Why Retainer Care Matters

Your retainer serves a critical purpose in protecting the results you worked so hard to achieve. After your braces or clear aligners come off, your teeth naturally want to shift back toward their original positions. The bone and soft tissues around your teeth need time to stabilize, which is why wearing and caring for your retainer properly is essential. Good retainer care also prevents bacteria buildup, keeps your appliance fresh and odor free, and extends its lifespan so you won’t need frequent replacements. When you follow the proper care guidelines, you’re making a commitment to the long term health and beauty of your smile.

Daily Cleaning Routine for Your Retainer

Cleaning your retainer should become part of your daily oral hygiene routine, just like brushing and flossing. Every time you remove your retainer, rinse it immediately with lukewarm water to prevent saliva and food particles from hardening on the surface. Use a soft bristled toothbrush dedicated specifically to your retainer, not the same one you use for your teeth. Gently brush all surfaces of the retainer using mild dish soap or a clear liquid soap. Avoid using toothpaste because many formulas contain abrasive ingredients that can scratch the retainer material and create places for bacteria to hide. After brushing, rinse your retainer thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water before placing it back in your mouth. Never use hot water, as heat can warp the plastic and ruin the fit of your retainer.

Deep Cleaning Your Retainer Weekly

In addition to your daily cleaning routine, your retainer benefits from a deeper clean about once a week. You can soak your retainer in a denture or retainer cleaning solution to remove stubborn bacteria and plaque buildup that daily brushing might miss. Simply fill a small container with water and add the cleaning tablet, then let your retainer soak for about 20 minutes. Another effective deep cleaning method involves creating a solution with equal parts white vinegar and water, then soaking your retainer for 5 to 10 minutes depending on the level of buildup. After soaking with either method, brush your retainer gently with your dedicated soft toothbrush and rinse it thoroughly before wearing. Some patients also like to give their retainer a quick final rinse with nonalcoholic mouthwash for extra freshness.

Proper Storage When Not Wearing Your Retainer

How you store your retainer is just as important as how you clean it. Always keep your retainer in its protective case whenever it’s not in your mouth. This simple habit prevents loss, damage, and contamination from environmental bacteria. Never wrap your retainer in a napkin or tissue, as this often leads to accidentally throwing it away. Keep your retainer away from heat sources like hot water, radiators, or cars parked in the sun, since heat can warp the plastic material. If you have pets, make sure to store your retainer case in a secure location, as pets are often attracted to the scent and can easily destroy retainers left within reach. When you’re eating at a restaurant or at school, keep your retainer case with you so you have a safe place to store it during meals.

Following Your Personalized Wearing Schedule

Dr. Swan will provide you with a specific wearing schedule tailored to your individual needs. For most patients, the first three to six months after braces or Invisalign treatment requires full time retainer wear, meaning you’ll wear it day and night except when eating, drinking anything other than water, or brushing your teeth. This initial phase allows your teeth and the surrounding bone to stabilize in their new positions. After this period, you’ll typically transition to nighttime only wear for at least eight hours. Many orthodontists recommend continuing nighttime wear indefinitely to maintain your results long term. Following your prescribed wearing schedule is crucial because even a few nights without your retainer can allow your teeth to shift.

Important Dos and Don’ts

Certain habits will help keep your retainer in excellent condition while others can cause damage. Do clean your retainer every day and rinse it before placing it back in your mouth. Do bring your retainer to all of your orthodontic checkup appointments so Dr. Swan can inspect it and make sure it still fits properly. Don’t eat or drink anything except water while wearing your retainer, as food particles and sugary beverages can become trapped and lead to tooth decay. Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the retainer material. Do keep your retainer away from curious pets and young children who might accidentally damage or misplace it. These simple guidelines will help your retainer remain clear, functional, and effective for years to come.

When to Contact Swan Orthodontics

If you notice any changes in how your retainer fits or if it becomes damaged, contact our Grand Rapids office right away. A retainer that feels tight might indicate your teeth have started to shift, which means you may need to adjust your wearing schedule. Cracks, breaks, or warping in your retainer require prompt attention so we can provide a replacement before your teeth have a chance to move. Regular checkup appointments with Dr. Swan ensure your retainer continues to fit properly and your teeth remain beautifully aligned.​

Protect Your Beautiful Smile

Your retainer is a simple yet powerful tool for maintaining the straight, healthy smile you achieved through orthodontic treatment. By following these care guidelines and wearing your retainer as directed, you’re protecting the time and investment you put into your orthodontic journey. At Swan Orthodontics, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way, from your first consultation through life with braces and beyond. If you have questions about retainer care or need to schedule a checkup appointment, please contact our friendly team in Grand Rapids today. We’re here to help you maintain your confident, beautiful smile for a lifetime.

The post How to Care for Your Retainers After Braces or Invisalign Treatment appeared first on Swan Orthodontics.

Why Choose Adult Orthodontics?

Many adults assume orthodontic treatment is only for teenagers, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Tooth alignment and overall dental health are important at every stage of life. Straight teeth are not just about aesthetics, they’re easier to clean, lowering the risk of cavities and gum disease. They also help prevent uneven wear, jaw pain, and headaches.

Our team at Swan Orthodontics specializes in adult orthodontics, offering personalized treatment plans that fit your lifestyle and unique smile goals.

Orthodontic Treatments Available for Adults

Adults in Caledonia Michigan have access to a range of discreet and effective orthodontic treatments at Swan Orthodontics. Popular options include:

• Clear Aligners (Invisalign): Virtually invisible and removable, these aligners are perfect for adults wanting minimal disruption to their daily life.
• Ceramic Braces: Tooth-colored brackets blend in with your natural teeth for a subtler look.
• Traditional Braces: Smaller and more comfortable than ever, these are a reliable choice for complex cases.
• Retainers: Keep your smile straight after your main treatment is complete.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Adult Orthodontics?

Most adults are excellent candidates for orthodontic care. Whether you’ve never had treatment or your teeth have shifted since childhood, our team can help. Common reasons adults seek orthodontics include:

• Crooked or crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Bite issues: overbite, underbite, or crossbite
• Jaw pain or discomfort
• Desire for improved oral health and self-confidence

To learn more, contact our office for a consultation.

Why It’s Never Too Late for Orthodontic Care

Orthodontics isn’t just for children and teens, it’s for anyone who wants a healthier, more confident smile. With modern treatment options at Swan Orthodontics, you can address dental concerns at any age with solutions tailored for adult needs and busy schedules.

Meet our orthodontist, Dr. Kathryn Swan, who has years of experience helping adults transform their smiles. She’ll help you understand your options and guide you every step of the way.

Start Your Smile Journey in Caledonia

Ready to take the first step? Don’t let age hold you back from the smile you deserve. Book a consultation at Swan Orthodontics and see what adult orthodontics can do for you!

The post Swan Orthodontics’ Treatments for Adults appeared first on Swan Orthodontics.

Why is Retainer Hygiene So Important?

Caring for your dental retainers goes beyond keeping bad breath at bay. Accumulation of bacteria, plaque, and tartar can lead to infections and damage your teeth. At Swan Orthodontics, we believe it’s our duty to provide you with a healthy orthodontic journey, and part of that is ensuring you know how to wear and take care of your retainer.

Practical Tips to Keep Your Retainers Clean and Fresh

Regular Cleaning

Just like you brush your teeth every day, you should clean your retainers as well. Soak them in warm – not hot – water and use a soft, clean toothbrush to lightly scrub off any deposits. Our patients at Swan Orthodontics have found this daily habit has greatly improved the longevity of their retainers and their oral health.

Soaking in a Retainer Cleansing Solution

Commercially available retainer cleansers can also be effective. You soak your retainers in the solution for the recommended time, and voila – the bacteria are cleared away. Remember, it’s important to rinse your retainers with plain water before placing them back in your mouth.

Regular Check-ups With Your Orthodontist

Dr. Kathryn Swan believes that regular orthodontic check-ups are vital to maintaining retainer hygiene. They allow for a professional cleaning of your retainer and an opportunity to check the fit to ensure it’s not leading to any other oral health issues.

Avoid Heat

In the hot summer months, be careful not to leave your retainers in a hot car or under direct sunlight. High heat can warp your retainer, causing a less-than-perfect fit.

Let Swan Orthodontics Help You with Retainer Hygiene

At Swan Orthodontics, led by Dr. Kathryn Swan, we pride ourselves in offering in-depth guidance on maintaining retainer hygiene. When you visit us at our Caledonia, MI office, you can expect to receive high-quality care, whether you come in for help with your retainer, braces, or another dental concern.

Schedule A Consultation

Summer in Michigan is unlike any other, and we believe in enjoying it with the best smile ever.  Looking after your dental retainers is an essential part of having that bright, confident smile. Take the first step toward a beautiful smile, and schedule a consultation today! Call our Caledonia, MI office at (616) 698-2323 or fill out our online contact form.

The post Keeping Dental Retainers Clean and Fresh This Summer appeared first on Swan Orthodontics.

Let’s take a look at what a retainer is, what it does, and why it’s so important.

What is A Retainer?

After braces or other orthodontic appliances are removed, a retainer is worn by patients. But what exactly is it? A retainer is a custom-made device that fits over your teeth to keep them in the correct position. Your braces have moved your teeth to ensure they are straight and aligned. The retainer makes sure they stay that way.

There are a few types of retainers:

Permanent Fixed Lingual Retainers

These retainers have a wire attached to the back of your teeth. They are ideal for people with rotated, crowded, or spaced teeth. It is permanent in the mouth and cannot be removed for cleaning. But there are still ways to clean the retainer while it’s in your mouth.

Removable Hawley Wire Retainers

These retainers are made of bendable wire and plastic. The wire goes across the front teeth, while the plastic part is custom-made to fit comfortably in your mouth. They come in various styles and colors and are easy to clean.

Clear Plastic Retainers

These retainers are removable, made of clear plastic, and very similar to Invisalign aligners. Because they are clear, they are not visible when in the mouth. They are also not very big and fit directly on your teeth so they don’t affect your speech. But because they are made of plastic, they can wear out and crack over time.

Who Needs A Retainer?

Any patient who has undergone orthodontic treatment likely needs to wear a retainer. It ensures the results of the orthodontic treatment last.

What Are Retainers So Important?

There is no way to overstate how important retainers are to your overall dental health. They are so important because they:

Maintain Space for Wisdom Teeth and New Teeth

Because braces are often used on preteens and teenagers whose bodies and teeth are still developing, retainers are necessary after braces to ensure enough space is kept for new teeth and wisdom teeth to grow in. With consistent use of retainers, you ensure those teeth don’t crowd or shift your other teeth when they come in.

Prevent Treatment Reversal

Once braces come off, the teeth will start moving back to their original position within months. Retainers stop this from happening and in turn, prevent the need for braces or other orthodontic treatment a second time.

Align Your Jaw Bones With Gums

When your teeth are aligned to a new position, the gums and bones surrounding the teeth will take longer to move with the teeth. Retainers help to stabilize your bite and ensure the gums and bones align with the new position of your teeth.

Help Teeth Hold Their Position

If your braces were used to correct gaps in your smile, it can take a longer time for the teeth to stabilize and hold their new position. This is especially the case if the teeth were moved a considerable distance. A retainer can ensure the teeth stay where they need to be and adapt to their new position.

How Do Retainers Work?

Once you have your braces removed, your orthodontist will make a mold of your teeth and create the retainer based on the new position of your teeth. But we know what a retainer is and why it’s important, but how exactly does it work?

Retainers apply gentle pressure to the teeth and jaw to ensure everything maintains its position and alignment.

By wearing retainers as directed by your orthodontist, you can preserve the results of your braces.

Retainers For Life Program

At Swan Orthodontics, we offer the Retainers For Life Program. While retainers are crucial to preserving a perfect smile, they can be easy to lose and break. With our program, you ensure you never need to pay full price for a replacement retainer.

For only $600.00, you can enroll in our program and get replacement retainers for no charge at all. The program also ensures you have a 3D scan of your teeth after braces as well as a printed 3D model so your office visits for replacement retainers are much shorter.

Schedule A Consultation

Are you interested in learning more about retainers or starting the process of braces? Dr. Kathryn Swan at Swan Orthodontics is more than happy to answer any questions you have and discuss the best treatment options for you.

To schedule a consultation for you, call our Caledonia, MI office at 616-698-2323 or use our online scheduling tool.

The post Why Wearing Your Retainers After Braces Is So Important and Our Retainers for Life Program appeared first on Swan Orthodontics.

Inserting and Removing Your Retainer

The most important thing to remember when wearing a retainer is to keep it in place! Your retainer instructions may be to only wear it at night, only during the day, or 24/7 except for eating and brushing your teeth. Leaving your retainer out for too long can allow your teeth to start to shift back into their pre-corrected positions as quickly as overnight. This can lead to the retainer feeling “tight” or causing the same aches and pains as when you were going through orthodontic treatments.

Whenever you take out your retainer, keep it in a safe place like a portable case to ensure you don’t misplace it or, as often happens when eating out, throwing it away along with the rest of your trash.

How Often Should I Wear My Retainer?

The frequency with which you wear your retainer depends on several factors, including your age and how long it has been since you had any orthodontic treatment. The average person wears their retainer for 8 to 12 hours a day, but this may increase if your teeth start moving too soon. Dr. Swan will let you know how long you will need to wear your retainer daily, typically requiring about a year of retainer use following orthodontia.

How Do I Store My Retainer?

Swan Orthodontics provides a simple retainer case with each retainer, although many people opt for more than one to ensure they always have a place to secure their retainer. It is important that you do not leave them in the hot sun; plastic retainers are prone to becoming soft and potentially reshaping when heated, and they can be damaged if they come into contact with very hot water.

When Should I Replace My Retainer?

Your retainer is made from durable materials, but not everyone makes it through their orthodontia without an accident or damage to the retainer. If you notice a crack, chip, or break in your retainer, order a replacement to ensure it doesn’t hurt your mouth or produce an unintended result from orthodontic treatment.

Retainer Care Consultation

As long as you take care of it properly and wear it every day, a retainer will provide you with excellent teeth alignment for years to come. Accidents happen, however, and we’re here to help if you need us. Read our retainer wear and care guide for more specific information. Call or contact Swan Orthodontics online and schedule an appointment to ensure you or your child have the quality retainer and orthodontic treatments they need.

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Using Invisalign Retainers to Retain Your Smile

Once you have finished with Invisalign, you probably think you’re done. You may think now that your teeth are in the proper position and are straight and beautiful, you’ve done your part and it’s all over. However, this isn’t completely true. You need to take a few steps after your treatment to ensure that your teeth remain in their new position. That’s where Invisalign retainers come in.

Unfortunately, after your teeth have straightened, they won’t stay in the proper position on their own. If you simply ignore any aftercare requirements, your teeth will gradually move themselves back to where they were before your Invisalign treatment. This is why you need Invisalign retainers as they help your teeth to remain straight once you’re finished with the aligners.

What is the Role of Invisalign Retainers?

Invisalign retainers are used by patients who have successfully completed orthodontic treatment with Invisalign aligners. It’s advised that once you finish Invisalign treatment, you get a set of Invisalign retainers. These can either be removable or fixed. Retainers benefit you in several ways, including:

• Keeping gaps between teeth closed
• Helping you retain correct bite
• Preventing crowding of the teeth
• Preventing grinding of the teeth when you’re asleep

Should I Get Invisalign Retainers or Something Else?

Your orthodontist will determine what retainer is best for you before your Invisalign treatment is complete. Factors that influence what type of retainer is ideal and how long you will need it include the stabilization of the gums and bones and pressure from the lips and tongue.

Invisalign retainers are similar to Invisalign aligners in that they are clear and nearly invisible. They have a similar feel to the aligners as well. If you get these retainers, they should last for a few years each but will have to be replaced over time.

Traditional retainers are made of plastic and sometimes metal. Whether you are recommended these retainers depends on the state of your teeth and mouth and the requirements to keep your new results.

You may also be advised to get a permanent or fixed retainer. This is usually a tiny wire fixed to the backs of your teeth to permanently keep them in their new position.

Orthodontic Retainers in Grand Rapids

If you live in or around Grand Rapids and need orthodontic treatment or are interested in Invisalign, Swan Orthodontics is your hometown provider. Request your free appointment online today!

The post Invisalign Retainers: What to Expect After Your Treatment is Complete appeared first on Swan Orthodontics.

At Swan Orthodontics, we always include a set of retainers in the cost of treatment. At the end of active treatment (when appliances are moving your teeth), we will recommend retainer wear. Often, we will have you wear your retainers full time (any time you are not eating or drinking) for the first six months, then we will switch you over to night-time wear. We recommend night-time for a life-time.

What Are Retainers?

Retainers are an orthodontic device that’s made out of metal, acrylic or plastic. They are custom-fitted to your teeth and are used to hold your teeth in position. They will need to be used at the completion of treatment to maintain your orthodontic results. Although you should wear your retainers for as long as you would like to keep your results, they are not meant to last a lifetime. We informed our patients that they will wear out at different speeds, like shoes, so they will need to be replaced in the future.

Types of Retainers

Retainers come in many different types. The type or style can impact the initial price as well as the price for any future replacements your child may need.

Removable Invisible Retainers

Cost: $150 for one arch $300 for both arches.
Invisible retainers are made from a clear plastic that is vacuum-sealed to the models of the teeth. This type of retainer is less detectable than other styles, but is susceptible to wear and tear, such as grinding your teeth, which can lead to replacements being needed.

Vivera Clear Plastic Retainers

Cost: $500 for both arches
These retainers are made by Invisalign. They are made from a hard, clear plastic that fits over the teeth. The price is higher than some options, since it comes from an external lab and is made from a patented material.

Removable Hawley Retainers

Cost: $195 per arch or $390 for both arches.
Hawley retainers are made from acrylic that is molded to the teeth with a metal wire that runs over the front of the teeth to hold the retainer in place. This is traditional option for retainers and is often recommended for our younger patients, as it can be adjusted as teeth fall out and grow in.

Bonded Retainers

Cost: $150 for the bottom arch
Bonded retainers are wires that are securely attached to the back of the teeth. We do not place them on the top arch because they have a significant failure rate in the top arch due to the patient’s bite. Although these retainers are glued in place, they may not be the best option for every patient because they are more difficult to clean around. They can also fail over time if they are not properly maintained.

Schedule an Appointment

For parents whose children are struggling with crowded or misaligned teeth, it can feel overwhelming to look at all the options. Fortunately, your child’s orthodontist can help. You can discuss the right options for your child’s smile and your budget during an appointment. To get started, we invite you to contact our Caledonia office by calling or filling out our online form.

The post What Will My Child’s Retainer Cost? appeared first on Swan Orthodontics.

While Invisalign aligners resemble a removable retainer, there are many differences between aligners and removable retainers.

Learn More about Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign aligners are designed as an alternative to traditional metal braces. The aligners are made from clear plastic. In this way, they are similar to retainers. However, Invisalign aligners are designed to apply pressure to specific teeth in order to shift them little by little. A person who chooses this treatment will use a series of aligners that help guide each tooth into the right position overtime. The goal is to slowly shift the teeth into a more attractive position, giving the wearer a straightened smile. Treatment time is often the same as it is with traditional braces. Once treatment is completed, you will be given a set of removable retainers.

Learn More about Removable Retainers

Retainers are used after a person has gone through orthodontic treatments designed to straighten their teeth. The retainer is used to hold the teeth in the new position. Wearing a retainer is especially important after a person’s braces come off. This is the time when there is the most risk of their teeth shifting back into the old position. A retainer should be used for a person’s entire life if they want to maintain the smile braces or Invisalign treatment have helped them achieve.

A mold of a person’s teeth is used to make a retainer. This means that the retainer will fit every curve of every tooth. An orthodontist will work closely with their patient when it comes to determining how long retainers will need to be used full time. Eventually, the retainer may only be required at night after the teeth have become more stable in their new positions. Experiencing tightness while wearing your retainer means the teeth have begun moving and the wearer may need to increase their wear time.

The Main Difference between Invisalign Treatment and Removable Retainers

Invisalign treatment is meant to shift your teeth into their optimal positions, once those positions are achieved, you can keep them in place with a removable retainer. Patients of all ages can get Invisalign Treatment, and it is recommended that you wear a retainer for as long as you would like your teeth to stay in their new positions.

While a special grade plastic is used to create both products, Invisalign aligners are usually thinner than retainers as they are not meant to last as long. There is also a difference in comfort, because retainers are meant to hold teeth in place, there is no discomfort if you wear them consistently

How You Can Enjoy a More Attractive Smile

Dr. Kathryn Swan and the entire team at Swan Orthodontics are eager to help you address crooked teeth and a variety of other problems that may be preventing you from loving your smile. Schedule a free consultation at our Caledonia, MI location today to learn more. Or, give us a call at 616-698-2323.

The post The Difference Between Invisalign® and Retainers appeared first on Swan Orthodontics.

Permanent Retainers

A permanent retainer, also known as a bonded retainer, is a piece of wire that is attached to the back of the teeth. Usually, the wire is placed behind the bottom front teeth. This retainer can give support to the teeth and can be used to close gaps.

Benefits Of Permanent Retainers

Some of the reasons people choose this option include:

• Help prevent teeth from shifting
• Can’t lose it like removable retainers

Drawbacks Of Permanent Retainers

Some things people may dislike about this option are:

• Bonded retainers can break.
• Certain foods like hard candies are dangerous to eat with permanent retainers.
• Permanent retainers must be kept clean to prevent tartar buildup on the teeth.
•  Only the front teeth are protected from shifting with this option.

Removable Retainers

At Swan Orthodontics, we offer two varieties of removable retainers. The first has a metal bar around the teeth and acrylic in the palate, this is called a Hawley retainer. We recommend Hawleys for our younger patients, as we are able to make adjustments to them when patients lose and gain teeth. The second type of removable retainers that we offer are made from clear, hard plastic and are called invisible retainers. They are molded to fit your teeth, and each retainer is unique to its owner. The first four to six months after you get your braces off, you should wear your retainers constantly, except when you are eating or brushing your teeth. Then, you can transition to nighttime wear. To keep your teeth as straight as possible, you should wear retainers nightly for life.

Benefits Of Removable Retainers

This option is chosen for numerous reasons, including:

• They will keep all the teeth in position
• Cleaning teeth and the retainer is easy since the retainer is able to be taken out.
• They can protect the teeth against slight grinding at night.
• If teeth move slightly, you can wear them full time until the teeth are back in position.

Drawbacks Of Removable Retainers

Some things people dislike about this option:

• You must remember to wear them.
• They can be lost, and you will need a new set custom made if you lose them.

You and your orthodontist can decide which option is best for your specific needs. In some cases, bonded and removable retainers are both recommended for optimal results long-term.

Schedule a Consultation

Taking care of our teeth and oral health greatly impacts our overall health. If you are interested in retainers, contact our team at Swan Orthodontics. We will help to recommend the best retainer for you. For an appointment, call our office or fill out an online form.

The post Permanent vs Removable Retainers: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Swan Orthodontics.

Why retainers are so important

If you’ve been a patient with Swan Orthodontics, you’ve likely heard us expound on the importance of retainers frequently. That’s because retainers play an essential role in rounding out the overall orthodontic process, and the second phase of treatment revolves around using them regularly. As we get older, our teeth have a natural tendency to drift back towards their original positions. This can happen even after they have been straightened with braces or aligners, and is part of a phenomenon known as “relapse.” In order to keep your teeth in their new and improved positions, wearing your retainer exactly as directed by Dr. Swan is key.

To understand why retainers are so crucial for the long-term success of your smile, it helps to know more about the teeth and how orthodontics work to move them. Your teeth aren’t the only things we want to stay in place once treatment is complete. Teeth aren’t just solid fixtures in the jaw, each one is held in its socket by elastic ligaments that attach the roots to the bone. These ligaments are living tissue that are affected by the movement of the teeth. It is this particular attachment that allows for the small movements of the teeth during treatment.

When tension is placed in and around the teeth through braces, new ligaments, and sometimes even bone, are formed. The first phase of treatment is also known as the remodeling phase, and once it is complete, those same tissues, ligaments, and bone will need time to stabilize. When left to their own devices, the teeth will almost always migrate back to their previous positions. Patients who don’t follow through with wearing their retainer properly often find their teeth shifting back to their old positions after some time has passed, undoing almost every step of their orthodontic treatment along the way.

Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid this kind of relapse! Keeping your newly straightened smile in place requires nothing more than wearing your retainer as Dr. Swan has instructed you to. The first step to this second phase of treatment is determining what type of retainer will work best for you. Dr. Swan will always look at the specifics of your case before recommending any particular retainer for you, but it’s good to know the different types available and how they can benefit your smile.

The different types of retainers

Fixed retainers

A fixed retainer will generally consist of a thin wire that has been positioned across the interior surface of the lower or upper front teeth, then bonded or glued into place. Since this wire stretches across several teeth, your oral hygiene routine will be similar to that of a braces patient, particularly when it comes to flossing.

Fixed retainers can be particularly helpful for patients who have had a large gap between the two upper front teeth. After braces or aligners close that space, a fixed retainer can be used to keep it closed. Although this type of retainer may take a little more work to keep clean, it often has the best outcome overall. This is because the bonded wire is capable of holding the newly straightened teeth in a more ideal alignment over a long period of time. Bonus: you never have to remember to wear it!

Removable retainers

There are a couple of different options available when it comes to removable retainers. The Hawley retainers is made of a wire and acrylic material, and the Essix retainer is composed of a clear plastic material that is similar to a clear aligner. Both of these will be custom-made to fit your mouth following orthodontic treatment.

Hawley retainers

This is one of the oldest retainers, and the one that is most recognizable. Made of stainless steel, these retainers are kept in place by wrapping a wire around your teeth and combining that with an acrylic arch that rests against the roof of your mouth. The metal wires can be adjusted to continue minor movement of the front teeth if needed. Many orthodontists are currently moving away from this more traditional retainer, but it can still be useful in some cases. Hawley retainers can be a bit more fragile than other retainers, so it’s important to take good care of it if you are given one to use.

Essix retainers

Essix retainers are essentially customized trays made of a transparent plastic material. They look very similar to the clear aligners used with a system like Invisalign, and are much less noticeable than traditional wire retainers. Each one is molded to the unique shape of your mouth, and as long as you care for it properly, it should last as long as you need it.

Maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine is incredibly easy with either removable retainer, but you will have to remember to wear them as directed to avoid relapse. They are also a lot easier to misplace or damage, so be mindful of where they are at all times and be careful when you handle them.

In some special cases, it may be necessary for us to use both permanent and removable retainers together to ensure no relapses occur. This is something we will discuss with you at the time if it ends up being applicable.

Keep your smile straight with retainers from Swan Orthodontics

Here at Swan Orthodontics, it’s our mission to create beautiful smiles for patients of all ages in our community. When you trust your smile to our talented team, you’re getting our expertise, enthusiasm, and highest-quality orthodontic care in return. We know the impact a beautifully aligned, healthy smile can have on your self-confidence and self-esteem, and how that can spill over into a better quality of life overall. We want to help you maintain that smile, and part of that is helping you find the right type of retainer!

If you’re finishing up your braces or clear aligner treatment soon, and want more information on why retainers are so essential going forward, get in touch with our Caledonia office any time. Our skilled staff is always happy to answer any questions you have, discuss any concerns you have about your treatment, or simply offer a word of advice or encouragement. You can count on us to keep your smile straight and your mouth healthy before, during, and following your orthodontic treatment process.

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