Retainers are dental devices used in post-orthodontic treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the retainer’s primary purpose is to minimize the natural tendency of teeth to revert to their original positions over time. Retainers prevent your teeth from going back to their old positions. Retainers maintain the results after braces or clear aligners. It prevents your teeth from grinding and helps you maintain your oral health. It is important and compulsory to use retainers after orthodontic treatment, and recommended to replace them when needed.
In this blog, you will have complete knowledge of retainers, their types, wear time, costs, and why to use them.
Types of Retainers
After your orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may recommend one of the following types of retainers:
- Hawley Retainers
These are the classic wire-and-acrylic retainers. They’re durable, adjustable, and allow slight movement of teeth if needed.
- Clear Plastic Retainers (Essix Retainers)
These transparent, removable retainers fit snugly over your teeth like at-home teeth aligners. The clear retainers are discreet and popular for their minimal appearance.
- Fixed Retainers (Permanent)
These involve a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth. Ideal for long-term results, especially for lower front teeth.
Lifespan of Retainers
The lifespan of a dental retainer depends on its type and how well it’s cared for.
- Hawley retainers are made of acrylic and metal wires. They can last 3 to 10 years with proper maintenance.
- Clear plastic retainers typically need replacement every 6 months to 2 years, as they wear out faster and can crack or warp.
- Fixed (bonded) retainers, attached behind the teeth, vary in durability and should be assessed during routine dental visits.
Orthodontists recommend regular check-ins to monitor fit and hygiene, ensuring your retainer continues to hold your smile in place.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Dental Retainer
These are some of the signs when you should replace your current retainer with a new one.
- When you see cracks or any visible damage in your retainers.
- When you misplace, break, or lose your retainers
- When retainers don’t retain their shape due to heat or overwearing.
- If your retainer has a poor or uncomfortable fit.
- Retainers containing foul odour.
Why is Replacing Your Dental Retainer important?
- To prevent orthodontic relapse
- To avoid gum irritation and infection from dirty/damaged retainers
- To ensure proper oral hygiene
- To maintain the effectiveness of long-term orthodontic results
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Retainer
Below are some tips that can keep your retainers safe and increase their lifespan.
- A proper cleaning routine can extend the life of your dental retainers.
- Keeping your retainers in the storage case can also increase the lifespan of your retainers.
- Keeping your retainers away from heat, as it can deform the shape of your retainers.
- Remove your retainers whenever you brush your teeth or eat food.
What to Do if You Lose or Break Your Retainer
Here are some steps you should take in case you lose or break your retainers.
- Contact your orthodontist immediately to discuss next steps and prevent teeth from shifting back to their old position.
- Do not attempt to fix it yourself as DIY repairs can worsen the damage or injure your mouth.
- Store any broken pieces safely and bring them to your dental appointment.
- Act quickly, especially with clear retainers, as even a short delay can allow your teeth to move back to their previous position.
- Maintain good oral hygiene in the meantime to avoid complications.
What issues can a retainer fix?
Yes, there are many ways retainers can help you. Some of the issues are given below
- Preventing Bruxism: Retainers act as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing mild cases of bruxism (teeth grinding).
- Speech Improvement: Many people face a slight speech disorder after braces. Retainers help in improving speech.
- Gum and Bone Stabilization: Retainers help stabilize the bite while ensuring jaw bones and gums are directed to their corrected positions.
Wondering how much a new retainer costs. Retainer costs are not very high, starting from $150 to $650.
| Type |
Cost Range |
| Hawley Retainers | $375 to $475 |
| Clear Plastic Retainers
|
$150 to $650 |
| Fixed Retainers | $250 to $500
|
Wrap Up
Retainers are important in retaining the results after any dental treatments, like braces and clear aligners. The one thing we all usually neglect is the retainer’s cleaning and its proper care. Using above mentioned guidelines, you can increase your retainer’s life. Replacing retainers can be a logical step than using your one retainer for a long time to see visible results quickly. It also helps in the prevention of mild cases of bruxism and in stabilizing bones and gums.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I eat with my retainer on?
No, you should always remove your retainers (like Hawley or clear plastic ones) before eating. Eating with them can damage the retainer, trap food, and increase your risk of cavities and bad breath. Fixed retainers, however, stay in while eating but require extra attention during brushing and flossing.
Q2: What happens if I stop wearing it for a week?
Even a short break, like a week, can allow your teeth to shift, especially soon after braces. You may notice a tight fit or discomfort when putting it back in, which is a sign of early relapse. Consistent wear is crucial to maintain your orthodontic results.
Q3: Is nighttime wear enough?
For many patients, nighttime wear becomes sufficient after the initial full-time phase. However, this depends on your orthodontist’s recommendation. Some may need more than night-only wear to prevent shifting.
Q4: Do retainers hurt when replacing them?
A new retainer may cause mild pressure or slight discomfort initially, especially if your teeth have shifted slightly. This is normal and should subside within a few days.
Reference
Gellerman. (2023, June 21). How often do you need to replace your dental retainer? Gellerman Orthodontics. https://drgellerman.com/how-often-do-you-need-to-replace-your-dental-retainer/
