Fixed Retainers – Amityville
Keeping Your Smile Aligned!
After investing so much time and money into your newly aligned smile, you don’t want all that to go to waste. At Amityville Orthodontics, we use fixed retainers to keep your teeth in their optimal position for many years following your orthodontic treatment. This way, you can enjoy the results of your treatment without having to remember to put in your retainer each night. Here’s how fixed retainers work, how they are made, and what you need to do to keep yours in good condition.
What’s a Fixed Retainer?
A fixed retainer is a thin, discreet arch that is bonded behind the teeth. This acts as a permanent retainer, as it prevents the teeth from returning to their original position on the dental arch. Ultimately, it prevents those micromovements that are responsible for crowding or the reopening of gaps between the teeth.
How Are Fixed Retainers Made & Placed?
The first step when getting a fixed retainer is making a mold of your teeth. Then, the mold is used to custom-make a bent wire to fit comfortably on your teeth. During your next visit, we will use dental cement to attach brackets to the inner side of your front teeth. These brackets are what the wire is adhered to. This can be done on the upper and lower teeth depending on your needs.
Caring for Your Fixed Retainer
Here are some steps you should be taking to keep your fixed retainer in good condition.
- Brush Twice Daily: You should be brushing your teeth twice per day for two minutes each time. Be sure that you are using proper technique and pay close attention to the area between your gums and retainers.
- Floss Daily: You should use floss or an interdental brush to clean between your retained and gums.
- See Your Dentist: You should visit your dentist for cleanings and checkups every six months.
- Avoid Crunchy Foods: You should stay away from foods that are particularly hard or crunchy. This includes things like toffee.