The Hidden Benefits of Retainers That Will Change Your Orthodontic Game!

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A girl hushing with a finger on her lips

Retainers are prescribed towards the end of teeth straightening treatment. As a result, teeth remain in their newly acquired positions.

Dental health and orthodontic results depend on these seemingly simple devices. Explore the benefits of retainers that make them unique by reading on.

Types of Retainers

To understand which retainer offers you the greatest benefits, learn that there are generally three types of retainer:

Hawley’s retainers
Two Hawley’s retainers in pink

Hawley Retainers- These are made from a combination of metal wire and acrylic. They are removable and the wire can be adjusted to allow minor corrections.

A dentist placing fixed retainers on the teeth of a patient.
Fixed retainers: Wire glued on the inner side of teeth

Fixed Retainer- These are made of metal wires permanently bonded on the back of the teeth.

Two clear retainers placed on a black background
Clear removable retainers

Clear Retainer- These are similar to clear aligners— custom-made, clear plastic trays, but their purpose is to retain the newly acquired shape of the teeth.

Benefits

1. Maintaining Your Perfect Smile

Our bodies tend to stay the way they are. It is natural for teeth to revert back to their old positions after months of straightening.

The primary purpose of retainers is to keep your teeth in their new, corrected positions after braces or clear aligners have done their work.

By wearing clear retainers, you can enjoy lasting results of your orthodontic treatment without compromising on your appearance.

2. Preventing Tooth Shifting

Even after your braces are removed, or your aligner treatment is complete, your teeth are still prone to shifting.

Daily activities like chewing or sleeping exert enough pressure on teeth to shift them. Retainers provide the necessary support to keep teeth aligned and prevent them from drifting.

By wearing a retainer as prescribed, you ensure that your teeth don’t shift back to their original positions and maintain long-term orthodontic treatment results.

3. Improving Oral Health

The purpose of retainers is to keep teeth aligned correctly, which contributes to good oral hygiene. Correctly aligned teeth are easy to clean.

By brushing and flossing regularly, plaque buildup and cavities are reduced. Maintainers contribute to better oral health by holding your teeth in their correct positions.

4. Supporting Jaw Alignment

Straight teeth contribute to correct jaw positioning. Retainers support jaw position by keeping teeth in their rightful positions.

Proper alignment of your teeth also improves bite and reduces issues related to jaw discomfort or TMJ disorders. Retainers can thus play a role in enhancing your overall jaw function and comfort.

5. Providing An Easy Solution

Clear removable retainers like those offered by SmilePath are custom-made, discreet, and comfortable. Unlike fixed or acrylic retainers, these retainers are a straightforward and effective method for preserving your smile.

They don’t require invasive procedures, wire adjustments, or any visit to the dentist, making them a convenient and low-maintenance option for ongoing care.

6. Custom-Fit

It is more comfortable and accurate to wear retainers when they are customized to the shape of your teeth. In addition to being discreet, clear retainers are easy to maintain.

Compared to other options, custom retainers cover a larger surface area. This is how they allow greater support and hold teeth in their precise positions.

7. Long-Term Cost Efficiency

Using retainers as directed can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for future orthodontic corrections or additional treatments. Maintaining your results with a retainer reduces the likelihood of shifting for a lifetime, which can help avoid costly and time-consuming adjustments.

8. Boosting Confidence

By preserving the results of your orthodontic treatment, retainers help you maintain your newfound confidence.

Clear retainers don’t showcase a wire on the front of your teeth so that you can display your straight smile with your retainers on without any reservations.

Knowing that your straight teeth are secure and lasting allows you to continue enjoying social interactions and personal milestones with peace of mind and self-assurance.

To sum it up, retainers are more than just a post-treatment accessory—they’re an integral part of your orthodontic care that offers several hidden benefits. From maintaining your perfect smile and preventing tooth shifting to supporting oral health and boosting confidence, retainers play an important role in lifelong straight teeth. Embrace the power of retainers and see how they can enhance your orthodontic game!

FAQs

1. How long do you wear retainers?

Every case is different. It is prescribed to wear retainers for a year and then reduce gradually. However, do consult with your dentist for an accurate and customized prescription.

2. Are retainers better than braces?

Both serve a different purpose. Braces shift teeth into their desired position while a retainer helps maintain that newly acquired position.

3. Can I sleep with retainers?

Yes, you can sleep with the following types of retainers:

  • Hawleys
  • Fixed wire
  • Clear Retainers
4. How long do retainers last?

Depends on their use and wear and tear. But here’s an estimate:

  • Hawleys: 7 years or more
  • Fixed wire: 10 years
  • Clear custom retainers: 6 months to a year
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