How Much Does a Retainer Cost?
Depending on the choice of retainers, the costs can vary significantly as the premium options require an investment of about $5,000, while affordable retainers take up to $300 per set. It is always best to inquire about your options to your orthodontist to check the feasibility and affordability of the kind of retainer you require.
Benefits of Retainers:
Retainers offer a multitude of benefits that go beyond simply maintaining your straight smile. Here’s why wearing your retainer faithfully is an important part of your overall dental health:
- Preserve Your Investment: Orthodontic treatment is a significant investment in time and resources. Retainers ensure that the results you achieve with braces or aligners last a lifetime, protecting your investment and preventing the need for future corrective treatment.
- Enhanced Oral Hygiene: Straight teeth are easier to clean thoroughly. Retainers help maintain proper tooth alignment, making it easier to brush and floss effectively, which reduces the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.
- Improved Speech and Chewing: Misaligned teeth can sometimes impact speech clarity and chewing efficiency. Retainers help maintain proper teeth alignment, which can contribute to clearer speech and better chewing ability, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without difficulty.
- Boosts Confidence: A beautiful smile can significantly boost your confidence. Retainers help you maintain that confident smile by preventing your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
How To Take Care of Your Retainer?
Here are some helpful tips for taking care of your retainer after completing treatment:
Brush and Floss Around Fixed Retainers: Make sure to brush and floss around your fixed retainer regularly. Similar to braces, food and plaque can get stuck on the retainer wire, so it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene. Also, get regular dental checkups, as your dentist can guarantee the area is clean and cavities-free.
Keep Removable Retainer in Its Case: Always store your removable retainer when you’re not using it. Avoid placing it on a tissue or napkin, as they might accidentally get thrown away. Even when you take it out for brushing and flossing, make sure to keep it in the retainer case because pets are attracted to retainers, and you wouldn’t want your dog to damage it.
Remove Retainers Before Eating and Drinking: Take out your retainer before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. This is especially important if you have an Essix Retainer. Even if you’re just having a sip of a drink, remove the retainer because liquids and sugars can get stuck on teeth and the retainers, raising the risk of cavities.
Clean Your Retainers: Cleaning your retainer is simple; brush it with a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste gently regularly to eliminate tartar from the surface. If you’re past the point where you need to wear it all the time, mix baking soda or denture cleanser with water and soak it during the day to prevent it from smelling.
Don’t Keep Them in Hot Spaces: Avoid storing Clear Retainers in hot vehicles or drinking hot beverages while wearing them. Exposing the retainer to heat can cause it to change shape, affecting its fit and potentially leading to teeth shifting.
Replace If Needed: Like contact lenses or clothes, retainers experience regular wear and tear and may require replacement over time. Essix Retainers typically last from six months to a few years before the plastic wears out. On the other hand, with proper care, Hawley Retainers can last for 5 to 10 years.
What Will Happen If I Don’t Wear My Retainers for a Long Time?
If you don’t wear your retainers for a longer period of time, your teeth will start moving, and can become crooked, crowded, misaligned or you can develop an overbite.
The initial impression of retainers on your teeth will cause you to feel constrained. However, If you wear your retainer on a regular basis, your teeth will revert to their correct position, just as they were when you were first fitted with retainers. However, this only applies if your teeth are slightly moved. It is not encouraged to force the retainer to fit on your teeth, and if you find yourself in this situation, it is best to consult with your orthodontist.
Retain your Happiness With Orthodontic Experts
Retaining your beautiful smile after orthodontic treatment is an essential step for lasting results. At Orthodontic Experts, we understand the importance of maintaining your perfect smile and offer personalized retainer solutions to fit your specific needs. Our team will guide you through the retainer process, ensuring you have all the information and support you need to keep your teeth perfectly aligned. We believe a confident smile is an invaluable asset, and Orthodontic Experts is here to help you retain yours for a lifetime. Reach out today for a no-cost consultation!
