Fixed Retainers Huntington
Keep Your Smile Wear It Belongs
After you complete treatment with braces or clear aligners, you need to take steps to maintain your results. Without proper aftercare, your teeth could drift back into their original places! Fortunately, our Huntington, NY, team offers solutions that can help you keep your smile exactly where it belongs for the long haul. Depending on your circumstances and preferences, we might recommend that you wear a fixed retainer. Continue reading below to learn more, or get in touch with us directly to request an appointment.
What Is a Fixed Retainer?
A retainer is a custom orthodontic appliance that holds teeth in place after treatment with braces or Invisalign. It applies just enough pressure to prevent dental drift.
The most common type of retainer is a removable one, which patients must remember to wear as instructed. Typically, this involves full-time wear for several months followed by part-time wear each night.
A fixed retainer, on the other hand, is actually bonded onto the backside of the teeth. It utilizes a strong wire that our team places in a way that will prevent dental movements. It stays in place 24/7 and can only be removed by a properly trained dental professional. It is typically only used for front teeth.
How Are Fixed Retainers Made & Placed?
Fixed retainers are customized for each patient. To make yours, we will use our advanced digital scanning device to capture a three-dimensional impression of the teeth that will wear the retainer. Then, the wire retainer can be bent in a way that will keep your teeth in place while having minimal impact on your oral function.
The placement process is pretty easy for patients. We will start by cleaning the backs of your teeth so they are free of plaque and other forms of biofilm. Then, we use an etching gel to slightly roughen their surfaces. We dry the area and then use a slightly tacky bonding paste to help us get the positioning of the retainer just right. When we are sure it is in the right place, we use a composite resin as a more permanent adhesive. We cure the resin with a special light in order to harden it. We will smooth out any rough edges and give you detailed care instructions before we send you home.
Caring for Your Fixed Retainer
Thorough oral hygiene will keep your retainer in good shape and protect your teeth and gums from harm. You should:
- Brush twice a day: Use a soft brush, and pay extra attention to the area between your retainer and your gums.
- Clean between your teeth. You can use a floss threader, interdental brushes, or water flosser to clean between teeth that have the retainer.
- Eat carefully: Certain crunchy and chewy foods might damage your retainer. Be sure to bite and chew gently so you do not have a mishap.
- Get your retainer checked regularly: Your general dentist’s team should clean and examine your teeth every six months. They can also clean your retainer and verify whether it is in good condition.