Retainers

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Dr. Sam Elkenawy

Orthodontist

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What are Retainers?

A retainer is an orthodontic device that assists the teeth “retain” their current position. As the teeth settle into the soft tissue and jawbone that hold them in position, they are susceptible to shifting. Retainers prevent the molars from shifting as the patient ages. A retainer may be composed of wire and plastic or plastic alone. A retainer is custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth and teeth precisely. Typically, a retainer made of solid plastic is completely transparent, but it will likely be more expensive. Depending on the variety, you can wear a retainer over the teeth or behind the teeth.

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Specialists & Dentists Under one Roof

Dr. Amer A. Quaddoura
Dr. Amer A. Quaddoura

Sedation Specialist

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Dr. Aliakbar Setarehaseman
Dr. Aliakbar Setarehaseman

Pediatric Dentist

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Dr. Alireza Hourfar
Dr. Alireza Hourfar

Orthodontist

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Retainers at Zara Dental, Houston

At Zara Dental in Houston, Texas, we focus on making sure the treatment fits the patient, and we have years of experience straightening smiles and keeping them that way. So call us today to get in touch with Zara Dental’s trained staff and gain your beautiful smile! You can also book your appointment on our website.
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Woman smiling in dentist chair during retainer fitting

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More About Retainers

1

What Are Fixed Retainers?

Fixed retainers, or permanent retainers, adhere to your teeth with a glue-like bonding agent. You cannot remove this type of retainer on your own. Commonly placed on the upper, lower, and front teeth to prevent displacement and separation over time.

2

What Are Removable Retainers?

Removable retainers are easy to put in and take out of your mouth. Traditional retainers consist of two parts: a plastic (or acrylic) portion and a wire piece. Although they are plastic as well, clear retainers are conductor-free. Both will precisely fit your dentition's shape.

3

What Advantages Do Retainers Offer?

Your braces will come off and your teeth will be totally straight. The benefits of using a retainer are long-lasting since it keeps your teeth in their proper alignment. Your orthodontic braces will look great, and you'll feel good about yourself after wearing a retainer for a while.

4

How Long Do I Need to Wear a Teeth Retainer?

You should wear your removable retainer for a minimum of a year after taking off your braces; for the first four to six months, you might need to wear it all the time. The duration of time you must wear a retainer, however, will vary depending on the type of orthodontic treatment you received.

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Follow These Tips to Keep Your Retainer from Getting Broken or Lost:

  • When eating, remove your retainer from your mouth.
  • Put the retainer back in its case when you aren’t wearing it.
  • Don’t chew gum while wearing a retainer.
  • Put the retainer in its case before you put it in your pocket or purse.
  • Don’t wrap your retainer in a napkin because it could be easy to throw away by accident.
  • Keep pets away from your retainer so they can’t chew it.
  • Don’t leave your teeth retainer in a hot place where it could melt, like a car or stovetop.
  • Always brush and floss your teeth well before putting your retainer back in.
A young girl with retainers smiles happily while sitting at a table
Retainers Benefits

After removing their braces, patients must use a retainer to safeguard their orthodontic investment. After spending several years and thousands of dollars straightening your teeth, you do not want to struggle with crooked teeth again. Some patients must wear their retainer constantly, while others will only need to do so intermittently. Retainers can be removable or permanent. The optimal type for a patient varies by circumstance. In some instances, a patient may only wear their retainer at night or during the day.

There are mainly two kinds of retainers:

  • Fixed retainers that stay in your mouth.
  • Removable retainers that you can take out.

Numerous dentists straighten teeth with a combination of fixed and permanent retainers. You can have both types simultaneously. All retainers maintain teeth in place for many years.

When your infant first begins wearing their retainer, their teeth may experience discomfort. Despite the fact that this is typical, they may not wish to wear their retainer. It can be difficult to convince your child to wear a retainer, but there are ways to make it enjoyable and simple for the entire family:

  • Be patient, and don’t get tired of reminding your child to wear the retainer. This new habit can take a while to form.
  • Reward your child when they wear their retainer, especially in the first few weeks.
  • Put a note in your child’s retainer case that you wrote. Then, when your child opens the case, this could be a fun surprise.

It can be difficult to convince your child to wear their retainer every day for an extended period. However, educating them on the purpose of retainers and reminding them to wear them when they neglect them can go a long way. Your child should make it a habit to wear a retainer for the remainder of their life, just as a beautiful smile is a lifelong commitment.

Teeth alter naturally over time. The teeth will wiggle and change if you do not wear your retainer. They may become uneven, too close together, or misaligned. You may also develop an overbite. Therefore, our dentists will advise you to wear a retainer after removing your braces.

Immediately fix a broken retainer. Broken wires can poke at your gums or lips and make them sore. It’s unlikely that you can fix your retainer at home. If your retainer breaks, you should see your dentist or orthodontist at Zara Dental in Houston.

Get Your Retainers in Houston

If you want your teeth to stay straight after you take off your braces, you need to wear a retainer. This tool keeps your teeth in the right place for a long time. Follow your Zara dentist’s instructions about how to wear a retainer for the best results.

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