Orthodontic Retainer Provo, UT

What is an orthodontic retainer?

A retainer is a custom-made orthodontic appliance that sits comfortably in the mouth to maintain your teeth in their new and improved positions after braces have been removed. The retainer holds teeth firmly in their new positions until they heal and become stable.

An orthodontic retainer can be removable or permanent. The most commonly used type of removable retainer is one that consists of an upper and lower acrylic base with a wire bonded to each base across the front teeth. The most popular permanent retainers are bonded lingual (on the inside) retainers, which cannot be seen when you smile.  If you are in need of an orthodontic retainer, Provo, UT residents can rely on SuperGrin Orthodontics to recommend the best retainer for your specific needs.

What are retainers for?

Retainers help hold teeth in place after braces are removed. They will also keep teeth from shifting over time. Retainers can be fixed or removable, depending on what your orthodontist feels is best in your situation. Each type has its advantages and challenges.

Are there different types of retainers? 

Yes! There are two broad types of retainers:

• Fixed retainers. These are known as “bonded retainers” and they stay on the backs of your teeth.

• Removable retainers. These types of retainers can be easily removed when you eat and drink and can sometimes be less effective if the person wearing them is inconsistent with how much they wear them. 

Types of Retainers

There are two most common types of retainers: fixed and removable. SuperGrin Orthodontics offers both fixed and removable orthodontic retainers in Provo, UT to help you maintain your straight smile.

Retainer types:

Essix retainer – The Essix retainer is similar to Invisalign, but it’s made from hard clear plastic instead of the thermoplastic used in Invisalign. It’s custom-fitted to your mouth. The Essix retainer is easy to use and clean, but it doesn’t allow for tooth movement because it’s not designed for that purpose like Invisalign is.

Hawley retainer – The Hawley retainer is made from a combination of acrylic, metal wires, and springs. This kind of retainer fits around the back teeth and keeps them in place by pressing against the roof of your mouth. Although it’s usually a temporary solution until the permanent one is finished, you can use it long-term if you want to retain your current smile indefinitely.

Fixed lingual or palatal retainer – A fixed lingual or palatal retainer is attached to the back or inside of the teeth with dental adhesive, making it permanent until you have it removed by your dentist. You don’t have to remove this type of orthodontic retainer.

Learn More About Wearing Your Retainer

When you need to wear a retainer, you may think it is pointless. After all, you just had braces or some other sort of orthodontic work done. Do you really need to wear a retainer? Absolutely. A retainer may not seem like it does that much, but that tiny little orthodontic tool can help keep your smile looking as beautiful as ever. Retainers can ensure your smile is beautiful in the long run and that you did not just waste time and money on orthodontic work that you will not keep up with. 

Is there a proper way of taking care of my retainers? 

Absolutely, and it is extremely important that you do maintain your retainers. Below, you will find a few tips for maintaining your retainers. 

1. When you eat or drink, remove your retainers to keep them in good shape. Eating with retainers can quickly damage them and drinking with retainers can cause discoloration. 
2. When you remove your retainer, avoid setting them on a table or in a napkin. This is an easy way to accidentally throw them away or get germs on them (that go straight back into your mouth). Instead, carry your retainer case with you so that you can quickly and easily store them when they are not in use. 
3. Wash your retainers regularly to avoid any buildup. If there is anything (like food) in your retainer, remember that it is keeping that food pressed against your teeth and this can cause cavities. 
4. Replace your retainers, if necessary. Retainers do not last forever. If you are concerned that your retainer has worn down too much or is damaged, speak with our office about getting a new retainer. 

Is there a fixed length of time that a person wears a retainer? 

Not necessarily. Like most answers in the orthodontic community, the answer is that it will vary from person to person. While it is true that most often a person can go from wearing their retainer during the day to wearing them only at night, this will depend on whether your teeth still need correction and whether you are consistent with wearing them during the day. 

Do retainers hurt? 

While you may need to have a little time to get used to wearing a retainer and it may be slightly uncomfortable the first few times you pop it in, you should not be experiencing any kind of pain. Your retainer should fit your teeth well and you should be comfortable wearing them. If your retainer is too tight or does not fit the right way, tell your orthodontist immediately so that they can fix it or get you a new one.

What Happens When Your Orthodontic Retainer Is Removed

After the last wire is removed from your braces, we will give you instructions on how to wear your orthodontic retainer in Provo, UT. These instructions will also be written on the container we provide for storing your retainers when you are not wearing them. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully!

Your retainer fits tight at first, but this feeling will go away as you wear it more often. It is normal to feel some discomfort while wearing your retainer, but if it is too painful or uncomfortable, please call us at the numbers below.

While an orthodontic retainer definitely addresses the dental issues mentioned above, its aesthetic benefits make it an attractive option for anyone who is concerned with the appearance of their smile. That’s why we recommend that if you’re interested in getting a retainer, SuperGrin Orthodontics should be your first stop. There is no doubt that you will find a retainer that meets your teeth and smile needs here! Contact SuperGrin Orthodontics today!

Common Myths About Orthodontic Treatment

Dental care is a crucial component of a person’s overall health, and when it comes to correcting bite issues, overcrowding, and misaligned teeth, wearing an orthodontic retainer, Provo, UT orthodontists recommend may be a preferred treatment option. Orthodontic care offers several treatment options, but for those who have never experienced this type of dental care, there are many misconceptions that people may have been led to believe over the years. Retainers may be a critical component of a patient’s treatment plan, ensuring that bite issues remain corrected for years to come. Our team from SuperGrin Orthodontics has provided insight into some common misconceptions patients who seek treatment from us often have about retainers.  

Myth #1: You Won’t Need a Retainer for Very Long 

Many orthodontists will prescribe a retainer that will be worn after braces come off. If this is the case, the length of time patients must wear the retainer can vary. Many people incorrectly believe that they only need to wear their retainer for two years after removing their braces. However, this is a common myth. Many people will need to wear a retainer for twice as long as you wore braces. Some patients wear their retainers for the rest of their lives, but it’s important to note that once they have been worn for a period, many patients are only required to wear them at night. 

Myth #2: Retainers Are Not Necessary if I’ve Worn Braces

While not everyone will require a Provo orthodontic retainer after they’ve had braces removed, they will much of the time. A retainer is an investment in your smile and helps to ensure that all the hard work you’ve done wearing braces remains. While braces do fix crooked teeth and jaw misalignments, a retainer will be necessary to ensure that the teeth do not shift back into their original state after braces are removed. 

Myth #3: Retainers Are Uncomfortable

When patients are fitted for a retainer, they will likely experience some discomfort for a few days. However, it’s important to note that this discomfort will subside, and the retainer will begin to feel completely normal on the teeth. If the retainer continues to cause pain after a few days, patients should see their orthodontist to determine the reason for discomfort. 

Myth #4: Retainers Don’t Require Special Care

Retainers require special care for several reasons. Not only does taking care of them ensure the shape doesn’t become compromised, or the retainer breaks, but they also must be cared for to keep them clean and free of germs and bacteria. Here are some key points to consider: 

• Retainers should always be stored in their case when not worn to ensure they remain clean and do not sustain damages
• Retainers should be regularly cleaned to remove any debris or bacteria, failure to do so can cause tooth decay
• Retainers should be worn as prescribed to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original state

Seeking treatment from an orthodontist can not only ensure straighter teeth but can also help correct oral issues that can cause serious health issues if not properly treated. Retainers are one type of treatment that an orthodontist may recommend, and they can play an essential role in the treatment plan. If your dentist has recommended that you see a specialist or suspects that you have considerable alignment problems, don’t hesitate to contact our SuperGrin Orthodontics team to learn more about Provo, orthodontic retainer treatment options.