Following orthodontic treatment, you wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from moving out of place. Retainers are removable oral appliances that feature a combination of metal and plastic; they’re easy to wear and care for. Expert orthodontist, Ritu Singh, DMD, MS at Advanced Orthodontics in Canton, Michigan, regularly prescribes retainers to adults and teenagers. If you’re interested in learning more about retainers, make an appointment at Advanced Orthodontics by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.

What are retainers?

Retainers, also known as orthodontic retainers, are custom-crafted oral appliances made of clear plastic or wires that hold your teeth in place following surgery or orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Singh regularly prescribes retainers for two reasons. First, to maintain the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment ends. And second, to allow the bone that holds and supports your teeth to heal.

Are there different types of retainers?

At Advanced Orthodontics, Dr. Singh offers several types of orthodontic retainers, including:

Wire retainers

Wire retainers are made of wire and synthetic plastic material. The portion of the retainer that covers the roof of your mouth or fits behind your bottom teeth is plastic, and the wires hold your teeth in place, preventing them from moving.

Clear retainers

Clear retainers feature two transparent trays of a synthetic plastic material. They fit snugly over the surface of your teeth and blend in with your smile.

How long should I wear my retainer?

If you want your teeth to stay straight and aesthetically pleasing for the rest of your life, you’ll need to wear your retainer on a nightly basis. Though this may seem like a hassle, you’ll quickly adjust. Before going to bed at night, brush and floss your teeth. After you rinse, put your retainer back in your mouth. It should fit snugly and comfortably while you sleep. Repeat this process every night, and it will soon become part of your regular routine.

Do retainers need cleaning?

If you want to keep your retainer in great shape for years to come, it’s important you clean it regularly. Dr. Singh recommends:

• Rinsing your retainer with lukewarm water after each meal
• Cleaning your retainer while it’s still wet
• Using a cotton swab to remove food and plaque from deep ridges
• Soaking your retainer at least once a week in a cleaning solution

If you notice any food or debris on your retainer that won’t come off, let Dr. Singh know. Several special cleaning treatments work to remove stubborn plaque.

To learn more about the benefits of retainers, and to determine if you need one, make an appointment at Advanced Orthodontics by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.