Retainers
Retainers Bethel Park
You’ve finally completed your orthodontic treatment and the braces you’ve been wearing for months or years have come off, revealing a beautifully straight and uniform smile. The last thing patients want at that point is for their teeth to revert to their original positions – that’s why Dr. Palmer strongly recommends the ongoing use of a retainer. As the name suggests, wearing a retainer can help your beautiful orthodontic improvements stay strong for years to come. Contact Smiles by Palmer today if you have any questions for our team, or if you’re ready to schedule your first appointment. We have two locations in Bethel Park, PA, and McMurray, PA for your convenience.
Why Choose Smiles by Palmer for Retainers?
- Experienced, Compassionate Orthodontist and Staff
- Convenient Offices in Bethel Park and McMurray
- Dental Insurance Accepted and Financing Available
Invisible Retainer
This type of retainer (sometimes called an invisible retainer) is made of clear durable plastic that snaps into place over your teeth. It is used to retain, or hold, the alignment of the teeth. Once placed, your teeth show through the plastic, which makes the retainers appear nearly “invisible.”
The retainer is initially worn all the time and then eventually only when sleeping. We will give you instructions specific to your needs when you receive the retainer, including when it should be worn and how to care for and clean it.
How Long Will I Wear an Invisible Retainer?
- Days 1 – 3: wear 24 hours per day (take out to eat and brush teeth).
- 3 days – 4 months: 15 hours per day – after school and night.
- 4 months – dismissal (1 year): every night for one year.
- 2nd year of dismissal: 2 -3 nights per week.
- Forever: One night per week.
Retainer Cleaning
We recommend that you clean your retainers with a toothbrush and cool water each time you brush your teeth. Avoid using toothpaste and a toothbrush, as it will break down the retainer material. You can soak the retainers in a 50/50 mix of denture or retainer cleaner and Listerine two times per week. Do not soak your retainer for more than 15 minutes. Make sure to remove the retainer from the solution after that amount of time and rinse in water immediately.
Hawley Retainer
The Hawley retainer is a common retainer used after the removal of braces. Retainers are necessary to hold the teeth into their new position, allowing for the settling of the supporting tissues. Hawley retainers are made of acrylic and wire and are fabricated specifically for each patient by taking an impression.
When you first get the retainers, you will be instructed to wear them full-time except when you eat and brush. As your teeth stabilize in the bone, you will be instructed to reduce the number of hours you wear your retainers. We instruct and encourage all of our patients to continue to wear their retainers indefinitely. Even wearing your retainers up to two nights a week for the rest of your life will reinforce the stabilization of your straight teeth.
How Long Will I Wear a Hawley Retainer?
- First 4 months: 24 hours per day (take out to eat and brush teeth).
- 4 – 10 months: 16 hours per day.
- 10 months on: Evening only.
Hawley Retainer Cleaning
We recommend brushing your retainers under cool water with a toothbrush and toothpaste whenever you brush your teeth. For disinfecting, soak the retainer two times per week for no more than 15 minutes in a denture or retainer cleaner and Listerine.
Safety
To avoid losing your retainer, please follow these rules:
- Don’t leave your retainer on a cafeteria tray or wrap it in a napkin. You may accidentally discard it! Use your retainer case for storage.
- Don’t leave the retainer where pets can get them, as they enjoy chewing them.
- Don’t put your retainer in your pocket, as this may cause the wires to become bent or broken.
- Don’t place the retainer in hot water or near heaters.
- Don’t chew on your retainer, as this may flatten it and it will no longer fit.