Need a New or Replacement Retainer? Gire Orthodontics Can Help
We know that orthodontic treatment is hard work. You’ve put in a lot of time to keep that smile on track. But that work doesn’t stop the day your braces are removed or when you’ve finished your last aligner set. To make sure all your hard work stays put, you’ll need to wear retainers. At Gire Orthodontics we provide you with a set of retainer at the end of your treatment but if you are a past patient that needs a retainer even if you’ve got your braces from a different practice, we can help you with a new set of retainer or a replacement retainer.
The job of a retainer is to do exactly what its name implies – retain your teeth in their new positions. Without a retainer, your teeth would want to go right back to where they were before you started treatment. That’s because the rest of your mouth needs some time to catch up with your teeth. “We’ve guided your teeth through the bone to their new locations, and now the bone and periodontal ligament holding everything in place needs time to solidify around the teeth”, explains Dr. Robert Gire.
Retainers are also important to protect your teeth against the tiny movements that can accompany everyday wear and tear and aging. Your retainer will help ensure your beautiful, straight new smile stays that way for years to come.
What are the types of retainers?
There are two main types of retainers, fixed and removable.
Fixed retainers are bonded directly to the back of the teeth, so they are always in your mouth and working. They are used in patients who are the most susceptible to relapse and can be used on either the front upper and/or lower teeth. These are often difficult to keep clean so excellent home care is necessary if you choose this option.
Removable retainers are more common and easier to maintain. A traditional Hawley retainer is made of acrylic and wires that goes around the teeth to hold them in place. They are not as widely used today as there is a more esthetic and comfortable option: clear, vacuum formed retainers. These look very similar to Spark or Invisalign aligners. They are made of smooth plastic and fit comfortably over the teeth to keep them in place.
Check out our retainers related reviews
Retainer FAQ
- Do I really have to wear my retainers after my braces are removed? If you want to keep your smile exactly where it is when your braces come off, then yes, you must wear your retainer exactly as recommended by your orthodontist. Your retainer is a crucial component of your orthodontic treatment plan.
- What happens if I forget to wear my retainer? We know that everyone can be forgetful from time to time, so we understand if you forget to wear your retainer once or twice. It’s important to put it in as soon as you remember, though, so you don’t risk your teeth moving back to their original positions.
- Do retainers hurt? No, your retainer should not be painful to wear. It should feel snug over your teeth but there shouldn’t be any pain. However, if you go for an extended period of time without wearing your retainer, it could be uncomfortable when you try to wear it again. If you wear your retainer regularly and feel any discomfort, call our office so we can see if there is any damage to your retainer that could be the source of the discomfort.
- How long do I have to wear my retainer? We recommend wearing your retainer full time for one month, then nighttime thereafter. We like to say, “nighttime for a lifetime!” Occasionally, Dr. Gire may recommend wearing them full time for a longer period time. It’s a case by case basis and he will let you know if your wear will deviate from the norm.
- What happens if I lose my retainer? If you misplace or break your retainer, call our office right away so we can get a new one made as soon as possible. We recommend always keeping your retainer in its case, so it won’t be accidentally thrown away or misplaced. Gire Orthodontics does have a retainer program, as we know things happen. This is a cost effective way to ensure your investment in your smile is protected.
- How do I care for my retainer? Caring for your retainer is pretty easy. We recommend using a soft toothbrush and mild, clear, antibacterial soap to gently clean it. Keep your case with you at all times so you have a proper place to store it when it isn’t in your mouth. Dr. Gire likes to say, “if it’s not in your face, put it in its case.” Keep it away from pets (more than one retainer has ended up as a chew toy!) and avoid high temperatures to prevent distortion. Always brush thoroughly before putting your retainer back in your mouth.
- Can I eat with my retainer in? Removable retainers should always be taken out prior to eating. If you wear a clear retainer, we also recommend removing it if you drink anything other than plain water. This can prevent staining.
Your braces and aligners worked to make your smile straight and to perfect your bite. Now, it’s your retainer’s job to keep it that way. We want you to enjoy your new smile for years to come, and wearing your retainer is the best way to ensure that your smile stays beautiful. If you have any questions about your retainer or anything pertaining to your orthodontic treatment, our team is always here to help. Call our offices at 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills).
