A “retainer” is a wire-based dental device a dentist gives to wear overnight to keep your teeth aligned after removing braces. You can’t simply sleep with a retainer or borrow someone else’s retainer to straighten your teeth without braces.
Both temporary and permanent retainers aid in correcting minor tooth and bite shifts by guiding the teeth back to their correct positions. The degree of shift determines whether a retainer can correct the shifting teeth or prevent further shifts.
You can also use Invisalign and other new orthodontic treatments to correct shifts after a course of orthodontic treatment. Invisalign retainers, like temporary maintenance retainers, are temporary and removable. You can remove them for eating, drinking, tooth care, and special occasions, but retainers should wear them for the best results. If tooth or bite shifts are more pronounced, Invisalign can be a good alternative to more orthodontia.
Wear and Care of Retainers
- Stay away from hot water and environments that could cause warping.
- Carry a storage case with you to keep it safe when not in use.
- Please keep it away from pets and avoid storing it in a napkin, as these are frequently thrown away by accident.
- Brush your retainer after every meal (but only with non-abrasive toothpaste!)
- After each use, rinse your retainer with cold water.
Your dentist may recommend a fixed retainer, not a full set of braces if your teeth are only slightly crooked or crowded. Sometimes, a removable retainer may be used for slightly crowded teeth treatment. It would be best if you only carried out retainer treatment plans under the supervision of the orthodontist who prescribed them.
