Retention After Braces

What To Expect After Braces

Congratulations! Your active orthodontic treatment is now complete. You are ready to enjoy that perfect smile you worked so hard for! To make sure your teeth stay in the ideal position, retainers will be provided. Retainers are typically worn at night and our doctors will find just the right type for you.

Retainer Types

Essix Retainer

Similar in appearance to Invisalign, Essix retainers are made from Essix
ACE® Plastic. They’re nearly invisible and are the most common type of retainer we use. Essix retainers are easy to wear, are very durable, and provide excellent retention. They do not interfere with the daily cleaning of your teeth because they are completely removable!

Hawley Retainer

The Hawley retainer is what you typically think of when you picture a retainer. A metal with a pink acrylic piece that sits on the palate. Hawley retainers are used if you are missing a tooth and under other special clinical circumstances. .

Fixed Retainers

A fixed retainer is pretty much exactly what it sounds like – a wire is bonded to the inside of the teeth, and the retainer can’t be removed. These retainers are used when dramatic orthodontic treatments have been used and the risk of movement is high. Fixed retainers require special attention as they require a specific flossing technique. It is important to use a floss threader but also to be gentle to avoid damaging the wire or breaking the bond. It is very important to keep this area clean to maintain healthy teeth. Fixed retainers do need to be checked on a more routine basis to make sure that they are still effectively holding your teeth in place.
Do you have questions about retainers? Call us today to discuss your options.

How long do you need to wear a retainer after getting your braces removed

Following your completed orthodontic treatment, say goodbye to wearing braces and hello to retainers. Known as the retention phase, this ensures that all the hard work put into achieving that impeccable smile isn't lost. To keep your straight teeth from shifting, most orthodontists prefer their patients to wear their new retainer consistently, especially in the first few months following the removal of your braces. Some individuals might be given a fixed retainer or bonded retainer, which stays attached to the back of the teeth, offering continuous support. Others may have removable retainers that need consistent use. The duration for which you'll need to wear your retainer can vary. Some might wear it full-time for a few months to years and then switch to nighttime use. At South Surrey Smiles, our orthodontists will design a plan tailored to you, ensuring you maintain your hard-earned results.

What's the best way to keep your retainer clean

After all the hard work to straighten teeth, it's vital to care for your retainer to ensure your smile remains radiant. Luckily, taking care of a retainer after braces is a familiar process for most patients. Whether you have wire retainers for your front teeth or clear retainers, keeping them clean is crucial. For orthodontic retainers, regular cleaning can prevent harmful bacteria from building up, protecting both your teeth and soft tissue from potential periodontal disease. 

Here's how to clean your retainer: 

• Rinse your clear retainer with lukewarm water after removal to clear any debris. Avoid hot water, as it might warp the plastic. 
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, gently brush its interior and exterior.
• For those on permanent retention, pay special attention to the areas around the wire when brushing. 
• For permanent retainers, use a floss threader to effectively clean around the wires. 

Prioritizing oral health keeps your orthodontic tools clean and effective, while also ensuring the health of the very smile they've crafted.