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FAQs for Retainers After Braces

  • October 25, 2021
  • 3:10 pm
  • Braces, FAQ
  • Braces, FAQ, Parkcrest Dental Group, Retainers

At Parkcrest Dental Group, we want you to keep your beautiful smile as long as possible. After you get your braces off, our orthodontist, Dr. Steven Harrison, will give you instructions for wearing retainers after braces.

Take a look at some answers to frequently asked questions about retainers after your braces come off.

What is the purpose of a retainer after braces?

Wearing a retainer after braces helps to keep your teeth straight after your orthodontist removes your braces. If you don’t wear them on your upper and lower jaw, your teeth will gradually return to their previous positions over time.

It’s okay to miss a day or two without wearing them, but if you don’t wear your retainers for an extended period of time, your teeth will continue to shift.

How often should I wear my retainer after braces?

Your orthodontist will instruct you on how often you should wear it. In general, you may have to wear a retainer every day during the day for as long as you had your braces in. For example, if you wore braces for two years, you might need to wear a retainer every day for two years.

Eventually, your orthodontist will recommend wearing your retainer only at night. This is crucial because you will need to wear your appliance for life while you sleep to make sure teeth stay straight for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.

When should I take my retainer out?

Following the removal of your braces, you should only remove your retainer to eat food, drink beverages, and clean your teeth until your orthodontist instructs you to only wear it at night.

Can I brush my retainer with toothpaste?

No, because toothpaste can actually be abrasive and cause scratches on the acrylic material. Toothpaste may harbor bacterial growth in your mouth. 

Make sure you brush your appliance with a toothbrush and water daily for best results.

What can I use to clean my retainer?

Special products include dissolvable tablets or powders that create a liquid rinse when mixed with water. Follow the instructions on the packaging for best results. 

In general, you should soak your retainer in the solution for 15 minutes and then thoroughly rinse it in water.

Does my retainer need adjustments?

Yes. Occasionally, your orthodontist may adjust the wires to make sure your appliance fits properly. If it breaks, make an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as you can. Although a few weeks without a retainer are okay if you’re just wearing it at night, going several months without one may make it harder to keep teeth straight.

How often should I contact my orthodontist with questions?

If you ever have questions about your retainer after braces, feel free to contact Parkcrest Dental Group or call (417) 887-1220 to reach out to our staff. We’re happy to help!

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Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top center) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (top right) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (bottom left) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom center) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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