Orthodontic retainers help maintain straight teeth. After you invest time and money in braces or aligners to achieve a perfect smile, you want to keep your teeth in their new positions. Retainers help prevent your teeth from returning to their original alignment. At Tidy Smiles, we can provide you with an orthodontic retainer in Palatine, IL. We work with dental labs so you get the best fitting retainer.
Without a retainer, your teeth can gradually return to their pre-treatment positions. This relapse can occur due to the elastic fibers in your gums and bone, which have a memory of their previous positions. Retainers provide the necessary support to keep your teeth aligned and your smile beautiful. Custom-made retainers prevent orthodontic relapse and the need for more costly treatment.
Two main categories of orthodontic retainers include removable and fixed retainers. Each type serves a specific purpose and has its benefits and drawbacks. Understanding these differences can help you decide which type of retainer is best for you.
Removable retainers are convenient because you can take them out for eating, cleaning, and special occasions. However, they require discipline to wear consistently. If you do not wear these retainers daily, your teeth can begin to shift.
Fixed retainers, or permanent retainers, are bonded to the back of your teeth to keep them in place. These retainers are particularly effective at preventing teeth from shifting, as they provide constant support.
You can get an orthodontic retainer in just two visits to our Palatine dental office. First, we will take dental impressions of your teeth. We will send these impressions to a lab, where technicians create your custom retainer. They use quality materials to ensure your retainer lasts.
Once your retainer is complete, you will return to our office where we will make sure it fits. We will also provide a case to carry your retainer.
Proper care for your retainer is essential to maintain its effectiveness and longevity. Taking the time to clean and store your retainer correctly will help ensure it continues to support your smile. Here are some tips for caring for your retainer:
Proper storage can prevent damage and loss of your retainer. Here are some storage tips:
Maintaining your retainer involves following some essential dos and don'ts:
Retainers can encounter a few common problems. Knowing these can help you manage them effectively and ensure your retainer continues to support your smile.
First, it's easy to misplace a removable retainer. Always store it in its case when not in use. If lost, contact Tidy Smiles for a replacement as soon as possible. Being without a retainer for an extended period can lead to teeth shifting, undoing the progress made during your treatment. Teeth shifting out of position may increase your need for further treatment.
You can also establish a routine to keep track of your retainer. Keep the retainer case in a consistent location, such as your bathroom or bedroom, so you always know where to find it. If you accidentally misplace your retainer, check common areas where it might have been placed, such as your bedside table or kitchen counter.
Retainers can get damaged if not handled with care. Avoid bending the wires on Hawley retainers or biting down hard on Essix retainers. If damaged, bring the retainer to us for repair. A damaged retainer can compromise its effectiveness and may no longer provide the necessary support to keep your teeth aligned.
If you notice any damage to your retainer, such as cracks in the plastic or bent wires, contact our office as soon as possible. We can assess the damage and see if you need repairs or a replacement.
In addition, if you lose your retainer, contact us as soon as possible. Don't wait because your teeth can shift out of place.
If you need a new orthodontic retainer in Palatine, IL, call Tidy Smiles at 224-268-1797. You can also schedule an appointment with us online. Let us know if you have questions about retainer care or if you need a replacement retainer. We're here to help!