16
Sep
When to wear a retainer following orthodontic work
Congratulations! You’ve completed your orthodontic treatment and have the smile you’ve always dreamed of. But that’s not all. Your orthodontist, Dr. Edgar Mendieta at Global Smiles Orthodontics in Columbus, Ohio, encourages you to use a retainer. Wearing your retainer doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s talk about when to wear it, why it’s so important, and how it helps keep that stunning smile you worked so hard for!
Why should I wear my retainer?
Your teeth have finally reached their perfect positions after months, or even years, of wearing braces or aligners. But just like a spring wants to bounce back when you stretch it, your teeth naturally want to return to their pre-treatment positions. That is where the use of a retainer comes into play. Retainers are a lifelong treatment in the battle against relapse following successful orthodontic treatment.
When do I need to wear my retainer?
The golden rule of retainers is to wear them as instructed by your orthodontist. That said, there are some general guidelines you can follow to make sure your smile stays picture-perfect for years to come:
- Right after orthodontic treatment. After your braces or aligners come off, your teeth are still settling into their new positions. During this period, you will likely need to wear your retainer all day, except when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth.Â
- At night until told otherwise. Once your teeth are more stable, usually after a few months, you will move to nightly wear. You’ll only need to pop it in before bed and take it out in the morning.
- Special circumstances. Planning to play a contact sport or perform on stage? Talk to Dr. Edgar Mendieta about protecting your teeth while adhering to your retainer-wear schedule.Â
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How do I care for my retainer?
Your retainers need to be cleaned and maintained to ensure they are effective at keeping your final results. Here are some tips to help you care for your retainer:
- Always wash your hands before handling your retainer.
- Brush your retainer every time you brush your teeth, using a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Soak your retainer in a denture cleaner or retainer cleaning solution at least once a day, following the instructions on the product.
- Avoid exposing your retainer to heat, as it can cause it to warp or lose its shape.
- Keep your retainer in its case when not in use to protect it from damage and bacteria.
Where can I learn more about new retainers and retainer wearing?
Still have questions about how to wear or care for your retainer? Dr. Edgar Mendieta and his amazing team at Global Smiles Orthodontics are here to help. They’re dedicated to making orthodontic care easy, personal, and fun for every patient in Columbus, Ohio. If you are a resident of the area, we invite you to call (614) 230-0374 to request an appointment at our office today, conveniently located at 3160 West Broad Street. Your smile deserves the best care, so let’s keep it dazzling with directed retainer wearing.Â
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Dr. Edgar Mendieta
Dr. Edgar Mendieta, is a highly regarded orthodontist in Columbus, OH, currently holding the esteemed position of President at the Cleveland Society of Orthodontists. His academic journey began with earning his bachelor’s degree at UCLA, followed by comprehensive dental training at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco. Dr. Mendieta gained experience practicing general dentistry before pursuing specialization in orthodontics through a distinguished program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Known for his passion for travel, he connects effortlessly with patients of all ages and backgrounds and is trusted for upholding the highest standards of patient care.SUCCESS
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