The most common reason is to
help your teeth stay set in their new positions after wearing braces
. It’s important to wear your retainer because as your body grows, your teeth do some shifting. The retainer helps to control this shifting, which occurs naturally.
What is the purpose of a dental retainer?
A retainer does just what it sounds like it does.
It “retains” the teeth in their current position
, although some retainers are used to make small changes to the position of the teeth and jaw. Some retainers are removable, and some are fixed on the teeth (not removable.)
Is retainer good for teeth?
Retainers
help prevent your teeth from relapsing (shifting back)
. Teeth regularly need to be reminded of their new position. Movement can happen before you even realize it, so retainers are crucial to the success of your orthodontic treatment.
Do you have to wear a retainer forever?
Your retainers will help prevent this from happening as you age. To maintain a straight smile for a lifetime, you’re
going to need to wear your retainers nightly for the rest of your life
. The good news is, after some time it won’t be necessary to wear them as often.
Are retainers bad for your teeth?
However, many retainer wearers go for long stretches of time without cleaning these devices. The same bacteria that build up on teeth can grow on a retainer. As a result, putting an unclean retainer in your mouth is like applying a bacteria and plaque-laden solution to the teeth and gums.
Should I wear my retainer if it hurts?
Do retainers hurt? At first, it may feel a bit uncomfortable to wear a retainer because your mouth simply isn’t used to it. After a few days, however,
any pressure and discomfort should subside
and you should forget that you’re even wearing your retainer.
Can a retainer move teeth back?
So the answer to the question, “can retainers move teeth back?” is
yes, sometimes
. If your retainer doesn’t fit snugly or causes pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dental professional for their recommendation.
What is a female retainer used for?
Retainers are removable devices you wear
in your mouth to hold teeth in place after your braces are taken off
. Retainers are made of molded plastic and wire.
Can wearing retainers cause cavities?
Orthodontic retainers do not cause cavities
. Cavities are formed when virulent bacteria in our mouths process sugars into acids that effectively erode the tooth structure until it collapses into a hole in the tooth. Brushing and flossing disrupt the bacteria and can reduce a person’s incidence of cavities.
How much do retainers cost?
How much do retainers cost? The retainer cost can be anywhere from
$100 to $500 give
or take a bit on either end. The cheapest retainers for teeth are usually Hawley retainers with Essix, Vivera and lingual retainers costing more.
Can I stop wearing my retainer after 2 years?
So, if you wear your braces for two years, expect to wear your retainer just a little over two years, though
you will taper back from full time to nights only to just a few nights a week
and this is best a lifelong strategy to protect your smile!
How long do clear retainers last?
It’s important to note that with proper care, most retainers will last for
2 years
before you need a replacement. Naturally, there are a few simple things you can do to extend the life of your retainers.
How many years should you wear retainers?
Some people need to wear a retainer all day, every day for 4 months, while others will be instructed to wear theirs for
12 months
. Almost all orthodontists instruct that you use some form of retainer each night, indefinitely, after your braces have been removed.
Why do my teeth hurt after wearing my retainer?
Why?
Your teeth could be moving out of their position naturally or because of a tongue thrust
. When you go to put your retainer back in, it may no longer fit appropriately, causing you pain and discomfort. While this can be natural, it could also be a sign of a problem.
Should I brush my teeth before putting my retainer in?
Ideally, you should remove your retainer before eating, and you should never chew gum while wearing it. … After you’re done eating, try to
brush your teeth before putting the retainer back on
. That helps to prevent food from getting lodged between the retainer and your teeth.
How often should I wash my retainer?
Clean retainers thoroughly
at least once a day
preferably right before inserting them in your mouth. Use cold – not hot water. Rinsing your retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. At least once every two weeks, soak your retainers in a denture cleaner, like Efferdent®, to thoroughly clean them.
