What is the purpose of teeth retainer?

What is the purpose of teeth retainer?

A retainer keeps your teeth from moving after they’ve been straightened with braces. It can take at least four to six months for the new position of your teeth to become permanent. During that time, your teeth will try to shift back to their original position, which is called relapse.

Can I use retainer instead of braces?

Retainers are a good substitute for braces when the issue is extremely minor; that is, if the problem concerns only one or two teeth. If there is a slight gap between two teeth or if one of the teeth is out of place, a retainer can be used effectively.

Are retainers really necessary?

Retainers are absolutely required after your braces are removed. Retainers play a very important role in the results of your orthodontic treatment! Retainers keep your teeth set in their new position and prevent them from shifting back to their old positions, known as a relapse.

How does a retainer keep your teeth straight?

How do retainers fix crooked teeth? They help stabilize teeth while new bone tissue builds around them. This solidifies their new positions and keeps them straight.

Will a retainer straighten your teeth?

The million-dollar question you may be asking: do retainers straighten teeth like other orthodontics? The short answer is no. They don’t apply the steady force over time needed to make major changes to your teeth’ position. Instead, they simply hold your teeth in place.

When can you stop wearing retainers?

Retainers keep your smile in place when active treatment is complete and adults need to wear their retainers for life, but adolescents may be able to stop wearing them after about 10 years.

How often should I get new retainers?

A retainer is in the mouth for 6-8 hours nightly. Therefore, we recommend you replace your retainer as often as your toothbrush. Retainer Club offers plans to replace your retainers every 4,6, or 12 months. For the best performance and cleanliness, you should replace your retainers as often as your toothbrush.

What do I do if my retainer breaks?

Here are some options to help you:

1. If your orthodontist can’t repair your broken retainer, your best option is to get a new retainer made as soon as possible.
2. If you can’t visit your orthodontist right away, ask if they can remake your retainer based on their records.

Do you have to pay for a broken retainer?

All replacement retainers after that will be free of charge.

Why are retainers so expensive?

Why are retainers so expensive? A standard retainer, called a Hawley retainer, is made from a combination of metal and acrylic. Hawley retainers cost about $150 to $350 each. If you break them, lose them, or otherwise do not care for them, your dental insurance is less likely to help you replace them.

How long do retainers take to make?

Being fitted for a retainer usually happens on the same day your braces are removed. They take approximately 45 minutes to make so you may be asked to come back the same day in the afternoon to receive your retainer.

Can you eat with retainers?

NEVER eat anything while wearing your retainers. It’s OK to drink water while wearing the retainers, but remove them if you drink other beverages. If you forget to wear your retainer, wear the retainer full-time for few days to re-align your teeth.