ORTHODONTIC RETAINERS

RETAINERS

The benefits of orthodontic treatment will last a lifetime if you keep these important patient responsibilities in mind:

REMOVABLE RETAINERS

Once the active orthodontic appliances are removed, the patient will receive retainers to stabilize the dental correction. Because the bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth are stabilizing for several months after braces are removed, it is imperative that the retainers are worn as instructed. Failure to wear the retainers may result in undesirable movement of the teeth, which could necessitate re-treatment.

HOW RETAINERS ARE WORN

Because teeth can continue to move throughout life, we feel that individuals who have undergone orthodontic therapy should wear retainers indefinitely. A patient should wear retainers all the time for one year following the removal of braces.
After approximately one year, the patient can wear the retainer just at night. This is to allow the wisdom teeth to develop without ruining the patient’s beautiful smile. Dr. Williams will see you every six to nine months to make recommendations on the wisdom teeth.
Once the wisdom teeth have been decided on, wear your retainer at least one night per week. This is because, as you get older, the muscles that surround your teeth will get tighter and place pressure on your teeth, causing them to move or crowd.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR RETAINER

  • Retainers are made of a thermoplastic material that is sensitive to excessive heat, so they should be kept away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards or any place where the temperatures exceed 115 degrees (Fº).
  • Retainers should be kept in the proper retainer case when they are not in the patient’s mouth.
  • Keep away from any family pets, as they like to chew on them.
  • Clean before and after placement in the mouth. Because the material used for fabrication is slightly porous, plaque tends to cling to the surfaces. Gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush and a mild liquid soap will remove the plaque. A denture cleaning solution, such as Efferdent, will aid in the removal of plaque and tartar. Be sure to rinse the retainers thoroughly after cleaning to remove any cleanser residue.

Because retainers are worn for years, they will need periodic replacement. Your original treatment contract includes one set of retainers after the braces are removed. If the retainers are lost or damaged due to neglect, there will be a charge for replacement. If the retainers become loose or break, contact our office immediately.

Steraligner | Aligner Cleaning Solution in Spokane, WA

Steraligner

Steraligner is a great cleaning solution for braces and retainers. It wards off bacteria and gets rid of tartar, keeping all of your equipment looking new and feeling fresh in only a three-minute treatment.

Retainer Bright

This cleaner comes in the form of tablets. It removes bacteria and prevents bad breath. This product is especially good with clear aligners. While some substances may stain or cloud the transparency, Retainer Bright keeps things clear and spotless.

Retainer Brite offered in Spokane, WA

HABITS OR CONDITIONS THAT REQUIRE STRONGER RETENTION

  • Mouth breathing
  • Clenching and/or grinding of teeth (muscle hyperactivity)
  • Tongue thrusting, low tongue posture or abnormal tongue posture
  • Playing a musical instruments with a reed
  • Lip sucking
  • Pen or pencil biting
  • Spacing between the teeth prior to treatment
  • Severely rotated teeth

Our goal is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential in order to achieve this goal.

DENTAL EXAMINATIONS AND CLEANINGS

The patient should continue with proper oral hygiene procedures at home including thorough brushing and flossing techniques. His or her family dentist should see the patient at least every six months for cleaning and dental examinations.

FIXED RETAINERS

If used as instructed, usually the removeable retainers are sufficient to keep teeth from moving. However some people either have super stubborn teeth or maybe they just have a stubborn teenager who you think won’t wear their removable retainers. In some of those cases the patient could be a candidate for a bonded retainer to add extra security to the straight smile. Ask about it to determine if you or your kid would be a good candidate for this. We’ll “Set you Straight” on retainer options. : )

Fixed bonded retainers in Spokane, WA

CHOOSE YOUR RETAINER COLOR!

Specialty Retainers in different colors from Hi 5 Ortho
Hi 5s always follow the exceptional, the amazing, the extraordinary – and we work hard to demonstrate this same level of greatness in our office.
© 2024. All rights reserved. | Hi 5 Orthodontics • Ronald H. Ellingsen, PLLC – Ronald Ellingsen, DDS, MS. | Hosted by Specialty Dental Brands™.
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