Orthodontic treatment can give children a beautiful, healthy smile that will last a lifetime. However, it’s important to remember that the work doesn’t end once the braces come off. After orthodontic treatment, children need to wear retainers to maintain the position of their teeth. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of orthodontic retainers for children and why they’re a crucial part of the orthodontic process.
What Are Orthodontic Retainers?
Orthodontic retainers are custom-made devices that are designed to hold teeth in their new position after orthodontic treatment. They can be removable or fixed, and they’re typically made of plastic or wire. Retainers are an essential part of the orthodontic process because they prevent teeth from shifting back into their original position.
Why Are Retainers Important for Children?
Orthodontic treatment can take several years, and during that time, the teeth and bones in the jaw are constantly changing. When the braces come off, the teeth are still in a state of flux, and they’ll naturally try to move back to their original position. Retainers help to stabilize the teeth in their new position and prevent them from shifting.
Children are especially vulnerable to tooth movement because their bones are still growing and their teeth are still developing. This means that the risk of relapse is higher in children than it is in adults. If children don’t wear their retainers as prescribed, their teeth can shift, which can undo all the progress made during orthodontic treatment. This can lead to additional dental problems and the need for further orthodontic treatment.
Types of Retainers
There are two types of orthodontic retainers: removable and fixed. Removable retainers are made of clear plastic and are worn over the teeth like a mouthguard. They’re easy to clean and can be removed for eating and brushing. Fixed retainers are bonded to the back of the teeth and are typically made of wire. They’re not removable and are worn 24/7.
The type of retainer your child needs will depend on their individual orthodontic needs. Your orthodontist will recommend the best type of retainer for your child’s specific situation.
How Long Should Retainers Be Worn?
The length of time that your child will need to wear their retainers will depend on their orthodontic needs. In general, removable retainers should be worn for at least 12 months, and fixed retainers should be worn for several years. Your orthodontist will provide you with specific instructions on how long your child should wear their retainers.
It’s important to note that retainers should be worn as prescribed by your orthodontist. If your child doesn’t wear their retainers as directed, their teeth can shift, and additional orthodontic treatment may be needed.
Teeth Retainer Cost
The cost of a teeth retainer can vary depending on the type of retainer, the length of treatment, and other factors. At Elara Orthodontics in Richmond, we understand that cost is a concern for many families. That’s why we offer flexible payment options to help make orthodontic treatment more affordable for our patients.
Retainer for Kids Near Me
If you’re looking for a retainer for kids near me, look no further than Elara Orthodontics in Richmond. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing top-notch orthodontic care for children of all ages. We offer a range of orthodontic treatments, including braces and retainers, to help children achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Orthodontic Retainer Do’s and Don’ts: Tips for Maintaining Your Child’s Beautiful Smile
DO:
- Wear your retainer as directed by your orthodontist.
- Clean your retainer daily with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap.
- Rinse your retainer with water before and after each use.
- Store your retainer in a clean, dry container when not in use.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Be gentle when inserting and removing your retainer to avoid damaging it or your teeth.
- Notify your orthodontist if your retainer becomes damaged or broken.
- Keep your retainer away from pets or small children who may damage it.
- Attend all scheduled appointments with your orthodontist to ensure the best possible outcome for your orthodontic treatment.
- Wear a mouthguard while participating in contact sports or other activities that could damage your teeth or retainer.
DON’T:
- Skip wearing your retainer, even for a short period of time.
- Chew gum while wearing your retainer.
- Eat sticky or hard foods that could damage your retainer or cause it to become loose.
- Use hot water to clean your retainer, as it could damage the plastic or distort the shape.
- Use toothpaste to clean your retainer, as it can be abrasive and damage the surface.
- Soak your retainer in mouthwash, as it can discolor or damage the plastic.
- Try to adjust or repair your retainer yourself.
- Ignore any discomfort or soreness caused by your retainer.
- Share your retainer with anyone else, as it’s custom-made for your teeth.
- Forget to bring your retainer to appointments with your orthodontist.
Common Problems with Orthodontic Retainers and How to Avoid Them
While orthodontic retainers are designed to keep your child’s teeth in their new position, there are a few common problems that can occur. Here are some of the most common problems with orthodontic retainers and how to avoid them:
- Discomfort or Soreness: It’s normal for your child to experience some discomfort or soreness when they first start wearing their retainer. However, if the discomfort persists or becomes unbearable, they should contact their orthodontist.
- Cracks or Breaks: Retainers can become damaged or broken, especially if they’re not handled carefully. If your child notices any cracks or breaks in their retainer, they should contact their orthodontist to get it repaired or replaced.
- Poor Fit: Retainers should fit snugly against the teeth. If your child’s retainer doesn’t fit properly, it can cause discomfort, soreness, or even teeth shifting. If your child’s retainer feels loose or uncomfortable, they should contact their orthodontist.
- Discoloration: Over time, retainers can become discolored or stained. Encourage your child to clean their retainer regularly to avoid discoloration.
- Lost Retainer: If your child loses their retainer, they should contact their orthodontist immediately to get a replacement. Wearing a retainer is crucial to maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment, so it’s important to replace it as soon as possible.
By following these tips, your child can avoid common problems with orthodontic retainers and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.
Conclusion
Orthodontic retainers are an essential part of the orthodontic process for children. They help to stabilize the teeth in their new position and prevent them from shifting back to their original position. Retainers are especially important for children because their bones are still growing, and their teeth are still developing. By wearing their retainers as prescribed, children can maintain the beautiful, healthy smile that they achieved through orthodontic treatment. So, make sure your child wears their retainers and follows their orthodontist’s instructions to ensure the best possible outcome for their orthodontic treatment.
This article was created with the help of ChatGPT, an AI language model.