Orthodontic retainers: After braces, always prefer retainers!

Are you having misaligned bite or crooked teeth? Don’t worry! There are many treatments which can straighten your teeth, including, retainers. Many of the general dentists are doing the basic orthodontics and alignment, but orthodontists specialize in treating irregular teeth. The orthodontist or the dentist will ask you certain health related questions, take your teeth impressions, conduct clinical examination and then suggest an appropriate treatment plan.

Orthodontic retainers are the custom made devices, made up of clear plastic or wires, which hold the teeth in a proper position after a surgery or any other realigning method. Mostly, they are used before or after the dental braces to position the teeth appropriately. Initially, most of the patients are required to wear the retainers at night and even during the day. Basically, there are 4 kinds of retainers that are prescribed by the dentists or orthodontists-Essex, Hawley, Bonded, Zendura retainers.

What is your type?

Orthodontic retainers are of 2 types: Fixed as well as removable. While brushing, removable retainers are supposed to be taken off. On the other hand, fixed retainers are glued to the teeth permanently. They can be removed only by the dentist.

Just for the kids!

A retainer is very essential for the kids and the teens whose jaws are in the developing stage. Usually, Orthodontists recommend wearing retainers till the jaws stop growing, nearly at the age of 20. But the benefits are many- The longer time a retainer is worn, the greater are the chances of maintaining your perfect smile! No worries, today’s retainers can be exclusively designed according to your style and personality. Kids have an opportunity to choose from a variety of designs and colors for more fun!

Some of the dental care tips to enhance the life of your orthodontic retainer-

1.       Hawley retainers should be brushed with a toothbrush in the warm water. But, this is not recommended for an Essix retainer always as the toothbrush might cause damage to the retainer.

2.       Avoid washing your retainer with very hot water and never leave the retainer near a heating source. These precautions will prevent warping.

3.       To prevent your orthodontic retainer from drying up, soak it in the water whenever you are not wearing it.

4.       For your permanent retainer, try not to eat anything sticky or hard to prevent any sort of breakage.

Wearing braces as well as retainers helps you in maintaining – a better bite and straight teeth.

Author Bio:

I am working as an Editor in Tiger’s Plastic Inc. I have written more than 200 articles on different themes and also this article is written by me. This content is regarding Orthodontic retainers: After braces, always prefer retainers!. So for more information about Orthodontic retainers visit us here: http://tigersinc.com/ .