Retainer Options After Braces: Meyer Orthodontics' Expert Advice
At Meyer Orthodontics, we understand that retainers are your best friends after braces. They play a vital role in keeping your teeth in perfect alignment, ensuring your beautiful smile stands the test of time. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the purpose of retainers, explore the different options available, and share some friendly tips to make sure everyone, especially kids, wears their retainers with a smile.
The Purpose of a Retainer
A retainer is vital after braces to prevent teeth from reverting to their original position. It helps teeth adjust to their new alignment and guards against potential shifting caused by everyday activities like chewing. This shifting can lead to relapse, where upper and lower teeth shift back to their misalignment position. Both removable and fixed retainers serve this essential purpose.
Different Retainer Options
There are two main types of retainers: fixed and removable. Fixed retainers, also known as permanent retainers, are affixed to your teeth with a special adhesive and cannot be removed by you. They prevent the front teeth from shifting. Removable retainers can be placed in and out of the mouth, with two common types: traditional retainers with wires and plastic, and clear retainers made of plastic. At Meyer Orthodontics, we recommend combing both fixed and removable retainers to maintain teeth alignment and ensure that your orthodontic results endure.
5 Tips to Encourage Retainer Use for Children
Ensuring that children wear their retainers is crucial for maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment. However, it can be a challenge to instill this habit in kids. Here are five tips to teach children the importance of wearing their retainers.
Choose an appealing retainer case to prevent misplacement and make it fun with familiar character stickers.
Come up with something short and memorable for children to say. At Meyer Orthodontics, we always say, “Retainers are like pajamas for your teeth. You wear one when you sleep.”
Create a designated spot for the retainer at home like a bathroom counter so the retainer is easy to locate at all times.
Use incentives for younger children to encourage proper wear. This could be a treat or an experience like a trip to the park.
Install reminders through notes, alarms, or apps to establish a routine for cleaning the retainer and wearing it regularly.
Receive Expert Recommendations at Meyer Orthodontics
Whether you're a supportive parent, a current patient, or someone who completed treatment a while ago and simply needs a new retainer, we’re here to help. By understanding the purpose of retainers, exploring the available options, and following our friendly tips, you're on the path to preserving a radiant smile. Meyer Orthodontics will support you in this journey, so you can enjoy the smile you invested in for years to come. Schedule your consultation today to talk about the retainer option that’s best for you.