Braces help many people straighten their teeth, close teeth gaps, correct extensive overbite and create a generally better smile. However, after the braces are removed, teeth will eventually revert to their original positions if left untreated. Don’t worry! This doesn’t mean you’ll have to get braces again or keep them on forever. As the dentistry professionals at Honolulu’s Pediatric Dental Group will tell you, consistent use of a retainer is the best way to keep your new smile healthy and looking great for years to come.

A retainer is basically the dentistry equivalent of a removable wrist brace. It’s a molded piece of plastic and metal that both children and adults should wear after having their braces removed. Retainers are made by having the patient bite down on a soft mold that hardens in the exact shape of their teeth, allowing the dentist to make a perfect replica of the top and bottom of the patient’s mouth. Depending on the amount of correction that was done with braces, the dentist will recommend how often the retainer or retainers should be worn, which can vary from permanent placement to wearing overnight only.

Retainers sit behind the teeth, unlike braces, so they are not noticeable by other people. Initially, retainers may feel unusual to patients, but they become pretty much unnoticeable after just a few days. When using retainers, it is very important to keep a regular schedule, because skipping days can allow teeth to move just enough that it will no longer fit or will be painful to wear.

Many patients are instructed to wear retainers 24 hours a day for a short initial period after braces are removed, and dentistry professionals recommend cleaning the retainers after every meal and every beverage except water to maintain good dental hygiene. Patients should always place retainers in protective containers when not using them because they can be broken if they are sat on or stepped on and are usually quite expensive to replace.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about how braces and retainers can benefit your child, contact Pediatric Dental Group today at (808) 593-8828 or visit them on the web.