Will You Need a Retainer?

If you have braces, you will more than likely need to wear a retainer after they come off. You will need to wear your retainer for as long as the orthodontists directs. For some people, this may be a matter of months. Other people may need to wear one at night for life. There is no set time since every mouth and every situation is different. Once your teeth and jaw ligaments have been moved into the proper alignment, your retainer will make sure that they stay where they should.

If you have a fixed retainer, it will be cemented into place. But you will need to brush it and floss it when you brush and floss your teeth. If you notice that your teeth seem to be drifting out of alignment, you will need to talk to one of our orthodontistss, Dr. Tal Jergensen or Dr. Samuel Waddoups about repairing or replacing it. If you have a removable retainer, make sure that you take out when you eat or play sports, or engage in physical activity. However, you should make sure that when you take it out, you put it in the case that the orthodontists gives you to keep it safe. You would be surprised how easy it can be to lose a retainer, and they are expensive to replace! To clean your removable retainer, simply gently scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a solution of vinegar and water. Then, place it in a denture soaking solution to help clean it and to make sure that it keeps its shape.

If you have been thinking about getting braces, or are having trouble with your retainer in Temecula, California, then you should plan a visit at Miles of Smiles. To make your appointment, call 951-693-9373 today.