If you, a friend, or a family member recently had orthodontic work, such as expanders or braces, you may have seen a retainer. While you may have seen a retainer recently, you may not know why retainers are necessary. Here is some information about retainers and what they are used for.
What Are Retainers?
Retainers are pieces of plastic with a metal wire that fits over your teeth. You can have retainers made for the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both. Each retainer is specially fitted to your individual teeth. Usually, the dentist makes a mold of your teeth and either makes the retainers in the office or sends off the molds to have retainers made by a company.
What Are Retainers Used For?
Dentists and orthodontists use retainers after braces and other orthodontic work. That's because teeth move around daily. While the teeth don't move much, over time, your teeth can shift back to their original positions in a matter of months. However, when you wear a retainer at night, the retainer ensures that your teeth stay in the positions that the dentist moved them to.
How Should I Take Care of a Retainer?
It is simple to take care of a retainer. Many people who wear retainers clean them each morning when they remove the retainer for the day. Be sure that you don't use abrasive toothpaste and hard toothbrushes to clean your retainer. You can also soak your retainer in a cleaner made for retainers and other dental appliances. Once your retainer is clean, you can let it air dry. Be sure that you always put your retainer in the same case every morning after it is cleaned and dried, so you can find it each evening. If you take care of your retainer, it can last a long time, and keep your teeth as beautiful as they are now.
About Us • Orthodontist Kennett Square, PA We take the time to review your medical history and conduct a oral examination to get a clear picture of your overall health. By listening to your concerns, we will guide you in making the right decision for your dental health. Greeley Orthodontics - Connie Greeley, 400 Old Forge Lane Suite 406, Kennett Square, PA 19348 : 484-346-6008 : greeleyortho.com : 6/1/2023 : Related Phrases: orthodontist Kennett Square PA :
If you, a friend, or a family member recently had orthodontic work, such as expanders or braces, you may have seen a retainer. While you may have seen a retainer recently, you may not know why retainers are necessary. Here is some information about retainers and what they are used for.