Custom Retainers To Preserve Your Smile at Prose Orthodontics
Once you get your Damon braces off or finish your clear aligner treatment, it’s time to celebrate! Then, you’ll need to start wearing orthodontic retainers as part of a retention plan to keep your smile in place.
The longevity of your smile depends on how well you follow your retention plan. Think of your orthodontic treatment at Prose Orthodontics like an investment. Retainers are your insurance to protect your best asset: your smile.
What Are Retainers and Why Do They Matter?
Retainers are custom-made appliances designed to keep your teeth in their new, aligned positions after orthodontic treatment. Your teeth are supported by bones, ligaments, and tissues that need time to adapt to their new positions. Without a retainer, teeth have a tendency to shift back to their original positions, undoing the fantastic progress you made during treatment.
Retainers Offered by Prose Orthodontics
We offer two types of retainers at Prose Orthodontics. If you’re unsure of which retainer option is right for you, we’ll help you decide!
Caring for Essix Retainers
Taking care of removable retainers is key to maintaining your smile results and oral health. We recommend the following tips and tricks to keep your retainer clean and intact:
- Clean Your Retainer Daily: Every day, brush your retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild soap. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface of your retainer.
- Avoid Heat Exposure: Don’t expose your retainer to hot water or the dishwasher, and keep your retainer case out of direct sunlight.
- Store Your Retainer Safely: Always store your retainers in their case whenever you take them out, even if it’s only for a short time. This way, you’ll avoid accidentally losing them or throwing them away.
- Keep Away From Pets: Some pets think retainers are their favorite chew toy, so keep yours out of their reach!
Caring for Bonded Retainers
Caring for a bonded retainer is a little different than taking care of a removable retainer, but it’s still straightforward and easy. For bonded retainers:
- Prioritize Oral Hygiene: Daily brushing and flossing should be a part of your routine. Concentrate on cleaning the areas around your retainer wire to prevent plaque buildup.
- Consider Other Teeth Cleaning Tools: Some individuals who wear bonded retainers prefer using a water flosser to help keep things clean.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Hard foods and gooey treats may be tasty, but they can damage your bonded retainer and make it difficult to clean. It’s best to skip them or enjoy with caution.
Get Ready To Love Your Smile for Life!
Your smile is one of your greatest assets, and we’re here to help you protect it. At Prose Orthodontics, we believe that orthodontic retention is just as important as active treatment. That’s why our team provides personalized guidance and high-quality retainer options to ensure your results last a lifetime.
Ready to safeguard your smile? Dr. Tara Grzetic, Dr. Scott Prose, and our experienced team in St. Charles, IL, are here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make sure your smile stays just as perfect as the day your treatment ends!
