Orthodontics: The Clear Retainers

Examination, prevention, and treatment of crooked or uneven teeth (malocclusion) falls under the scope of Orthodontics.

General dentists who have undergone specialized training in the identification of these conditions, and also the design and carrying out of the recommended treatment, are called Orthodontists.

To carry out the orthodontic treatment, dental braces are generally prescribed first. How long you will have to wear them depends on your individual needs. This is followed by a period of wearing retainers.

Dental or Orthodontic Retainers

Retainers are devices, usually made of wires or clear plastic, that hold teeth in place following a period of teeth realignment with braces. They are used to help improve the appearance of teeth as well as aid in reinforcing the realignment process to completion. Retainers are made using casts or impressions of a patient's teeth and gums, to ensure that they fit as closely as possible.

Retention aims to support the corrected adjustment of your teeth brought about by braces. Gum and bone tissue around the teeth also readjust to their new positions during the realignment phase.

Soft and hard tissues around the teeth may readjust slower than the teeth. When this happens, once the braces are removed, the teeth could relapse to their original locations, even though they may appear already straight.

To help keep the teeth in their new locations while the gaps in between the teeth, as well as the gums, tissues, muscles and bones in the mouth and jaw adapt to the corrected alignment of the teeth, retainers may be prescribed.

Clear Orthodontic Retainers

A type of dental retainer that is gaining popularity is the Clear Retainer. This retainer is composed of either polypropylene or polyvinylchloride (PVC) material. It is made by using a mould of the teeth and gums and fits over the entire arch of the teeth.

The Invisalign braces or aligners are often compared to Clear Retainers. Invisalign, however, tends to be used in order to move the teeth and help alleviate an orthodontic problem.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Clear Retainers:

Benefits

1) They are specially-made to fit over your teeth, which may be more effective in holding the teeth in their new places.

2) They may be more tolerable than metal braces.

3) Patients may be able to comply better with wearing them for the required period of time per day since they are less noticeable (better aesthetics).

The disadvantages:

1) They tend to be fragile and need to be handled properly, as they may break or crack easily.

2) Since they cover the entire teeth, they may not be recommended if you tend to clench or grind your teeth because this may produce cracks or small holes.

3) They are less bulky, and because they are made of translucent plastic, might be easier to lose or forget.

4) To help avoid loose-fitting retainers, impressions or moulds of the must be taken when the gums are not red, puffy, or swollen.

Tips on caring for Clear Retainers

Retainers more often get covered with plaque, saliva, bacteria and leftover food since you should wear them most of the time.

Here are a few tips on how you can keep them clean and hygienic:

- When you are not wearing them, or when you take them off to brush and floss your teeth, rinse them thoroughly with warm (never hot) water

- Soak the retainers in a retainer-cleaning solution. If possible, at least once a day, or once a week. Reminder: Never soak them overnight, or all day. After soaking, rinse them well.

- You can sometimes use a toothbrush and toothpaste. But, because a toothbrush can put scratches, use a soft-bristled one and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Brush gently but thoroughly.