Retainers Near You

Upon the completion of orthodontic treatment, most patients will need to wear a retainer. Your family dentist will ensure that it fits you properly by taking impressions of your mouth. Providing retainers is a standard preventative practice, so if you’re told you need one, you are not alone. Here at Dentistry on Bayview, we offer orthodontic retainers near you. Contact us to find out more.

retainers north york

So … What are Retainers For?

A retainer is a device that fits over your top and bottom rows of teeth. They are designed to keep your teeth in place, preventing movement after your braces or clear aligner trays are removed. Essentially, it is a simple but effective preventative measure to maintain your beautiful smile and eliminate the need for future treatment. Just slip them in before you sleep; that’s all there is to it!

Like any dental prosthetic, your retainers are carefully created to fit you exactly. You will get used to having them on the longer you wear them. However, if you forget or choose not to put them in for a few days, they will feel quite tight.

Medical-grade plastic is used to fashion orthodontic retainers in North York; if you need any adjustments, talk to your dentist so they can address them immediately.

Finally, retainers are not meant to last forever. Over time, they will become worn down and even cracked, especially if you clench your teeth while sleeping. Eventually, you will need to book an appointment with a local north York dentist so they can create a new set. Let them know if you have any questions.

How Long Do You Wear a Retainer For?

The short answer is that it depends on the patient. A general breakdown of the timeline is below:

Right After Treatment Completion

After your orthodontic treatment, your dentist will likely inform you that you must wear your retainers full-time for several months. This is done to ensure that your smile stays in place. Your dentist will monitor the stability of your teeth during routine checkups.

Transition Phase

Further down the road, your dentist may say you can transition from wearing your retainers every night to only a few times a week. After all, the more frequently and dutifully you wear them, the better it is for your smile.

Long-Term Use

Dentists and orthodontists alike frequently recommend life-long retainer use, wearing them every week. Even though orthodontic care can effectively improve crooked smiles, your teeth can still move around as you age, so to prevent the need for secondary treatment, wear your retainer!

Need Assistance? Contact Our Team

No matter what kind of dental service you and your family need, we can help. Get in touch with our expert staff to book a consultation at a time that works with your schedule for retainers in North York.

Alongside standard dental treatments, we are happy to provide specialized services to all our patients, including braces, Invisalign, and retainers near you. For more information, call, email, or drop by our neighbourhood dental clinic today.

See you soon!

FAQ’s

How long do I need to wear my retainer after braces or Invisalign?

Most people need to wear a retainer full-time for a few months after braces or Invisalign treatment. After that, many dentists recommend wearing it at night for many years, and sometimes for life. Teeth can slowly move as you get older, so wearing your retainer regularly helps keep your smile straight.

What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?

If you skip wearing your retainer, your teeth may slowly move back toward their old positions. Even a short break can make your retainer feel tight when you put it back in. If your retainer no longer fits, visit our dentist as soon as possible to discuss your options.

How often should I replace my retainer?

A retainer will not last forever. Daily use can cause it to wear out, crack, or become loose over time. Many people use the same retainer for several years, but how long it lasts depends on how well it is cared for. Regular dental visits help your dentist know when it is time for a replacement.

How do I clean my retainer properly?

Use a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water to wash your retainer every day. Avoid hot water because it can change its shape. Keep your retainer in a protective case when you are not wearing it, and ask your dentist about safe cleaning products if extra cleaning is needed.

What's the difference between a fixed and a removable retainer?

A fixed retainer is a thin wire that stays behind your teeth at all times. A removable retainer can be taken out for eating and cleaning. Both types help keep teeth from shifting, and our dentist will recommend one based on your smile and treatment needs.

Can a retainer fix teeth that have already shifted?

A retainer may help with very minor tooth movement. Larger changes usually cannot be corrected with a retainer alone. Our dentist will check your teeth and recommend whether you need a new retainer, Invisalign, or another orthodontic treatment.