Retainer Appliances

A retainer is a custom-made appliance that is used to hold the teeth in their new position after orthodontic treatment. It is typically made of plastic and wire and is worn on the upper or lower teeth.

Essix retainers are a type of orthodontic retention device used to protect the results of your braces or clear aligner treatment. They are a set of clear, removable plastic retainers, and you will wear them regularly following your treatment.

Retainers do their job by guiding and maintaining your teeth’ position and the alignment of your bite. Even after braces adjust your teeth’ position, forces incurred during chewing and other normal activities can shift them back out of place. Retainers ensure that your teeth can resist this pressure.

There are two main types of retainers:

Fixed retainers: A fixed retainer is a thin wire that is bonded to the back of the teeth. It is typically used to hold the front teeth in place after orthodontic treatment.
Removable retainers: A removable retainer is a custom-made appliance that fits over the teeth and can be removed for cleaning and eating. It is typically worn at night or during certain activities, such as sports or playing an instrument.
Retainers are an important part of the orthodontic treatment process. They help to ensure that the teeth remain in their new position after the braces or aligners are removed. It is important to wear the retainer as prescribed by the orthodontist to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original position.
It’s also important to take good care of the retainer by brushing it regularly and storing it in a protective case when it is not being worn. If the retainer is lost or damaged, it is important to contact the orthodontist as soon as possible to have it replaced.

Steps to care for your retainer may include:

Rinse it in cold water before and after each use
Store it safely in the case when not in use
Avoid overly hot or cold environments or water that could damage it
Brush and rinse your retainer after each meal, but be sure to use a non-abrasive toothpaste