3 Expert Benefits of Using Dental Retainers

Has your orthodontist recommended that you start wearing a retainer as part of your current oral treatment? If this is the case, you may already have a bunch of questions about the benefits and care that goes along with wearing this nifty dental accessory. 

Wearing a dental retainer is not as uncommon as you may think and is designed to help keep your teeth in place and boost your overall oral health. If you’re unsure about what wearing a retainer entails and how it will benefit your oral health, then this post is a must-read. 

What Exactly are Dental Retainers?

At first glance, you may associate retainers with something that young adolescents wear to correct their teeth. However, it’s not uncommon for adults to wear them after extensive dental procedures. 

Typically, retainers have been designed to keep your teeth in place after an orthodontic procedure. The aim is to help prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position. There are generally three types of retainers that are commonly used in Australian dental practices. Here’s what they are:

• Clear retainers: Also known as Essix retainers, these retainers are a common choice because of their transparency. Made from clear plastic, this option fits snugly over the teeth and offers a discreet way of aiding your dental treatment. You can easily maintain your smile and enjoy everyday activities. 
• Fixed retainers: This version is made of thin, custom-made wires that have been bonded to the back of the teeth. These are a permanent solution and don’t need to be removed for daily maintenance. Fixed retainers are usually recommended for individuals prone to dental shifting since they provide continuous support without the hassle of removal and insertion. 
• Hawley retainers: Unlike the fixed version, Hawley retainers are made of a sturdy acrylic base combined with thin metal wires that wrap around the front of your teeth. Since these retainers are adjustable and durable, they make the perfect solution for patients who prefer an option they can remove. These are ideal for anyone who only needs a slight adjustment in tooth positioning after minor orthodontic treatment. 

Many Ways Your Teeth Will Benefit

If you’ve recently invested in a dental procedure that straightens a few or all of your teeth, you will need something to maintain the alignment of your smile. Here’s a list of the top ways your smile and your oral health will benefit from adding a retainer. 

1. Prevents Teeth from Shifting

Retainers have been specially designed to uphold the structural integrity of your teeth after a straightening procedure. This is especially crucial in the first month after the initial procedure as teeth are more susceptible to reverting to their original, crooked position during this period. 

Retainers are also excellent for combating the natural physiological drift that occurs as we age. When this happens, teeth start shifting and can create gaps in your mouth. A retainer will prevent this from happening. 

1. Makes Breathing and Speaking Easier 

When your teeth aren’t aligned properly, this can affect different aspects of your daily life. Breathing and speech are among the most common daily activities that are affected when your teeth start drifting. Straightening your teeth is the first step to rectify this. Following this up with a retainer will encourage your teeth to stay in the right position to improve your speech and overall breathing. 

2. Can Improve Your Oral Hygiene

Poor oral health may have been the primary cause of the issue that led you to opt for the initial dental procedure. You may also have had a problem with teeth alignment for your whole life. Either way, you would most probably struggle to keep crooked teeth as clean as they should be. 

When you opt for retainers after your dental procedure, you will find that it’s easier to clean straight teeth, which instantly improves your oral hygiene. Retainers will also help to prevent the cavities, infections, and ongoing dental problems that crooked teeth often cause. 

Another impressive benefit is that taking care of your retainer is easier than you think. Here are the top care tips to implement into your daily dental routine:

• Daily cleaning: Keeping your retainer clean is as simple as using a soft toothbrush and mild soap to remove any traces of bacteria and plaque that build up after a meal. Experts recommend that you avoid using toothpaste as this can be too abrasive which causes scratches. 
• Proper storage: Your retainer will come in a small case which makes it easy to store. Always use this case for proper and safe storage. 
• Keep it cool: Excessive heat can damage your retainer. You should therefore keep it out of hot water and away from direct sunlight. Store your retainer in its case in a cool, dry space such as a bedside drawer or bathroom cabinet. 

Final Thoughts

Retainers are a simple way to maintain the alignment in your mouth, especially after a straightening procedure. With three common options to choose from, you’ll easily be able to find the perfect fit for your mouth. Your future self will thank you for the time and effort you put into keeping your smile perfectly aligned!