Retainers

What Is a Retainer

As the name suggests, retainers are designed to hold teeth in place rather than move them. However, sometimes retainers are used to facilitate minor tooth movements.

The purpose of wearing retainers is to ensure your teeth remain in their new positions. Because they aren’t moving your teeth, they will feel more comfortable to wear than braces.

Why Do I Need a Retainer?

When your teeth are straightened, they are forced to move through your jawbone and gums, and these tissues must make way for the tooth movements. Once your teeth are in their new positions, the gums and bones surrounding them need time to remodel and rebuild, gradually securing the tooth roots and your teeth in place.

If your teeth have been straightened significantly, it can also take time for your facial muscles to adjust. Without retainers, your teeth will try to move back to their original places, as they still retain this memory of where they once were.

Different Types of Retainers

You can choose between fixed and removable retainers, each with its own merits. Occasionally, it may be preferable to use a fixed and removable retainer to prevent your teeth from moving.

Fixed Retainers

A fixed retainer is a very simple device: a thin wire custom-shaped to fit precisely on the inner surfaces of your teeth, where it cannot be seen. The wire is bonded onto your teeth and is non-removable.

You can have a fixed retainer fitted to your upper, lower, or both sets of teeth. These will work continuously to keep your teeth straight.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Having a Fixed Retainer

Advantages can include:

• A fixed retainer wire is relatively discreet and unobtrusive.
• Fixed retainers are ideal if you are likely to forget to wear removable retainers.
• The retainer wire is very thin and unlikely to affect speech.
• Fixed retainers can last for years.

Disadvantages can include:

• Fixed retainers are trickier to clean around, so you need to spend extra time cleaning them thoroughly to maintain good oral health.
• Some people find them uncomfortable, especially when they first start to wear them, as their tongue can become sore.
• Although fixed retainers are durable, the wire can break or become loose.

Removable Retainers

With a removable retainer, you can take it out of your mouth whenever you wish, so you need to have compliance. Choices include:

1. Invisalign retainers.
2. Hawley retainers.
3. Essix retainers.

1. Invisalign Retainers

If you have straightened your teeth using Invisalign aligners, your treatment plan may already include Invisalign’s retainers, called Vivera retainers.

Your retainer after Invisalign will look just like an ordinary aligner tray and is custom-designed and computer-generated to fit over your teeth precisely and comfortably. Vivera retainers are just as easy to use and care for as aligners.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Choosing Invisalign Retainers

Advantages can include:

• Invisalign retainers are just as invisible as the aligners.
• The smooth plastic retainers are comfortable to wear.

Disadvantages can include:

• Invisalign retainers are not adjustable, so if you need any adjustments, you will need a new set.
• Discoloration can occur if you wear your retainers while eating and drinking.
• Good compliance is essential, and you must wear them as directed by our Invisalign dentist.

2. Hawley Retainers

These retainers are a little different, as they have a base made of clear acrylic that holds orthodontic wires. These include wires custom-shaped into clasps that fit around your back teeth, securing the retainer firmly in place.

Another wire will fit across your front teeth, preventing them from moving. This wire, called a labial bow, stretches across your front teeth to each of your canines. The labial bow is adjustable if needed.

These custom-made appliances can be made to fit your upper and lower teeth.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Choosing a Hawley Retainer

Advantages can include:

• The retainer can be adjusted if needed.
• Hawley retainers are durable and can sometimes be repaired if they break.
• Your bite is not affected since your teeth will meet together naturally, so a Hawley retainer is comfortable to wear.

Disadvantages can include:

• Hawley retainers are more visible, since the labial bow is easy to spot.
• Good compliance is essential as you must remember to wear your retainers.

3. Essix Retainers

An Essix retainer works in the same way as an Invisalign retainer. It is also made from clear plastic and is custom-designed to fit over your upper or lower teeth. Unlike an Essix retainer, no orthodontic wires are needed.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Choosing an Essix Retainer

Advantages can include:

• An Essix retainer is like an aligner tray and is nearly invisible in the mouth.
• The smooth plastic of an Essix retainer ensures it is comfortable to wear.

Disadvantages can include:

• An Essix retainer cannot be adjusted. If any adjustments are required, you will need to replace it.
• Over time, discoloration can occur, particularly if you eat or drink while still wearing it.
• Good compliance is essential, as you must remember to wear your retainers.

Caring for Your Retainer

The care recommended will depend on whether your retainer is fixed or removable.

Looking after Fixed Retainers

Cleaning a Fixed Retainer

When your retainer is first fitted, our hygienist or dentist can discuss the best way to clean around the wire thoroughly. We may recommend using special tools, such as a WaterPik or floss threaders.

You might find it useful to schedule more frequent hygiene appointments. Having your retainer cleaned thoroughly will help you maintain good oral health more easily.

Eating with a Fixed Retainer

Certain foods may damage or break your retainer wire, such as very hard or crunchy foods like nuts and seeds. Very sticky foods can be tricky to remove from it.

What to Do If Your Retainer Breaks

If your retainer wire breaks, contact Dental Pearl immediately. We can arrange for it to be remade and fitted onto your teeth.

Looking after Removable Retainers

Invisalign and Essix Retainers

If you have an Invisalign Vivera or Essix retainer, you will care for it the same way you care for your removable aligners.

It’s important to remove it for meals and beverages other than water. You must clean your retainer and your teeth before replacing it after meals.

Hawley Retainers

A Hawley retainer must be removed before meals. If you eat with it in place, the acrylic base is likely to discolor and become stained, and you risk breaking your retainer. Food and debris will also become trapped on and around the base and wires.

You will need to clean your retainer regularly, at least once a day, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild dish soap. We will recommend a suitable cleaning agent for soaking your retainer to help deep-clean it. This will help ensure it remains fresh and hygienic.

If your Hawley retainer breaks, contact us so we can arrange to have it repaired professionally.

Storing Removable Retainers

Always store your retainer in the case provided when it is not being worn to help protect it. Store it away from direct heat, and never clean it with very hot water, as this could distort it.

Retainers keep your teeth aligned and preserve your smile after orthodontic treatment. At Dental Pearl Miami in North Miami Beach, FL, we provide custom retainers for lasting results. Schedule your dental appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions