Does My Child Have to Wear a Retainer after Braces?
Curious about using a retainer? After braces, most orthodontists recommend purchasing one — here’s why.
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Braces have a major impact on your child’s smile. Braces take a long time to straighten teeth, so kids often feel accomplished after their braces are removed. When your child gets their braces off, it can feel like they are finally free of corrective dentistry. However, that is not necessarily the case. Your child may be upset to find out that wearing a retainer after braces is essential for keeping their smile in place.
Though wearing a retainer isn’t the most fun, it is one of the most important parts of keeping your child’s teeth straight. So, speak to your child about the importance of wearing a retainer after braces. They’ll thank you when they are older and have a brilliant smile, guaranteed!
What is a retainer?
Designed to maintain results from orthodontic treatments, most people will have to wear a retainer after braces
An orthodontist will fit your child for a retainer right after braces are removed.
A retainer is a piece of metal or plastic that is form fitted to your child’s teeth in order to keep their teeth straight after braces. Every retainer is custom made to fit your child’s teeth.
Most people will wear a retainer at some point in their lives, usually just after braces and then moving to overnight wear. Straight teeth are not merely a cosmetic choice; often braces correct spacing issues that can lead to plaque buildup and eventually cavities. So, wearing a retainer after braces will not only keep your child’s smile intact, it will also lead to better overall oral hygiene.
Though your child getting their braces off is definitely cause for celebration, it is important to know that your child’s perfect teeth do not want to stay in the same place forever. Shifting begins to occur right after braces are removed and teeth will want to slip into the same space they occupied before braces. Not to worry! With a custom retainer, your child will be able to preserve their smile for a long time. It is important to make sure your child is wearing their retainer regularly and if they should misplace it, that you can get a replacement as soon as possible.
What kind of retainer is best for my child?
Here’s how to choose the best retainer for your child after braces, Invisalign, or another orthodontic treatment
A hybrid metal/plastic retainer common for use after braces.
There are two common types of retainers your child may need to use. They may even have to use both types depending on their dental care plan. Both types fit different needs, so sometimes your child may need different types of retainers on the top and bottom teeth. Let’s go over the two types of retainer your child may encounter.
Removable Retainer: A removable retainer is just what it sounds like, you can take it out to brush your teeth or to eat. They are usually made out of plastic and form fitted to your child’s teeth.These retainers are generally recommended to be worn all the time after braces, and then scaled down to overnight wear over the course of several months or years.
Fixed Retainer: A fixed retainer operates very differently than a removable retainer. A fixed retainer is bonded to your teeth, so there is no chance of losing it. Often fixed retainers are small pieces of metal attached to the back of your teeth to hold them in place. Because the fixed retainer is bonded to your teeth and is not removed while eating, there is a higher chance of plaque buildup around the area. To combat this, speak to your family orthodontist about how to keep a fixed retainer plaque free.
How can my child care for their retainer?
Cleaning a retainer is an important step for your child’s oral health
Consistent brushing and flossing is even more important when wearing a retainer.
Teaching your child how to care for their retainer is an important part of their continued oral health. Retainers should be carefully taken care of because they are not impervious to plaque and can cause more problems if they are not taken care of properly.
Always make sure your child keeps their retainer in their case when it is not in use. Keep track of the case as well, because retainers are more likely to get lost if they don't have a home.
Don’t let the dog get it! It’s a classic story that your furry friend found a new clear plastic toy to play with. To avoid this scenario tell your child to keep their retainer out of reach of the family pet.
Be sure to follow all of the orthodontist’s cleaning advice including consistent brushing
Tell your child to stay away from sugary drinks while wearing their retainer
If your child has a fixed retainer, your orthodontist might prescribe special brushing and flossing practices
How long will my child have to wear a retainer after braces?
Retainers can guarantee straight teeth for life if used properly
Wearing a retainer indefinitely can seem daunting, but it is worth it.
This is the often the hardest part of retainer use for your child to accept. Most orthodontists will recommend 24 hour wear initially and then progressing to overnight wear indefinitely. Yep, that's right, indefinitely. Your child’s teeth will never stop shifting, so it is super important to instill lifelong retainer wearing habits right after braces are removed. A retainer will have to be replaced every few years due to regular wear, but should not have to be refitted if the retainer is being used properly. As mentioned before, if a retainer is lost or damaged, it should be swiftly replaced to prevent any shifting from taking place.
Wearing a retainer after braces is sometimes inconvenient for a child, but it is absolutely necessary to keep a lifelong straight and shiny smile. If you are looking for more information about kid’s retainers, are in need of a replacement or are considering orthodontic care for your child you can always contact Legacy Orthodontics with any questions or for a complimentary consultation.