Orthodontic Retainers

Q: How often should I wear my retainers?

Wear your retainers according to your orthodontist’s instructions. This will probably mean wearing them all the time for a while, then possibly only wearing them at night once your teeth have had time to settle into place. Only take them out to eat, to drink anything other than water, if you’re playing contact sports or a musical instrument, or if you go swimming.

TW Orthodontics provides retainers in Selma, Montgomery, Enterprise, and Andalusia, Alabama. Contact us at your nearest location to schedule an appointment.

What Are Retainers?

Retainers are removable appliances that keep your teeth in the ideal position after orthodontic
treatment. They are typically made of a combination of plastic and metal that is custom made to
fit snugly against your teeth and mouth.

It is important to wear your retainers according to your orthodontist's instructions following your treatment. Once your teeth have been shifted into the desired position, they will revert back to their original position without retainers to hold them in place.

You may need to wear your retainers all of the time for the first few months following your
treatment. Then once the teeth have settled into place you can reduce your retainer wear time
to nighttime only. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully or you may find that your
retainers don’t fit anymore and that your teeth have shifted.

Benefits of Retainers

There are many benefits of retainers as part of your orthodontic treatment, such as:

Keep your results for life: The biggest benefit of wearing retainers is that you can keep
your results for the rest of your life. You’ve gone through the treatment to improve your
smile, now all you have to do is keep it that way by wearing your retainers. Most
orthodontists recommend you wear them at night for the rest of your life to maintain your
results.
Removable: Retainers are removable for eating and caring for your teeth. You won’t
have to worry about avoiding any certain foods or taking extra steps to brush and floss
your teeth.
Replaceable: In the event that you lose your retainer, a replacement can be made. Just
be sure to let us know right away if you lose yours so that you can get a new one. If you
wait too long your teeth could revert back to their old position.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Retainer?

If you’ve recently had orthodontic treatment of any kind, your orthodontist will most likely recommend that you wear a retainer. Retainers are sometimes used as space holders when baby teeth are lost or extracted before the permanent tooth is ready to come in. There are a variety of orthodontic purposes for retainers.

Why Choose TW Orthodontics?

Orthodontic care can last a lifetime with the right support from an experienced orthodontist. TW Orthodontics provides lifelong care from your first evaluation through your treatment and beyond. Even years after your treatment we recommend regular appointments to monitor your teeth and make sure they are still in the correct position and that your retainers still fit and are in good condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clean my retainers?

We recommend brushing your retainers with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, unscented
soap in lukewarm water. Water that is too hot could warp the plastic. Toothpaste can be too
abrasive for your retainers, scratching the plastic and creating places for bacteria to gather.

What happens if I lose my retainer?

We can replace a lost retainer, but unfortunately, the cost of replacements is not included in your original treatment. You will need to pay for your replacement out of pocket, so be sure to keep track of your retainer. Only store it in the provided case and never set it on your plate or wrap it in a tissue or napkin. After your initial appointment, we will provide you with a model to keep that will ensure the process of replacing your retainer is simple and affordable.

How often should I wear my retainers?

We can replace a lost retainer, but unfortunately, the cost of replacements is not included in your original treatment. You will need to pay for your replacement out of pocket, so be sure to keep track of your retainer. Only store it in the provided case and never set it on your plate or wrap it in a tissue or napkin. After your initial appointment, we will provide you with a model to keep that will ensure the process of replacing your retainer is simple and affordable.

How often should I wear my retainers?

A single retainer can cost anywhere from $100-$300. The actual cost depends on the type of
retainer, whether or not it is for the upper or lower arch, and a variety of other factors.

Contact us today for more information about retainers or to schedule an appointment.