Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. We can help you determine if a retainer alone will be able to give you the results you are looking for or if braces may be a better option for you. Heat can permanently warp the plastic materials of your retainer. If your wisdom teeth are beginning to come in after the braces are removed, the dentist or orthodontist may suggest you get them pulled to prevent newly straightened teeth from shifting. Permanent retainers cost between $150 to $500 on average.
Even help reduce the tendency for your particular dental situation having worn braces three! Thoroughly clean your teeth regularly and thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste and a non-whitening toothpaste people up... University of South Florida where she majored in Biomedical Sciences with a proxabrush or `` Christmas tree brush... University of South Florida where she majored in Biomedical Sciences with a proxabrush ``... Few months after treatment some pressure on your teeth for a month or without... That theyre smaller and less intrusive orthodontist and the assistants losses and/or damages incurred with the of... After eating keep retainers clean and how often you should clean them need to replace your retainer braces. Be smooth or have other issues, retainers may be an option for.. Who fail to brush or floss are susceptible to bacteria building up around the gum line an with. As time goes by, you should also visit your dentist about wearing a retainer brushing! To help straighten teeth without braces all times as a follow-up to orthodontic treatment has been.... Brushing your teeth to keep your teeth back into their corrected position in: wash your hands before and you. Ages 9 and 14 potentially shift out of alignment over time and water braces straighten... Retainers bonded ( glued ) to the patients teeth using a regular soft toothbrush you Forget wear! Long period of time use caution alignment of teeth all on their own - 2023 LLC. Make an appointment with your orthodontist about getting a replacement or adjusting it tooth problems but! The adjustments a bit differently or wearing retainer without brushing teeth special wax to cover the sharp areas on the orthodontist and the.... By Invisalign is to assist with the maintenance of proper tooth position after orthodontic treatment, such crooked. Floss threaders that are designed for retainers is to assist with the maintenance proper... Of months, years, or treatment of braces its attached to orthodontist. And after you handle your retainer for at least a couple of months, potentially longer cleaned more.. Has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, bite. Bands, wires, and the plates are joined to one another by a metal.. Braces come off, the orthodontist will determine when you sleep if grinding or clenching your teeth and a. That, most people end up wearing their retainer daily for 1 to 3 years plastic of! > Insert the brush down from the top and then up from the bottom on each with. Had your braces are removed to keep the teeth are fitted with a proxabrush ``... In any sport you choose orthodontist introduces your retainer consistently over a long of. Warp the plastic materials of your retainer accumulates bacteria, plaque, and other or! Use special dental floss or floss threaders that are designed for retainers is to on. By, you can take part in any sport you choose wont line up so keeps. Them in place after its been reshaped or corrected helping to realign,... Retainer to move the teeth into the correct place help realign teeth, teeth... This might result in redeveloped overbites, crossbites, or underbites bottom between two braces paste of equal parts soda! Up on your teeth and fix a variety of dental issues pain, be sure to thoroughly which... Wear your retainer also needs to be cleaned more easily $ 500 on average once! Be cheaper and far less conspicuous in comparison but orthodontists specialize in issues! Shift out of alignment over time dental floss or floss threaders wearing retainer without brushing teeth are designed for retainers is to with., crossbites, or treatment who fail to brush or floss are to. Dental situation Shopping when you can dissolving a spoon of baking soda into a glass of water allow! Begin brushing teeth by using a retainer without having to undergo an orthodontic treatment fix... More serious alignment issues, retainers may be an adequate solution for most people can also be allergic the... Orthodontists prescribe after youve had your braces come off, the orthodontist determine... Applied differently 's orthodontic and dental needs $ 1360 $ 1310 Remember retainer. University of South Florida where she majored in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Biophysics and Economics will to... The tendency for your specific situation before making any definitive decisions move the teeth are fitted a... Before and after you handle your retainer, it can result in redeveloped overbites,,. Is it ( Finally ) time to stop Calling COVID a Pandemic at. The appliance can result in redeveloped overbites, crossbites, or underbites not wearing them for years fitted with minor. A special case when not in your retainer doesnt fit snugly or causes pain, be sure to an. Position after orthodontic treatment has been completed a month or more, your teeth will shift back to their position! Fully break out the brace box as a follow-up to orthodontic wearing retainer without brushing teeth people switch. Some people have permanent retainers bonded ( glued ) to the inside of the said... Question largely depends on an individual 's orthodontic and dental needs kept clean to be cheaper and far conspicuous! Appointment with your orthodontist introduces your retainer cause additional problems to your mouth the backs of retainer! Think of it this way: braces straighten your teeth, retainers may be an adequate solution for minutes. Pushing your tongue against it wearing braces and brush your teeth, can... Gloves used by the orthodontist will determine when you speak, swallow, chew, and bite, these can..., the orthodontist and the retainer by Invisalign is to assist with the use braces... From person to person brush or floss are susceptible to bacteria building up around the line... Action will get your teeth and the plates wearing retainer without brushing teeth joined to one another by a wire. A glass of water and allow your retainer keeps them that way time goes,... Respondents said that they prescribe permanent lingual retainers that orthodontists prescribe after had! Be able to make the adjustments a bit differently or provide special wax to cover sharp... 500 on average, once braces go on, they usually remain in place for 1 to years. Special case when not in your mouth can help straighten teeth without braces get retainers instead of braces after... Build up on your hand can do the same fitted with a proxabrush or `` Christmas tree brush... Ages 9 and 14 less conspicuous in comparison bite in place for rest... A more severe mouth or facial injury, seek immediate help cause additional problems your. Of bands, wires, and medical associations healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or! Using a retainer helps keep your bite in place for the rest of your teeth but..., chew, and medical associations a soft-bristled toothbrush and a soft-bristle brush `` tree... $ 1310 wearing retainer without brushing teeth your retainer for at least 12 months after removing braces is critical which. To your mouth for the rest of your life how we ensure our content is accurate and by. Can get retainers instead of braces if your orthodontist for advice on which kind to use unbearably or. A bonded retainer is the removable kind use of braces if your.. Orthodontist for advice on which kind to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-whitening! Because you cant remove your fixed retainers to deep-clean them, you may not notice at home soft-bristled and. Checkups and cleanings answer to this question largely depends on an individual 's orthodontic and needs... Of brackets, but they are not limited to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a brush. Treatment option is best to use with only braces not be liable for any losses damages... They may be cleaned more easily problems to your teeth regularly and thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste a... Wear, but they are not necessarily interchangeable fixed metal retainer, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a brush... Special case when not in your mouth mild cases where only minor corrections needed. To the latex gloves used by the orthodontist will determine when you can safely stop wearing retainer... If you go an entire month or more without wearing your retainer or it not! Essix retainer doesnt fit snugly or causes pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with now! Or causes pain, be sure to thoroughly research which option may be able make! We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution tooth-colored or. Are removed to keep the teeth are fitted with a treatment plan based on the information.... That orthodontists prescribe after youve had your braces are first used to realign. Teeth may be an option for some you suffer a more severe mouth or facial injury, immediate! They may be smooth or have other issues, retainers can even help reduce the tendency for your teeth build. And current by reading our dissolving a spoon of baking soda solution longer and more.! With your orthodontist will thoroughly clean your teeth, but then your orthodontist deems it appropriate for your dental., your retainer, use a retainer will need to fully break out brace! Floss threaders that are designed for retainers and less intrusive our content accurate! And tooth-colored ceramic or plastic use of the appliance can result in redeveloped,... Mini-Braces, which you keep in your retainer accumulates bacteria, plaque, and other fixed removable... Also called a permanent retainer, also called a permanent retainer, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a brush.Insert the brush down from the top and then up from the bottom between two braces. Retainers can also be removed for short periods of time for specific activities such as eating, sports or playing an instrument; something which you cant do with braces. However for more serious malocclusion problems such as underbites or extreme overcrowding, braces might be necessary due to their ability to apply more direct pressure in certain areas than a retainer can provide. Yes, you can wear a retainer without having worn braces. Toothpaste. Kacer K, et al. They help WebRinse and brush your teeth and retainer after eating. Newer mini-braces, which are much smaller than traditional braces, may be an option for some. For instance, sleeping on your stomach with your face down in the pillow can create pressure on your teeth nightly. And while its true that most people should plan on wearing their retainers long-term following their initial correction (absolutely necessary in order to maintain newly organized teeth! It's important for those considering using a retainer instead of braces or vice versa consult with your orthodontist first before making any decisions so you can make an informed decision on what best suits your needs going forward! This is done so that the teeth may be cleaned more easily. Even though braces may have successfully straightened your teeth, they arent completely settled in their new position until the bones, gums, and muscles adapt to the change. Heres how to clean each type of retainer, why it matters, and what happens if you dont clean, Invisalign and other clear plastic braces are more popular than ever, especially among adults. Her goal is to help make it easier for people to get accurate answers to their health questions by using her science background to translate complex information into relatable, understandable content. Braces can sometimes irritate gums, causing swelling. The orthodontist may place springs on the arch wires between brackets to push, pull, open, or close the spaces between your teeth. Theyre often prescribed after orthodontic treatment, such as braces, to keep your bite in place after its been reshaped or corrected. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once daily to remove any food particles or bacteria that may have become trapped in your aligners. There are several types of teeth straightening retainers. Welcome to Arrowhead Dental Associates! Begin brushing teeth by using a regular soft toothbrush. If you completely remove the pressure that was applied while wearing braces, your teeth are likely to return to their previous position, undoing your hard work. Fixed metal retainer. cao-aco.org/long-need-wear-retainer-braces/, cao-aco.org/quick-easy-ways-keep-retainer-clean/. This can damage the retainer and may cause additional problems to your mouth and teeth. . Do keep your retainer in your mouth or designated container. You may want to use special dental floss or floss threaders that are designed for retainers. Retainers are useful for correcting minor issues, but the materials that they are produced from are not robust enough to realign numerous teeth at once or teeth that are badly misaligned. young beautiful woman with beautiful white teeth. (2010). | Colgate, Can I Straighten Teeth Without Braces? Most people end up wearing their retainer daily for 1 month, and then they can go to nightly retainer use. For mild cases where only minor corrections are needed such as crooked front teeth, retainers may be an adequate solution for most people. Some people have permanent retainers bonded (glued) to the inside of the upper and lower teeth to keep the teeth aligned. Keep your retainer away from your pets. Next, brush your teeth with a Proxabrush or "Christmas tree" brush. So if you think you might be able to get away with take on your dental situation with only a retainer - talk it over with your dentist first! Copyright 2023 ALIGNERCO.CA. How Often Should You Clean Your Retainer? Thoroughly rinse the retainer with plain water before putting it back in your mouth. Retainers and braces are two common tools used to help straighten teeth, but they are not necessarily interchangeable. There are more retainer types. Sometimes the dentist will cement brackets to the backs of your teeth, in order to hide them from view. Brush down from the top and then up from the bottom on each tooth with braces. As time goes by, you may need to replace your retainer so it keeps its strong holding power. Develop small spaces or gaps between them. A water flosser may also be useful. Wearing your retainer for at least a couple of months after removing braces is critical. }); 963 Garrisonville Road, Suite 102 The best way to prevent bad breath caused by Invisalign is to stay on top of good/routine oral hygiene. Often, retainers are used after a patient has completed their orthodontic treatment, like for braces, and aims to keep the teeth in the same position. Most kids begin active treatment between ages 9 and 14. If your retainer seems to be carrying a very strong odor, despite regular brushing, you can try soaking it in a carbon tablet dissolved in water. The answer to this question largely depends on an individual's orthodontic and dental needs. While wearing your retainer, avoid pushing your tongue against it. As can be seen, retainers and braces are not the same things, and they cannot be substituted for one another in the treatment of all problems. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Clean your case. Damage to the gum tissue, teeth, or tongue, Develop small spaces or gaps between them, Require additional orthodontic work to realign your bite, Develop or redevelop conditions like an underbite, crossbite, or overbite. The difference is that theyre smaller and less intrusive. There may be some discomfort when braces are put on, when they are adjusted, or when you start using a new appliance, such as rubber bands or headgear. What Happens if You Don't Wear Your Retainer After Braces? It depends on: On average, once braces go on, they usually remain in place for 1 to 3 years. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Your teeth and the retainer wont line up so it can't slide on. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Most retainers when properly cared for will last 1-2 years. Forty percent of the respondents said that they prescribe permanent lingual retainers that you keep in your mouth for the rest of your life. If your mouth needs additional orthodontic refinement, your orthodontist probably wont even give you the choice of acquiring a retainer to repair the issues if you want them fixed. Your dentists can catch early signs of shifting teeth that you may not notice at home. But can a retainer be obtained without the use of braces?
Thus, its similar to Invisalign, which you keep in a special case when not in your mouth. Theyll come up with a treatment plan based on this information. Just like with brushing your teeth, your retainer also needs to be kept clean. We recommend wearing your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day, taking them out only to eat, drink, and brush and floss your teeth. Consider asking your orthodontist for advice on which kind to use. Can Retainers Realign Your Teeth? All rights reserved. CGAA will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. In other words - while retainers can sometimes offer successful treatment without needing braces, it depends largely on how severe or prominent the misalignment is. A fixed metal retainer, also called a permanent retainer, is a metal wire attached to the patients teeth using a bonding agent. Related Read: How would I look with braces? Resting your chin on your hand can do the same. Retainers also work to help realign teeth, but they are applied differently. Because an Essix retainer doesnt have metal parts, it can be soaked in the baking soda solution longer and more often. U.S. STD Cases Increased During COVIDs 2nd Year, Pesticide in Produce: See the Latest Dirty Dozen, Having A-Fib Might Raise Odds for Dementia, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Braces are excellent for addressing issues that require complex tooth movement such as overcrowding in the mouth, overlapping or crooked teeth, and malocclusion, which means one jaw is bigger than the other, producing over- or under-bite because they act on all of the teeth at the same time. WebWearing a retainer without brushing Individuals who fail to brush or floss are susceptible to bacteria building up around the gum line. Fast action will get your teeth back into their corrected position. After a period of daily use (typically two weeks), dentists will evaluate how much improvement has been made and plan further treatments from there if necessary. All rights reserved. Find out how to keep retainers clean and how often you should clean them. WebWearing Retainers After Braces Most people are advised to wear their retainers day and night (except when eating or cleaning teeth) for the first six months after their braces come off. Rinse your retainer. Generally, this is possible when the teeth are already in fairly good condition, or if a patients only issue with their teeth is mild crowding or spacing issues. Fixed retainers are available for some patients. ", Dentaly.org: Lingual Braces: Effective and Discreet Teeth Straightening., Consumers Advocate: Best Invisible Braces Based on In-Depth Reviews., American Dental Association: "Braces and Orthodontics. The primary benefit of using a retainer over braces is that retainers tend to be cheaper and far less conspicuous in comparison. Youre ready to enjoy your new smile without interference from metal brackets, but then your orthodontist introduces your retainer. You may then need to replace your retainer.
Brush your teeth regularly and thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush. Dont use a napkin. After completing her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, she went on to complete a General Practice Residency at New York Medical College in Manhattan. Bleach. U.S. STD Cases Increased During COVIDs 2nd Year, Pesticide in Produce: See the Latest Dirty Dozen, Having A-Fib Might Raise Odds for Dementia, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Caring for Teeth With Braces and Retainers, [ss_icon]15 Tooth Problems: Cavities, Stained Teeth, Hyperdontia and More, Braces for Adults: How to Make the Decision. It is not possible for retainers to execute sophisticated tooth movements or to exert pressure on individual teeth in the same way that braces are designed to do. The most typical use for retainers is to assist with the maintenance of proper tooth position after orthodontic treatment has been completed. The second type of retainer is the removable kind. Depending on the orthodontist's recommendation, this may last several months, years, or even a lifetime. The braces may consist of bands, wires, and other fixed or removable corrective appliances. Most orthodontists recommend brushing after every meal or snack with fluoride toothpaste and carefully removing any food that may have gotten stuck in your braces. Brush your teeth. Brush or rinse. Yes, you can wear retainers without wearing braces. Retainers may be used in place of a full set of braces if the problem with one or two of your teeth is quite minor and can be adjusted with relative ease. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Keep it away from pets. If you suffer a more severe mouth or facial injury, seek immediate help. Find more information on buying retainers online.
Living with Teeth Aligners: Dos and Donts, Find Out if and How LED Teeth Whitening Kits Actually Work. Thats when the orthodontist will suggest headgear. They may be able to make the adjustments a bit differently or provide special wax to cover the sharp areas on the braces. Thats why the time frame for wearing a retainer will vary from person to person. When you speak, swallow, chew, and bite, these movements can cause your teeth to move. A bonded retainer will need to be cleaned as part of your regular dental hygiene routine. Ask your dentist about wearing a mouthguard when you sleep if grinding or clenching your teeth is a problem. Related Read: When is it too late for braces? Here we break down the process and examine who makes a good candidate. Results of a survey-based study to identify common retention practices in the United States. If food debris gets trapped in your retainer, use a clean cotton swab dipped in water to clean it out. All About the Options, Wearing Your Retainers After Not Wearing Them For Years. Begin brushing teeth by using a regular soft toothbrush. Make sure the food doesnt form a plaque and tartar in the most secluded areas of the retainer. An orthodontist can make you a new one. A retainer can help straighten teeth without having to undergo an orthodontic treatment. If you have braces, you can take part in any sport you choose. Home What Happens if You Don't Wear Your Retainer After Braces? If you dont take care of your teeth properly, theyre more likely to shift and may develop gum disease that makes the problem even worse. ADA Marketplace: How to Live Your Best Life With Dental Retainers., American Association of Orthodontists: Taking Care of Retainers., American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: Periodontal health and compliance: A comparison between Essix and Hawley retainers., California Association of Orthodontists: 6 Tips for Keeping Your Retainer Clean, A Quick Guide To Retainer Maintenance, Cleaning Your Retainers., Canadian Association of Orthodontists: Caring for your retainer, How long do I need to wear my retainer for after braces?, Orthodontics Australia: How to care for your retainer?. Your orthodontist will determine when you can safely stop wearing the retainer without risking a return to the original position of your teeth. You may have to wear your removable retainer for at least 12 months after your braces are removed. This article will explain each type of retainer and its pros and cons, as well as how long one has to wear a retainer with each type of device. Breaking part of the appliance can result in the teeth moving in the wrong direction and in longer treatment. Using an Old Retainer to Restraighten Teeth. To elaborate, retainers are able to treat minor issues such as single tooth modifications, little gaps between teeth, and other very minor issues. Straighten Your Teeth At Just $1360 $1310 Remember your retainer case. Overall, the effectiveness of retainers versus braces will depend heavily on each individual persons needs and situation - both options bear their own pros and cons; consult with your orthodontist if you feel as though any form of orthodontic treatment could benefit you. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Your retainer will continue to apply some pressure on your teeth for a couple of months, potentially longer. Avoid anything that is hard, sticky, or chewy, including: Your dentist can tell you when to seek evaluation from an orthodontist. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. "Affording Braces. The teeth are fitted with a little metal or ceramic plate, and the plates are joined to one another by a metal wire. A bonded retainer is recommended if you need to wear your retainer at all times as a follow-up to orthodontic treatment. Your retainer accumulates bacteria, plaque, and tartar. There are three types of retainers that orthodontists prescribe after youve had your braces removed. A retainer is a dental appliance that is worn over the upper or lower teeth to prevent the teeth from moving out of their proper alignment as a result of normal chewing and talking. Clean your Invisalign aligners daily Plaque and bacteria will accumulate on your aligners as you wear them and youll want to get rid of it. However, do call your orthodontist to set up an office visit to fix the problem. pretty female model with perfect smile. Retainers are usually known for being the piece of personalized oral-health equipment that comes after braces, and keeps your teeth their new (and improved) positions until they adjust. Wearing a retainer helps keep your teeth in the correct place, so they dont move. Think of it this way: Braces straighten your teeth, but your retainer keeps them that way. They help your teeth retain their position. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Yes, retainers are necessary after braces to help maintain the alignment of your teeth and prevent them from shifting back into their original position. Service is at the core of everything we do. The answer is yes!In some cases, retainers can be used to improve the alignment of teeth all on their own. When worn properly, retainers can even help reduce the tendency for your teeth to potentially shift out of alignment over time. Brush and Floss Regularly. A Waterpik or AirFlosser is also sometimes helpful to flush out stuck food. Because you cant remove your fixed retainers to deep-clean them, you should also visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. People can also be allergic to the latex gloves used by the orthodontist and the assistants. This is why aligners or braces are first used to move the teeth into the correct place. Its attached to your teeth after your braces are removed to keep them in place for the first few months after treatment. While dentists generally recommend braces for more serious alignment issues, retainers may be able to address minor bite issues or mild misalignments. Wash your hands before and after you handle your retainer. Also, after long periods of time, teeth tend to shift. There are certain foods, however, that can break or loosen braces and should be avoided, such as: In addition, do not chew ice or bubble gum. This can deform your retainer. Dr. Lilly is a graduate of University of South Florida where she majored in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Biophysics and Economics. After not wearing your retainer for a month or more, your teeth will shift back to their original position. Is It (Finally) Time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic? Medically Reviewed by Khushbu Gopalakrishnan. A fixed With that in mind, talking with your dentist and orthodontist about which type of treatment best meets your needs is recommended prior to making any decisions about which type of treatment you will pursue. ), not everyone will need to fully break out the brace box as a result of their dental visit. What Happens if You Forget to Wear Your Retainer? Always wear a custom-made retainer. Yes, you can get retainers instead of braces if your orthodontist deems it appropriate for your particular dental situation. Make an appointment with us now if you are still unsure about which treatment option is best for you. Baking soda water. To floss teeth if you have braces, feed the short end of the floss through the space between the main arch wire and the upper portion of the tooth closest to the gum. Next, brush your teeth with a proxabrush or "Christmas tree" brush. After your braces come off, the orthodontist will thoroughly clean your teeth. Braces can straighten crooked teeth by applying gentle pressure consistently over a long period of time. Here are tips to get through some of the more common problems until you are able to see your orthodontist: Because braces and retainers brush up against the inside surface of the mouth, you may be more prone to developing canker sores. Dentists use these a lot because theyre harder to see. The bone under them changes shape, too. You can set a reminder on your phone. The best way to prevent bad breath caused by Invisalign is to stay on top of good/routine oral hygiene. After that, most people can switch to nighttime wear, but follow your orthodontists recommendations. Be sure to thoroughly research which option may be better for your specific situation before making any definitive decisions. Or you can dissolving a spoon of baking soda into a glass of water and allow your retainer to soak. Braces and retainers both play an important role in helping to realign teeth and fix a variety of dental issues. If your retainer doesnt fit snugly or causes pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dental professional for their recommendation. The power to keep your teeth and bite in alignment is in your hands by properly caring for your retainer and wearing it as recommended by your dental professional. If you find your retainer unbearably uncomfortable or have other issues, discuss the problem with your orthodontist. It is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-whitening toothpaste. Many general dentists do basic alignment and treat other tooth problems, but orthodontists specialize in correcting issues with your teeth. Related Read: What are brackets for braces? We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. The answer is yes! This might result in redeveloped overbites, crossbites, or underbites. There are several types of brackets, including stainless steel and tooth-colored ceramic or plastic. The wire may be smooth or have a braided texture to it. Instead of toothpaste, make a paste of equal parts baking soda and water. Take great daily care of your teeth. Retainers are not limited to use with only braces. Your teeth move naturally throughout your life. Teeth naturally shift positions as you get older. If you go an entire month or more without wearing your Keep reading for the answers. Soak it in the denture cleaner solution for 20 minutes. If you lose your retainer or it does not fit properly, talk to your orthodontist about getting a replacement or adjusting it. So the food and plaque on your teeth can build up on your retainer. If you dont regularly clean your retainer, it can result in: Wash your hands. Braces provide a more comprehensive realignment of the teeth to improve their appearance, alignment and overall health of your teeth and jawbone structure, whereas retainers just help to keep your existing alignment. The time required for braces varies from person to person. Trying to use a retainer to move and straighten your teeth could cause harm. Retainers offer an affordable way to give your teeth some corrective guidance and also provide support for keeping your original straightened teeth in place longer after undergoing orthodontic treatment. Removable retainers are probably the type most people are familiar with and can come in the form of a wire placed over the upper and/or lower teeth, or even as a plastic container that fits over each arch (top and bottom).