Category Archives for Retainers
The Importance of Replacing Your Retainers After Dental Work
Retainers are a crucial part of maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment. They keep your teeth in their new positions while your gums, bones, and ligaments stabilize after treatment. But what happens if you need dental work after fitting your retainers? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of replacing your retainers after dental work and what you need to know to ensure that your teeth stay in their proper positions.
Why Replace Your Retainers After Dental Work?
Dental work can cause changes to the shape and alignment of your teeth, which can affect the fit of your retainers. For example, if you have a filling or crown placed on one of your teeth, that tooth may be slightly larger than it was before. This can cause your retainers to fit improperly, which can lead to your teeth shifting out of position. By replacing your retainers after dental work, you can ensure that they fit properly and continue to hold your teeth in their new positions.
When Should You Replace Your Retainers?
If you’ve had dental work done after fitting your retainers, you should schedule an appointment with your orthodontist for the evaluation of your retainers. Depending on the extent of your dental work, your orthodontist may recommend that you get new retainers. In general, if you’ve had any fillings or crowns placed on your teeth, you should have your retainers evaluated to ensure that they still fit properly.
What Types of Retainers Are Available?
There are several types of retainers available, including clear plastic retainers, Hawley retainers, and fixed retainers. Clear plastic retainers have a clear, flexible plastic material and fit snugly over your teeth. Hawley retainers are made of wire and acrylic and can be adjusted over time. Fixed retainers are attached to the back of your teeth and cannot be removed. And last but not least, Vivera® retainers.
Here are some of the key benefits of Vivera® retainers:
- Custom-fit: They are made from digital scans of your teeth, ensuring a perfect fit that is comfortable to wear.
- Durability: Strong and durable thermoplastic material makes them resistant to wear and tear.
- Clarity: They are clear and virtually invisible, making them an attractive option for those who want to maintain a natural-looking smile.
- Convenience: They are easy to use and care for. You can remove them for eating and brushing, and they can easily clean with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild soap.
- Effectiveness: They keep your teeth in their proper position, help to prevent relapse, and maintain the results of orthodontic treatment.
Your orthodontist can help you determine which type of retainer will be effective for you based on your specific needs.
How Do You Take Care of Your Retainers?
Taking care of your retainers is essential to ensure that they remain effective and do not cause oral health issues. You should clean your retainers daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything that could stain or damage your retainers. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, you should contact your orthodontist immediately to have your retainers replaced.
Conclusion
Replacing your retainers after dental work is an essential part of maintaining your beautiful new smile. You can ensure that your teeth remain in their proper positions by having your orthodontist evaluate your retainers and replace them if necessary. If you have any questions about replacing your retainers after dental work or need to have your retainers replaced, don’t hesitate to contact us. With proper care and maintenance, your retainers can help you enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for life.
The Importance of Wearing Retainers After Braces or Invisalign® Treatment
Congratulations, you’ve just completed your orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign®! You’ve achieved the perfect smile you’ve always wanted. However, your journey to a healthy smile isn’t over yet. After your orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will provide you with retainers. It’s important to understand the role of retainers and why they are essential for maintaining your newly aligned teeth.
Why are retainers important?
Retainer help to keep your teeth in their newly aligned position. After the removal of braces or Invisalign® aligners, teeth will naturally shift back to their original position. The purpose of a retainer is to prevent this from happening.
Types of retainers
There are two types of retainers: removable and fixed. Removable retainers are made of plastic and are designed to fit over your teeth and you can easily remove them for cleaning and eating. Fixed retainers, on the other hand, are attached to the back of your teeth with a wire. Patient cannot remove them and require special cleaning.
A removable retainer can be further classified into two types: Hawley retainer and clear plastic retainer. Hawley retainer is made of acrylic and wire and is often used after traditional braces treatment. Orthodontists often use clear plastic retainers made of clear plastic after Invisalign® treatment.
Vivera Retainers
Vivera Retainers are manufacture by Align Technology, the same company that produces Invisalign® clear aligners. These clear, custom-made retainers are produce using advanced 3D imaging technology, which ensures a precise fit and a comfortable wear. The material used to make Vivera Retainers is strong, durable, and resistant to wear and tear, which makes them a long-lasting investment
How often should I wear my retainer?
Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions on how often you should wear your retainer. Typically, you should wear retainer all day and night for the first few months after your orthodontic treatment. After that, your orthodontist may suggest wearing them only at night.
What happens if I don’t wear my retainer?
If you don’t wear your retainer as prescribed, your teeth may shift back to their original position. This means that all the time and effort you put into your orthodontic treatment will go to waste. It’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions and wear your retainer as prescribed.
How often should you replace your retainer?
A retainer is not meant to last forever. Over time, they can become worn or damaged, which can compromise their effectiveness. As a general rule of thumb, you should replace your retainer every one to two years, depending on the type of retainer and how often you wear it.
Your orthodontist will advise you on the best schedule for replacing your retainer, based on your individual needs and the type of retainer you have. Some types of retainers may require more frequent replacement than others, particularly if they experience excessive wear or damage.
It’s important to remember that wearing a retainer is a lifelong commitment if you want to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment. Regularly replacing your retainer is an essential part of this commitment, ensuring that your teeth remain straight and healthy for years to come.
Conclusion
Retainers are an essential part of maintaining your newly aligned teeth. They help to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position and ensure that you maintain a healthy smile. There are different types of retainers available, including removable and fixed retainers, and your orthodontist will provide specific instructions on how often you should wear your retainer. By wearing your retainer as prescribed, you can ensure that your perfect smile lasts a lifetime. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you would like to learn more about orthodontic care or retainers.
Invisalign® Vivera Retainers vs. Essix Retainers
Retainers are a crucial part of the orthodontic process. Without them, your teeth will shift back to their previous position. And unfortunately, failure to wear them will render your orthodontic treatment significantly less effective.
When it comes to clear plastic retainers, there are two options to choose from, Invisalign® Vivera retainers and Essix retainers. So which retainer should you choose?
Let’s take a look at Invisalign® Vivera retainers vs. Essix retainers and what makes each one unique.
Invisalign® Vivera Retainers
Invisalign® Vivera retainers are plastic and transparent. This allows them to fit snugly and comfortably over your teeth without being noticeable. In addition, they are strong, durable, and reliable. Many people who have had Invisalign® Vivera retainers for long periods find that they are still in perfect condition.
The main advantage of Invisalign® Vivera retainers is that they are virtually invisible. They also provide a snug and comfortable fit, eliminating the need for regular replacements.
Essix Retainers
Similarly, Essix retainers are clear plastic and fit around the entire arch of your teeth like aligners. Those with Essix retainers find they’re both comfortable and reliable. Because of this, you can wear them for long periods of time.
Since they are relatively affordable, Essix retainers are a popular choice for those wanting a discreet retainer. On average, they cost less than $500. However, since they are thin, you may need to replace them more often than other retainer options.
Pros and Cons of Vivera and Essix Retainers
There are two main types of retainers: Invisalign® Vivera Retainers and Essix Retainers. Both provide a secure fit that prevents your teeth from shifting, but they differ in terms of design, convenience, and cost.
Invisalign® Vivera retainers are typically more expensive than Essix retainers. So if you’re looking for a less expensive option, Essix retainers are the way to go. However, Invisalign® Vivera retainers provide a much better fit when compared to Essix retainers. This makes them the better choice for long-term use. They are also much more durable and can last several years if properly cared for.
However, since Essix retainers are less thick, they make speech easier due to the lack of bulk. Additionally, they are much easier to take off and on as opposed to Invisalign® Vivera retainers. But since they’re thinner, they are more prone to breakage or becoming misshapen.
Both types of retainers offer clear advantages and disadvantages. However, ultimately the choice should be determined by your individual needs and lifestyle.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, choosing between Invisalign® Vivera retainers vs. Essix retainers comes down to preference and budget. However, both types will help keep your teeth in place so that you maintain your beautiful smile.
When it comes to retainers, it’s important to discuss all options with an orthodontist. This will guarantee you come to an informed decision about which option best suits your needs. With proper care, either retainer can provide long-term benefits for maintaining a perfect smile. Just be sure to clean and store your retainer correctly to get the most out of it.
We work with our patients at Dr. Yazji’s office to ensure they get the best possible orthodontic treatment. If you want to learn more about retainers or orthodontic care, feel free to reach out today. or connect with us via Facebook.
Is It Time to Replace Your Retainers? Orthodontist Recommendation
After your orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will give you a retainer to help keep your teeth in their new position. It’s normal to need new retainers after years of wear and tear depending on the type of retainers you have. However, how often you replace it will depend on how you take care of it and many other factors.
Here’s what you need to know about replacing your retainer so you can determine when it’s time.
Type of Orthodontic Retainers
Depending on your retainer, you may need to replace it more or less frequently.
There are three types of retainers:
- Hawley retainers: These retainers have a metal wire that surrounds the teeth and keeps them in place.
- Essix retainers: These clear retainers are almost invisible and fit snugly over your teeth. They look similar to Invisalign® and don’t have any wires or metal.
- Permanent retainers: As the name suggests, these retainers are permanent and adhere to the back of your teeth.
On average, you should be able to get at least twelve months out on your Essix retainer and about five years out of a Hawley retainer. Permanent retainers can last many years, and you will only have to replace them if they break.
Signs You Need New Retainers
There are a few signs you may need a new retainer, including:
- Your retainer no longer fits snugly over your teeth.
- It’s become discolored or stained.
- The plastic is cracked or warped.
- You can no longer clean it effectively.
- Your pet ate it.
- You lost it.
- You have been wearing it for more than a year.
If you’re unsure whether you need a new retainer, the best thing to do is consult with your orthodontist.
Not Wearing Your Retainers
When your orthodontic treatment is over, your orthodontist will provide specific instructions on how often you should wear your retainer. Wearing it as directed will help to prolong its lifespan. Failure to do so can cause your teeth to shift. And if this happens, you will need to replace it.
Not wearing your retainer for a few days or even a week may not cause your teeth to move. However, if you go for an extended period without wearing it, your teeth will migrate back to their original position. And if they move too much, you will no longer be able to wear your retainer.
It’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions to prevent needing a new retainer or further orthodontic treatment.
How to Prolong Your Retainers’ Life
There are several ways you can prolong the life of your retainer, including:
- Remove it before eating or drinking.
- Avoid chewing gum while wearing it.
- Clean it every day
- Store it in a case when you’re not wearing it.
Following these simple tips can keep you from having to replace your retainers frequently.
Final Thoughts
Retainers are a necessary part of orthodontics, and replacing your retainer every year or whenever it breaks is normal. However, consider the type of retainer you have, how well you take care of it, and how often you wear it. The better you treat your retainer, the longer it will last.
If you have concerns or questions about your retainer, contact Dr. Yazji today.
My teeth shifted, I didn’t wear my retainers | Orthodontist in Weston
If you stopped wearing your retainer like you were supposed to, and your teeth have shifted, don’t panic! Dr. Yazji, an orthodontist in Weston, can offer a solution. There are still a few orthodontic treatment options available that can help.
An experienced orthodontist in Weston, like Dr. Yazji, will get your teeth back into their correct position. Here are a few ways an orthodontist can fix misaligned teeth after not wearing your retainer.
Using Your Original Retainer
If it has only been a couple of days since you stopped wearing your retainer, you’re in luck. Chances are, your teeth have only shifted slightly, and you may still be able to use your retainer.
It may take a little effort to get it back in your mouth. Since it will be snug due to the slight shift in your teeth, you may experience slight discomfort. But with a little patience, you may be able to get it back in. This will keep your teeth from shifting any further.
Creating a New Retainer
If your teeth have shifted more, or if it’s been longer than a week, you may need a new retainer.
An orthodontist can take an impression and create a new retainer that keeps your teeth from shifting further. By stopping the shifting of your teeth now, you can prevent any further damage. This can help you avoid having to go through orthodontic treatment again.
Starting a New Treatment with Dr. Yazji, a 5-Star Orthodontist in Weston
Unfortunately, further orthodontic treatment may be your only option if your teeth have shifted too much. If this is the case, an orthodontist will be able to develop a treatment plan specifically for you. This will help get your teeth back into their correct position.
While it may seem daunting, getting your teeth aligned again is possible. And with the help of an experienced orthodontist in Weston, it can be easier than you think. When you catch tooth misalignment early enough, you can often avoid extensive and costly treatment.
Wearing Your Retainer Is Important
The best way to avoid getting braces again to fix your teeth after they’ve shifted is by wearing your retainers. If you’re lucky enough that your original retainer still fits, wear it as directed.
If you need a new retainer, take care of it and avoid losing or breaking it. Your retainer is your key to keeping your teeth aligned, so treat it as such.
Get In Touch with a Top Orthodontist in Weston Today!
If you’re noticing that your teeth have shifted, don’t wait to get in touch with an orthodontist. The longer you wait, the more your teeth will move and cause further misalignment.
At Dr. Yazji’s office, we can help! We’ll work with you to get your teeth back into their proper position. As an experienced orthodontist in Weston, she’s helped many patients in your situation and can do the same for you.
Don’t wait. Contact us today to fix your misaligned teeth from not wearing a retainer! We have three conveniently located orthodontic offices in Weston, Miami, and Brickell.
It’s International Retainer Day! Caring for Your Retainer after Metal Braces
If you have metal braces or any kind of dental braces, and you are having them removed, you will need to wear a retainer. Retainers work by keeping your teeth from shifting back over time. Furthermore, a retainer will ensure that your metal braces have done their job in straightening your teeth. Actually, retention is for life.
Here are some tips on caring for your retainer and guaranteeing your teeth stay straight and healthy.
Why Do I Need to Wear a Retainer?
After removing your metal braces, your teeth are no longer in a rigid environment. As a result, your teeth can shift and move out of place over time. After treatment, your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer to prevent this from happening.
There are three main types of retainers:
- Hawley retainers: A removable retainer made using an acrylic mold of your teeth.
- Clear retainers: A removable, transparent retainer that fits over your teeth.
- Fixed retainers: A permanently bonded retainer adhered to the back of your teeth.
The retainer you receive will depend on your needs and your orthodontist’s recommendation.
Wearing Your Retainer
After removing your metal braces, you will need to wear your retainer daily. This process will be a bit of an adjustment, as you will need to get used to sleeping with a retainer.
As you sleep, your retainer will help keep your teeth in place, so they don’t shift. Therefore, wearing your retainer at night is crucial to maintaining the results of your metal braces.
During the day, you won’t have a retainer in, and can eat, drink, and floss as usual. Just be sure to remove your retainer at night before doing these activities.
With fixed retainers, you don’t have to worry about removing them before eating or drinking. Just brush and floss as usual!
Cleaning Your Retainer
Your retainer will quickly accumulate bacteria, plaque, and tartar since it spends a lot of time in your mouth. So, just like how you brush your teeth every day, it’s essential to clean your retainer every day.
You can clean your retainer with toothpaste and a toothbrush or by soaking it in denture cleaner. If you don’t have denture cleaner, you can also use mild dish soap or antibacterial soap to clean your retainer. Just be sure to avoid using hot water, as this can warp the shape of the retainer.
It’s also important to clean your retainer case regularly. Bacteria can build up in the case, so empty it out and wash it with soap and water at least once a week.
Make Your Orthodontics Last a Lifetime
With proper care, your retainer will last for many years.
By following these tips on how to care for your retainer, you can ensure that your teeth stay straight. Metal braces can be a big investment. And by taking good care of your retainer, you can guarantee your straight smile lasts a lifetime.
If you’re interested in metal braces or have any questions, schedule a consultation with Dr. Yazji today. We look forward to meeting you!
Will I Have to Wear Retainers after Braces?
If you’ve just finished orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering if you’ll have to wear retainers after braces. Retainers are custom devices that hold your teeth in place and keep your bite in check after treatment. In most cases, retainers are necessary for long-term success after braces. However, the type of retainer and how often you’ll have to wear it will vary depending on your individual situation.
Keep reading to learn more information about retainers and what to expect after orthodontic treatment!
What Are Retainers and Why Do You Need Them?
Retainers use plastic or metal wires that fit snugly around your teeth. They come in both removable and fixed varieties. Once you finish wearing braces, your orthodontist will likely prescribe a retainer to hold your newly straightened teeth in place. This is because it takes time for bones and muscles around your teeth to adjust to the new positioning.
Furthermore, wearing a retainer helps to ensure that your teeth don’t shift back into their previous positions.
Types of Retainers and How to Wear Them
There are two main types of retainers: removable and fixed. The type of retainer that you’ll need will depend on the severity of your orthodontic case, as well as your personal preferences.
Removable retainers are easy to take in and out. This makes them a popular choice for patients wanting to remove retainers when eating, drinking, and brushing their teeth. However, because they’re not attached to your teeth, it’s essential to be extra careful not to lose them.
Fixed retainers bond to the back of your teeth, making them more secure. However, they can be more challenging to clean and may require special flossing devices.
How Long Will You Have to Wear Retainers after Braces?
The length of time you’ll need to wear retainers will vary depending on the severity of your original tooth misalignment. However, in most cases, retainers need to be worn for a lifetime.
Your orthodontist will provide instructions on how long to wear your retainer and when you can take it out. It’s essential to follow these guidelines to avoid shifting your teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Wearing Retainers after Orthodontic Treatment?
Wearing retainers is important for maintaining your new, straight smile. However, retainers offer other benefits as well. For example, since retainers keep your teeth straight, they can help to:
- Improve your speech
- Reduce your risk of gum disease
- Decrease your likelihood of getting cavities
Overall, retainers are a small price to pay for a lifetime of healthy, straight teeth!
The Bottom Line
In most cases, retainers are necessary after braces to keep your newly straightened teeth in place. The type of retainer you need will depend on the severity of your orthodontic case and your personal preferences. In general, retainers are for life and you need to replace them every year. Retainers made of plastic will turn yellowish if you don’t clean and sanitize them properly. Retainers are like car tires that need to be replaced when they wear out or change their shape. However, the length of time you’ll need to wear them and how often can vary depending on your individual situation.
If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment in general, be sure to ask Dr. Yazji. She will be happy to create an orthodontic treatment plan that’s right for you! Book a complimentary consultation here. Dr. Yazji Contemporary Orthodontics offers three convenient locations in South Florida: Weston, Brickell, and West Miami.