Clear Retainers: What You Need To Know
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental misalignment or malocclusion and facial distortions.
General dentists who have undergone specialized training in the identification of these conditions, and also the design and carrying out of the recommended treatment, are called Orthodontists.
In the first phase of orthodontic treatment, dental braces may be prescribed. The dentist determines how long you will have to wear them, basing on your specific needs. A period of wearing retainers may usually follow the treatment with braces.
Dental or Orthodontic Retainers
Retainers are devices, usually made of wires or clear plastic, that hold teeth in place following a period of teeth realignment with braces. They are used to help improve the appearance of teeth as well as aid in reinforcing the realignment process to completion. Retainers are made using casts or impressions of a patient’s teeth and gums, to ensure that they fit as closely as possible.
Gum and bone tissue in the mouth and jaw also reshape to the new locations as part of the realignment process. Retention aims to preserve or keep the improved arrangement of the teeth produced by the braces.
Sometimes, teeth may reposition faster than the hard and soft tissues surrounding them. In such cases, even if the teeth appear straight and even, they might go back to the original misalignment after the braces come off.
Retainers are used during this phase to keep the teeth straight and in place, while allowing the small gaps in between teeth to settle into a more normal arrangement. They also need to be used until the muscles, tissues, gums and bones in the mouth and jaw adapt to the new setting of the teeth.
Clear Orthodontic Retainers
A popular type of dental retainer is the Clear Retainer. This retainer can fit over the entire teeth. Composed of either polypropylene or polyvinylchloride substances, this retainer is produced by making a mould of your teeth and gums.
The Invisalign braces or aligners are often compared to Clear Retainers. Invisalign, however, tends to be used in order to move the teeth and help alleviate an orthodontic problem.
Advantages and Disadvantages of using Clear Retainers
The advantages:
1) They are specially-made to fit over your teeth, which may be more effective in holding the teeth in their new places.
2) They tend to be more comfortable to wear than the metal braces.
3) Patients may be able to comply better with wearing them for the required period of time per day since they are less noticeable (better aesthetics).
Disadvantages:
1) Delicate and may easily break if not handled properly because they are made of plastic.
2) Since they cover the entire teeth, they may not be recommended if you tend to clench or grind your teeth because this may produce cracks or small holes.
3) They are less bulky, and because they are made of translucent plastic, might be easier to lose or forget.
4) To help avoid loose-fitting retainers, impressions or moulds of the must be taken when the gums are not red, puffy, or swollen.
How to care for your Clear Retainers
Retainers more often get covered with plaque, saliva, bacteria and leftover food since you should wear them most of the time.
Here’s how they can stay clean, hygienic and fresh-smelling:
- When you are not wearing them, or when you take them off to brush and floss your teeth, rinse them thoroughly with warm (never hot) water
- Buy a retainer cleaning solution and soak the retainers at least once a day. Take care not to soak them longer than needed, and never soak them all day or overnight. Rinse them well after soaking.
- You may use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste to clean the retainers, although this is not recommended to be done every day. Brush gently but thoroughly.
To find out more about Clear or “Invisible” Retainers, visit ClearInvisibleRetainers.org. You can also find articles and information on Dental Orthodontic Treatment
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