How To Make Retainers More Comfortable?
If you have recently finished wearing braces or Invisalign aligners, your orthodontist might have given you removable or fixed retainers. Unfortunately, many orthodontic patients complain that their retainers are uncomfortable. But the good news is that there are ways in which you can make your retainers less painful and more comfortable. This article is for those who find their orthodontic retainer inconvenient and uncomfortable.
What Is A Removable Retainer?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, an orthodontic retainer is an appliance that consolidates orthodontic treatment; it prevents your teeth from moving back once they have been optimally aligned with braces or aligners.
There are two main types of orthodontic retainers: removable and fixed retainers. Removable retainers are appliances made of clear acrylic resin that can be removed at the patient’s will. Removable retainers are designed to be worn over the teeth and simply provide resistance against unwanted movement of the teeth.
On the other hand, fixed retainers consist of a metallic wire bonded to the tongue-side (lingual or palatal) surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. Fixed retainers are typically prescribed when long-term retention is needed or for patients who frequently misplace or break their removable retainers.
