Retainer Care: Maintaining Your Smile After Braces

After your children get their braces in San Antonio, TX, taken off, he or she may be given a retainer to complete their orthodontic treatment. These little devices from Smile Kings Dental & Orthodontics are critical for keeping teeth in the right alignment long after your child’s final braces appointment.

Learn more about how retainers preserve beautifully straightened teeth and how you can help your children take care of their oral care orthodontic devices. Contact our pediatric orthodontists in San Antonio to schedule an appointment!

How To Care For Your Retainer Infographic

What Is a Retainer?

A retainer is a custom-made oral appliance made of metal or clear plastic that is designed to hold teeth in their new positions after braces. It is typically worn for a specified period or at night, as recommended by our Smile Kings Dental & Orthodontics team, to prevent teeth from moving back to where they initially were.

What Does a Retainer Do?

It’s common for San Antonio orthodontists to recommend children wear retainers at the end of their treatment. As the jaw and surrounding tissues in a patient’s mouth adapt to the new positioning of teeth, wearing a retainer helps stabilize the teeth. This means your children won’t need to go back to wearing braces in San Antonio.

Different Types of Retainers

Removable Retainers:

These are made of clear plastic or a combination of metal and plastic
Can be easily removed for eating, brushing, and flossing
Typically worn full-time initially and then gradually reduced to exclusive nighttime wear.

Fixed Retainers:

These consist of a thin wire bonded to the back of the teeth
Provides constant support and prevents teeth from shifting
Requires careful maintenance and regular orthodontic visits for adjustments

How to Care for Your Retainer

To keep your retainer clean and protected, follow these maintenance tips from Smile Kings Dental & Orthodontics:

Remove and clean the retainer regularly using a soft toothbrush
Avoid exposing the retainer to extreme temperatures
Store your retainer in its case when not in use to prevent damage or loss
Attend regular dental check-ups to have your retainer examined and adjusted if needed

Confidently Maintain Your Smile After Braces

Let our pediatric orthodontists in San Antonio help your children keep up all the hard work they’ve done! Contact us today to learn more about wearing retainers after braces and let us help you determine if your child needs braces to straighten their teeth.

Contact Our San Antonio Orthodontists

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