Braces are an excellent treatment for straightening teeth, rectifying tooth crowding and achieving a beautiful smile. After completing your braces treatment, it is natural to experience excitement about the outcome. Nevertheless, your teeth can attempt to revert to their initial positions. The ligaments and fibers surrounding your teeth, which anchor them to the gums, require time to adapt before they can stabilize your teeth’s alignment, and it could take about four to 6 months for the new positions to become permanent. A retainer is essential to post-orthodontic care; it ensures your teeth remain aligned while preventing undesired movement. Retainers offer additional reinforcement to prevent your teeth from shifting.

Los Angeles Advanced Dentistry specializes in fitting removable and bounded retainers for children and adults, ensuring you have the best solution for long-term dental alignment that meets your unique needs. When you visit our office, we can assess your oral health to determine the best form of retainers.

An In-depth Look At Dental Retainers

Retainers are orthodontic devices designed to fit a dental patient’s mouth following an initial remodeling procedure. The primary function of dental retainers is to safeguard the results achieved through various orthodontic treatments, including braces.

Most people in their late teens experience tooth shifting or relapse. It is an issue that involves a person’s teeth moving back to their misshaped or crooked form before they underwent an orthodontic treatment. Retainers help hold the teeth in their appropriate positions.

Like braces or aligners, you should wear retainers for a specific duration before your orthodontist can suggest a discontinuation. When you begin wearing retainers, you may experience some slight discomfort, but the journey gets smoother after your teeth adjust to having them on. Remember, if you fail to wear them consistently, the retainers might not function as they should, and your teeth will likely shift.

The Purpose of Dental Retainers

Your crooked teeth or misaligned bite can be due to inherited genes. If you do not use dental retainers following an orthodontic treatment, your teeth can relapse or shift. If a relapse occurs, your gum line and muscles can require considerable adjustment time. A primary cause that can trigger a relapse is the patient ignoring wearing their retainers as instructed by their orthodontist. The shifting can take place just a few years after removing your braces. The number of times you skip wearing your retainers determines the degree of shifting.

Following a dental alignment treatment, factors that could cause a relapse include growth, chewing, and wear and tear effects. As a result, your dentist or orthodontist can suggest wearing retainers for a lifetime. If you have removable retainers, follow the orthodontist’s instructions to ensure you benefit from your treatment. The orthodontist can recommend wearing the dental retainers for 7 days or 12 months. The orthodontist can also instruct you to wear the retainers during bedtime. Dentists give recommendations on a patient-by-patient basis.

Once you begin wearing dental retainers, your orthodontist will assess you during follow-up visits to see if your treatment is on track. If something requires a fix, they will adjust and perform relevant modifications. Your first checkup can be within a month to check for any looseness, breakage, or cracks. You should also consult your orthodontist promptly once you notice something is off.

Benefits of Wearing Retainers

Wearing retainers offers wide-ranging advantages, including the following:

  • Supports breathing and speech — Proper tooth alignment enhances your breathing and speech, addressing some health issues you had before the orthodontic procedure.
  • Securing your teeth in their proper positions — Dental retainers help preserve your teeth’s structural integrity, preventing them from relapsing to their initial misshaped state, especially in the first month following treatment.
  • Rectifying your bite — Once your dentist removes braces, your soft tissue and the bone around your teeth require adequate adjusting time. Retainers help stabilize your bite and reduce the possibility of teeth shifting or relapsing.
  • Improves your dental hygiene — Straight teeth are easier to clean. They decrease the risk of bacteria buildup-related oral conditions, including infections, cavities, and other chronic oral issues.
  • Offers long-lasting health benefits — It is common knowledge that oral health impacts general health. The benefits of wearing retainers extend beyond enhancing an individual’s teeth alignment to include improved overall well-being for years to come. Enhanced general health helps fight diabetes, snoring, speech complications, heavy breathing issues, low self-esteem, and chewing difficulties.
  • Preserve space for a new tooth or teeth — Retainers help ensure adequate space in your jaw for new teeth, including wisdom teeth.

Different Types of Dental Retainers

There are a variety of retainers, including the following:

Bonded Retainers

Bonded or permanent retainers have tiny wires that fit over the rear teeth. The wires can either be fixed on your lower or upper front teeth. Fixed retainers are invisible, concealed at the back of your teeth. A leading advantage of permanent retainers is their constant support, but you should keep wearing them per your orthodontist’s instructions. However, permanent retainers are hard to clean and often require professional modifications.

The price of a new bonded retainer can range from $250 to $600. Generally, dentists include the initial placement cost in your overall orthodontic treatment pricing.

Removable Dental Retainers

Removal retainers include the following:

  • Hawley retainers — Dentists design Harley retainers using acrylic and metal wires. Hawley retainers are removable and may be modified, making them a long-lasting option. Furthermore, they are easy to repair if they get damaged or broken. Nevertheless, the metal wires are visible; some patients find them bulky and uncomfortable. New Hawley retainers range between $150 and $500 per set.
  • Clear plastic (Essix or VIvera) dental retainers — Clear plastic retainers, similar to Invisalign, are made to measure and are crafted from clear plastic that fits nicely over the patient’s teeth. Their smooth and light design makes them invisible and comfy to wear. However, they are fragile and could warp or crack if not handled carefully. That means, compared to other retainers, they may require a replacement more often. The cost of new clear plastic retainers (Essix or Vivera) can average $200 to $800 per arch.

A Simple Guide to Wearing Retainers

In your first orthodontic appointment, your dentist should offer professional guidance on the type of retainer you need and its functions.

Understanding the proper method of wearing your retainers helps preserve their condition. Also, adhere to the instructions on maintaining and caring for your retainers for optimal use. Simple but effective guidelines ensuring the appropriate use of retainers include:

  • Washing your hands — Start the process by carefully washing your hands to eliminate germs.
  • Hold your retainer properly — First, inspect the retainers in your hand to see if you should wear them on the upper or lower teeth, then direct the strip to your mouth.
  • Gently insert the device on your teeth — The second step involves pressing the dental appliance onto your teeth. Do not apply pressure when the device does not fit correctly because it could hurt your gums.
  • Fit the oral device onto your rear teeth — You can use your hands to adjust the retainers to their proper position. After securely fitting the dental retainers, avoid biting the oral appliance because you risk destroying it. Once the retainers fit your teeth, you will hear a clicking sound.

Tips on Adapting to Wearing Retainers

It could take a while before you get accustomed to wearing retainers, especially after transitioning from using braces. Changes to except include the following:

  • Initial discomfort — You can experience slight pressure or discomfort when you begin wearing retainers. The pain is short-term and can disappear the more you keep using retainers.
  • Compliance is vital — Following your orthodontist’s instructions on how to wear and care for your retainers can help you adapt better.
  • Changes in speech — You may notice a slight change in how you talk. However, changes in speech are temporary, and your speech will revert to normal.

Staying on Track

Different proven techniques can assist in maintaining your retainer schedule, including the following:

  • Digital alerts — Set recurring reminders on your phone
  • Visual reminders — Place your retainer’s storage case where you will see it often, like close to your toothbrush.
  • Support system — Disclose to a friend or loved one what you want to achieve with your retainers for better accountability
  • Small rewards — Celebrate achieving wear-time milestones to encourage the habit
  • Track your progress — Using a habit-tracking app can assist you in better tracking your progress.
  • When traveling — Ensure you pack the retainers with their cleaning tools
  • Major life disruptions — Create new reminders during stressful transitions, including relocations or switching jobs.

Potential Risk Factors

Retainers have certain concerns and potential risks, which you must consider to ensure a successful orthodontic treatment. These potential risks include the following:

Allergic Reactions

Some patients can experience allergic reactions due to a retainer’s materials. Allergy symptoms can include redness, irritation, or swelling in the gums and mouth. If you notice an allergic reaction, call your orthodontist immediately. They can suggest adjustments or alternative materials to tackle the issue.

Oral Hygiene Issues

Retainers can establish additional areas where bacteria and plaque could accumulate. Poor dental practices can result in gum inflammation and cavities.

Address these concerns by developing a rigorous dental hygiene routine that consists of brushing before wearing your retainers and cleaning the retainers daily.

Irritation or Soreness

You may experience some minor irritation when you start wearing retainers or following retainer adjustments. Nevertheless, your orthodontist can address persistent soreness by evaluating you and making relevant modifications to improve your dental retainer experience.

Bacteria Buildup

Dental retainers may become a breeding pool for bacteria if not kept clean. The buildup of bacteria can contribute to oral health challenges like bad breath.

Wear and Tear

With time, your retainers may suffer normal wear and tear damage, making them fit loosely, which can cause shifts in your tooth alignment. Regular dentist appointments help check your retainer’s condition. The orthodontist can perform needed modifications to preserve your retainer's effectiveness.

Oral Changes

Possible dental changes could include teeth shifting or the emergence of wisdom teeth, impacting your retainer’s fit. However, the orthodontist can perform corrective actions.

Accidental Breakage or Damage

Teeth retainers are fragile appliances susceptible to breakage or damage if not handled carefully. Ensure you always keep the retainers in a protective case. Call your orthodontist promptly to avoid skipping your treatment in case of damage.

Compliance Difficulties

You should use the retainers without failure to ensure a successful orthodontic procedure. Failure to adhere to the prescribed instructions can pose severe issues to your dental well-being. Notify your orthodontist of any issues arising while you are on the retainer treatment.

Understanding the Length of Your Retainer Treatment

There are no clear indicators of knowing the exact duration you must keep using retainers. The various factors that could influence how long a person’s should wear retainers are as follows:

  • Original tooth alignment — If your teeth have shifted, they can revert to their initial positions, resulting in wearing a retainer for longer.
  • Your dentist’s recommendation — If your orthodontist determines that your treatment requires more time, you should continue wearing the retainers to cement your teeth in their proper position.
  • Your age — People with developing teeth, like teenagers, can be more prone to tooth shifting than adults. Therefore, they wear retainers longer.
  • Your compliance — Following the orthodontist’s instructions helps you achieve the desired results. Using retainers daily keeps the alignment in place while preventing the shifting of your teeth.

How to Prolong Your Retainer’s Lifespan

Some of the ways to make your dental retainers more durable include the following:

  • Daily cleanings — Clean your retainers with a soft-bristled toothbrush or denture cleaner. Ensure the toothpaste has fluoride.
  • Handle your dental retainers carefully — Avoid twisting, bending, or biting on your retainers.
  • Good storage — You should store your retainers in their protective case when not in use
  • Avoid exposing the retainers to heat — You should avoid eating hot foods or drinking beverages like coffee or tea while wearing your retainers.
  • Arrange regular follow-ups — Consult your orthodontist often to ensure the retainers are in optimal condition.
  • Watch your diet — Specific foods can break your retainers. They include nuts, chewing gum, hard candy, sticky candles, tough, chewy foods, popcorn, and ice.

Identifying Retainer Damage

Retainer damage can arise due to accidents, inadequate care, or normal wear and tear. Here are the common signs of damage:

  • Cracks or warping  — Visible warping or cracks that compromise your retainer’s fit and efficiency
  • Loose or tight fit — A retainer that is too loose or tight could require adjustment or replacement
  • Visible gaps — Gaps between your teeth and the retainer demonstrate an incorrect fit and potential problems.
  • Irritation or pain — Experiencing any discomfort means your retainer requires professional assessment.

Steps to Take After Your Dental Retainers Break

If you discover that your retainers have broken, you should take immediate action, which can include the following:

  • Evaluate the damage — Inspect the retainer's breakage to determine the extent of the damage. Check for pointed edges that might injure your mouth.
  • Avoid personal fixes — Resist the impulse to try and repair the retainer because it can compromise its effectiveness and quality or result in further damage.
  • Call your dentist or orthodontist — Consult your dental professional immediately. Describe the retainer’s damage to them and book an appointment for an in-person visit to learn about possible repair or replacement.
  • Using orthodontic wax can be a temporary solution — If the retainer’s damage is minor and you cannot reach the dentist immediately you can use orthodontic wax. The wax can cover the sharp edges, preventing discomfort or irritation until you receive professional help.
  • Maintain the broken pieces intact — The pieces can assist the orthodontist in evaluating the damage and determining the required repair.

Cost of Replacing Retainers

Different factors influence retainer replacement costs, including the following:

Your Retainer Type

The type of retainer you want to replace will significantly determine the replacement costs. A plastic Hawley retainer replacement can cost $150 to $500. A more sophisticated fixed retainer bonded to the back of your teeth can cost $300 to $500. Replacing a clear aligner-style retainer is the most expensive option, ranging from $500 to $1,000 per retainer.

The Materials Used

The replacement price will be higher if the retainer’s material is premium. Plastic retainers are more cost-friendly. Metal parts like a palatal bar in Hawley retainers increase the replacement price. Resin or ceramic materials found in clear aligners are the most expensive.

Extra services

Some dentists or orthodontists can charge for services beyond the replacement of your retainer, including new fittings or impressions, repair or adjustment appointments, shipping fees, or emergency delivery if your turnaround time is a concern.

Find an Orthodontic Dentist Near Me

If you wore clear aligners or braces, you have invested much time and finances into achieving an excellent smile. Therefore, wearing your retainer for the recommended time or longer is worth the dedication. Wearing a retainer after an orthodontic procedure maintains the outcome obtained through braces or other orthodontic treatments. Los Angeles Advanced Dentistry can assist you through your retainer journey and provide professional, personalized assistance to increase your treatment’s success rate. We are dedicated to ensuring you have proper teeth alignment that can result in an improved smile that boosts your confidence, oral health, overall health, and joy. Contact us at 310-361-2080 to schedule your medical consultation.