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refreshing retainer | Wayne Family Orthodontics

Mar 10
0

A Clear Plastic Retainer Might Be Needed After Invisalign®

By | Invisalign | No Comments

Invisalign® and other brands of clear plastic aligners are sometimes used by our orthodontist, Dr. Muhammad Abey to help individuals correct alignment problems with their dentition. Clear aligners help improve the appearance of your smile while also reducing your chances of suffering chips, dental fractures, or lost tooth enamel.

When used as directed, this type of aligner can correct the alignment of your teeth without the need for the hardware associated with traditional braces. This can sometimes be accomplished in six to eight weeks.

Dr. Muhammad Abey can often fit you for a clear plastic aligner in a brief appointment. This simple dental appliance is made from a clear plastic material. You will need to wear the removable retainer as directed by your doctor. You can drink and speak with ease while wearing the clear plastic retainer, but you will need to take it out before eating a snack or a meal. When it isn’t in use, you should keep the retainer in the provided case. Cleaning the clear aligner calls for rinsing it with water, although some brands provide a special cleaner. Noticeable plaque buildup can be cleaned away with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a little non-abrasive toothpaste. Even after your alignment is complete, it is likely that you will need to wear a retainer until your teeth have settled into their positions.

If you are a patient at Wayne Family Orthodontics in Wayne, New Jersey, and you have a question about clear aligners or retainers, you can always call 973-341-3180 to speak to a staff member.

May 28
0

Taking Care of Your Clear Plastic Retainer

By | Retainer | No Comments
Once your braces have been removed by Wayne Family Orthodontics you will be fitted for a retainer. A retainer is designed to help mitigate any lingering tension in your periodontal ligaments, allowing your teeth to retain their new alignment for many years to come. Without a retainer this residual tension can cause your teeth to relapse back toward their previous alignment. By keeping your new clear plastic retainer clean and wearing it during the prescribed times, you can keep the amount of time you need to wear a retainer to the bare minimum.

There are three different types of retainers that Wayne Family Orthodontics commonly prescribes. You might be a candidate for a clear plastic retainer if your teeth only needed minor adjustment by your braces. A clear plastic retainer is very similar to aligner trays like Invisalign or Clear Correct. In fact, the clear plastic material makes it hard for the casual observer to even notice you’re wearing it.

While wearing a clear plastic retainer, you can drink and speak normally. However, you should take it out when you are eating. You should never use tobacco products while wearing the retainer as this could damage the retainer or cause other problems.

You should rinse your clear plastic retainer every time you take it out. To refresh the unit at night you can soak it in a mixture of half cold water and half antiseptic mouthwash. You can lightly brush the interior with a soft tooth brush and nonabrasive toothpaste to remove any stuck on plaque. You shouldn’t brush it with an abrasive toothpaste, as the abrasives could dull the clear plastic material and make it more noticeable when you’re wearing it.

If you have any questions about how to properly take care of your clear plastic retainer, please call Wayne Family Orthodontics at 973-341-3180 to schedule an appointment.