Maintain Your Beautiful Smile With Retainers
After wearing braces or Invisalign® aligners, retainers are crucial in maintaining the straight teeth you worked so hard to achieve. Retainers are orthodontic appliances that hold teeth in their proper position after treatment with braces. These appliances come in different types, including removable and fixed, and require proper usage and maintenance to ensure long-lasting results.
Dr. Stephen Grussmark, our premier orthodontist specialist in Miami, recommends wearing retainers to maintain your results. We welcome patients in Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, and Coral Gables, FL, to learn more.
Types of Retainers
Removable Retainers
As the name suggests, removable retainers can be taken in and out of the mouth. They’re typically made of clear plastic or acrylic and fit over the teeth. Removable retainers are easy to clean and can be adjusted as needed. They’re a good option for patients who prefer a retainer that can be removed for eating or other activities.
Common removable retainers include:
- Hawley Retainers: These retainers are made of a combination of metal wire and acrylic and fit over the teeth.
- Clear Aligner Retainers: These retainers are similar to clear aligners used in orthodontic treatment, and they’re made of transparent plastic material that fits over the teeth.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers are attached to the back of the teeth using a dental adhesive. They’re made of a thin wire that runs along the inside of the lower or upper teeth. Fixed retainers are a good option for individuals concerned about losing or forgetting to wear their retainer, as they’re always in place and require no additional maintenance.
However, fixed retainers can be more difficult to clean than removable retainers, and they may require more frequent dental checkups to ensure that they’re working effectively.
Common types of fixed retainers include:
- Lingual Retainers: These retainers are bonded to the back of the teeth using a dental adhesive and consist of a thin wire that runs along the inside of the teeth.
- Bonded Retainers: These retainers bond to the back of the teeth using a dental adhesive and consist of a small wire that runs along the inside of the lower or upper teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do retainers cost?
The cost of retainers can vary depending on the type of retainer prescribed by your orthodontist, the location of the orthodontic practice, and whether you have insurance coverage. Contact your insurance provider to learn more about your plan’s coverage.
Are retainers uncomfortable to wear?
Retainers can take some time to get used to, and some people may experience discomfort during the first few days of wearing them. However, most people find retainers aren’t uncomfortable to wear, and they quickly adapt to wearing them as part of their daily routine.
How long do I wear a retainer?
The time that you need to wear a retainer will depend on your individual orthodontic needs. In general, most orthodontists recommend wearing retainers for at least 12 months after the braces are removed and then wearing them on a part-time basis indefinitely to maintain the results achieved by orthodontic treatment.
Can you eat with a retainer?
Remove your retainer before eating or drinking anything other than water. This will help to prevent damage to the retainer and ensure that it stays clean and hygienic. After eating, make sure to brush your teeth and clean your retainer before putting it back in your mouth.
Invest in Your Healthy Smile With Retainers from Dr. Grussmark
If you need a retainer or have questions about how to care for your current retainer, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Grussmark. our Miami orthodontist can provide specific guidance on which type of retainer is best for your needs, as well as instructions on how to care for your retainer to ensure that it stays in good condition and remains effective.
Call our office at (305) 441-1200 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation today.
