Retainers

Removable Retainers

Once the active orthodontic appliances are removed, the patient will receive retainers to maintain the corrected position of the teeth. Because the bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth remain stabilized for several months after braces are removed, it is imperative that retainers be worn as instructed. Failure to wear the retainers may result in undesirable tooth movement, which could necessitate re-treatment.

How Retainers are Worn

Because teeth can continue to move throughout life, we feel that individuals who have undergone orthodontic therapy should wear retainers indefinitely. A patient should wear retainers at all times for six months following the removal of braces.

After approximately six months, the patient can wear the retainer just at night. Dr. Krista Hirasuna will see you every six to nine months to provide recommendations regarding wisdom teeth and to monitor the retention of your bite and smile.

As you get older, the muscles surrounding your teeth tighten and exert pressure on them, causing them to move or crowd, so we recommend wearing your retainer at night indefinitely.

How to Care for Retainers

• Retainers are made of a thermoplastic material that is sensitive to excessive heat, so they should be kept away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards, or any place where the temperatures exceed 115 degrees (Fº).
• Retainers should be kept in the proper retainer case when they are not in the patient’s mouth.
• Keep away from any family pets, as they like to chew on them.
• Clean before and after placement in the mouth. Because the material used for fabrication is slightly porous, plaque tends to cling to the surfaces. Gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush and a mild liquid soap will remove the plaque. A denture-cleaning solution, such as Efferdent, can aid in removing plaque and tartar. Be sure to rinse the retainers thoroughly after cleaning to remove any cleanser residue.

Because retainers are worn for years, they will need periodic replacement. Your original treatment contract includes one set of retainers after the braces are removed. If retainers are lost or damaged due to neglect, a replacement fee will be charged. If the retainers become loose or break, contact our office immediately.

Fixed retainers (Bonded Wire)

This wire should stay on forever. The only exception is if your family dentist reports that you are not maintaining proper oral hygiene and that it is beginning to cause gum or bone problems. If this should occur, please have the wire removed and replace it with a removable retainer. The removable retainer should then be worn as prescribed by Dr. Hirasuna. The fixed wire will protect the teeth as the patient ages, and the facial muscles tighten. Please have this wire monitored by your family dentist at your six-month check-ups.

Habits or Conditions that Require Stronger Retention

• Mouth breathing
• Clenching and/or grinding of teeth (muscle hyperactivity)
• Tongue thrusting, low tongue posture, or abnormal tongue posture
• Playing a musical instrument with a reed
• Lip sucking
• Pen or pencil biting
• Spacing between the teeth prior to treatment
• Severely rotated teeth

Our goal is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential to achieving this goal.

Dental Examinations and Cleanings

The patient should continue proper oral hygiene at home, including thorough brushing and flossing. His or her family dentist should see the patient at least every six months for cleaning and dental examinations.