone rebuilding takes a while, and even after the new bone has been created, you may still require a retainer.
Read on to learn more about retainers near you and how you can care for your retainer to best protect your oral health.
There is More Than One Type of Retainer
Depending on the type of orthodontic issue you had, your dentist in Orlando may suggest either permanent or removable retainers, or sometimes, a combination of these.
Permanent retainers are fixed in place and can only be placed and removed by a dentist. These retainers are made of a custom-fitted wire that bonds to the inner portion of your teeth.
Removable retainers are the kind that you can place and remove on your own. These are typically made out of wire and hard plastic material. The part of the container that covers the roof of your mouth or goes behind your bottom front teeth can be matched to the color of your gums. However, if you want to have some fun with your retainer, you ask a dentist near you to personalize it with colors or images.
Your dental professional will provide you with a prescription for retainer use, and this will include instructions on when to wear your retainer, for how long, and how to look after your retainer. Follow these instructions for the best results.
Remember that if you don’t wear your retainer as instructed, then your teeth may move back to their original positions, and all the hard work you put in to transforming your smile may be reversed.
How to Care for Your Retainer
When your removable retainer is not in your mouth, ensure that you place it in its case. You should always carry your retainer case with you and avoid placing your retainer in your purse or pocket without a case, as this can lead to damage and allow debris and bacteria to build up on it.
Do not wrap your retainer in a napkin, as you or someone else may accidentally throw it away. You should also keep it away from heat, as it can deform if left on a heater or in a hot car.
How to Clean Your Retainer
When you receive your retainer, your dentist will give you instructions on how to clean it.
If you have a removable retainer, you should brush it with toothpaste or cleaner before putting it in your mouth and after it is removed. Ask your dentist if you should remove your retainer before you eat, as this varies from patient to patient.
If you have a permanent retainer, you can brush and floss like normal; just ensure that you pay extra attention to the device in your mouth Suggested by Sutton Coldfield dentist
Your Smile is in Your Hands
It is up to you to maintain your gorgeous smile. Keep up with an excellent oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. To preserve your new smile, wear your retainer as instructed by your dentist, and contact them any time you have a question or concern about your teeth or retainer.