At the end of every brace treatment, patients are required to wear retainers. At the Straight Teeth Suite, we provide our patients with two sets of retainers, either removable or permanent fixed retainers, and then a set of removable retainers. Removable retainers look much like this here.
It’s a clear, plastic appliance that will keep your teeth straight, and you will have to wear it permanently for six months and remove it when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. For the six months following that, you will need to wear it every night. For the final stage, we advise you to wear it 3-4 nights a week for the rest of your life.
Fixed Retainer or Not?
If your bite permits it, we do recommend having a fixed permanent retainer. We refer to this as a bonded retainer, and it is a little wire that sits behind the back of your front teeth and keeps them straight. If you have a permanent retainer, you only need to wear your removable one at nighttime for the first 12 months. After that, again, you can go to 3-4 nights a week. However, please note that all retainers are meant to be used for life, regardless of their type.
Note: If you have a permanent bonded retainer, you won’t be able to floss in between your teeth.
Additional Dental Aid
As an alternative to dental support, we recommend you get some TePe brushes that come in many colours, with each colour representing different sizes. Your dentist or a hygienist can tell you which one is the most appropriate for you. TePe brushes fit reaches the gaps in between your teeth, allowing you to clean all areas you would normally couldn’t, with regular brushing. You can use them around your bonded retainer and ensure a healthy mouth.
What to Do if you Notice Tooth Movement
If you notice any unwanted tooth movement, please do give us a call, and one of our dentists will assess your case and see if any change has indeed occurred. The bonded retainers will stay in your mouth for as long as you want your teeth to be straight, and they are easy to repair if anything comes unglued. In addition, at Straight Teeth Suite, you also get a yearly guarantee for our retainers.
Important Notes:
- We do strongly advise you to keep your removable retainers in a case so you don’t lose them or damage them. Several of our patients have had incidents where their dogs have actually eaten them! So, better keep them in the case than trying to figure out how they have gone missing!
- In regards cleaning your removable retainer, just take it out after you have worn it overnight and simply rinse and clean it in cold water. Alternatively, you can get a Retainer Brite that you can use to clean your appliance. Have a cup of warm (not hot) water, add the Retainer Brite to it (it will make a blue solution) and pop your retainer in. Leave for about 15-20 minutes (the solution will go clear) and your retainers are spotlessly clean!
For any other questions considering your oral health, retainers, braces, or anything else related to your oral health, just contact us and we will be happy to have everything clear for you. Book your first consultation FREE of charge and let’s discuss the things that trouble you! The solutions are there…so, what are you waiting for!