Retainers in El Segundo are an orthodontic appliance used after you’ve completed orthodontic treatment. Retainers help to maintain your current post-orthodontic occlusion. Without a retainer, your teeth would shift back to their original position. Not only would this be detrimental to your oral health, but it would ultimately be a waste of your time and money.
For the first six to 12 months, your orthodontist will recommend that you wear your retainer 24/7. This is because, without something to maintain their new position, your teeth will want to shift back into their original positions. You can end up with a misaligned bite and crooked, crowded teeth all over again.
After the first year or so, you will only need to wear your retainer while you sleep. You will need to wear your retainer for a lifetime to maintain your properly aligned bite.
As long as you regularly and properly clean your retainer, you shouldn’t have any issues. Improper cleaning can cause bacterial build-up on the retainer. Excess bacteria can contribute to bad breath, infections, dental decay, and gum disease.
Brush the retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush, lukewarm water, and mild dish soap. Avoid toothpaste as the abrasive compounds can scratch the retainer and make it a breeding ground for bacteria.
Once your retainer is clean, dry it thoroughly and place it back in your retainer case, so you don’t lose it.
Avoid storing your retainer in overly hot or cold environments since temperature extremes can cause the retainer to warp or even break.
Nightguards are prescribed for patients who suffer from bruxism (clenching and grinding their teeth). A nightguard (also known as a splint) can help protect the teeth from cracking, chipping, or breaking under the excess bite pressure. It can also help protect the jaw joints and prevent or even treat TMJ disorder.
If you need to wear a nightguard, you most likely won’t need a retainer. Your El Segundo orthodontist may recommend wearing a retainer (or your splint) 24/7 for the first year. After that, you will likely just wear your splint at night.
Your splint must be made after you’ve completed your orthodontic treatment to ensure it helps maintain your occlusion.
Your first retainer is included in the total cost of your orthodontic treatment.
If you lose or break your retainer, you’ll need to pay for a replacement, which can vary in cost, depending on the type of retainer you need.
Some insurance companies will pay a portion of the cost of a replacement retainer. You’ll need to check your insurance policy to see if there are any coverage limitations, though.
Orthodontic treatment requires an investment of time and money. Once you get your braces off or get to stop wearing Invisalign® aligners for 20 hours a day, seeing your straight smile makes you feel like the investment was worth it.
Unfortunately, failing to wear your retainer can make you lose that investment. Thankfully, that doesn’t have to happen. By following your El Segundo orthodontist’s retainer recommendations, you can maintain your beautiful smile and all the benefits of having a properly aligned bite.
We know it will take some getting used to at first, but it will be well worth it in the end!
Retainers In El Segundo Help You Keep Your Beautiful, Healthy, Straight Smile
Have you lost your retainer? Have you noticed a shift in your teeth? Contact us to schedule an orthodontic consultation right away.
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