Essix Retainer and Fixed Retainer

You’ll know your retainer fits properly if it snaps into place easily and feels snug without causing any pain. There shouldn’t be any noticeable gaps between the retainer and your teeth. Also, after a few days, your speech should feel completely back to normal.

Yes, you can and should remove your removable retainers when eating as food particles and plaque can get stuck between your teeth and the retainer.

On the other hand, fixed retainers that are bonded to the back of your teeth are meant to stay in place at all times. Just make sure to brush and floss carefully around them for proper care.

You should remove your retainer at certain times to keep it safe and clean. Take it out when you’re eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing your teeth, or cleaning the retainer itself. Also, if you’re playing contact sports, it’s a good idea to swap it out for a mouthguard instead.

Clear aligners gradually move your teeth into place with continuous pressure, but retainers serve a different purpose. They don’t change your smile; instead, they maintain the position your aligners achieved. Retainers are crafted to fit the shape of your arches snugly, ensuring your teeth stay in their new positions.

Essix retainers are an eco-friendlier choice compared to other options, thanks to their sustainable design. They’re made from recyclable materials, which helps cut down on waste, and their durability means you’ll need fewer replacements. Plus, with potential recycling programs, you can further minimize their environmental impact.

Just like your teeth, retainers can collect saliva, bacteria, and food particles, so it’s essential to keep them clean. Use a toothbrush and mild dish soap to clean your retainers thoroughly. You can also soak them in a denture cleaning solution for 15-20 minutes to get them really clean.

If your Essix retainer isn’t fitting right, there could be a few reasons behind it. Your teeth might have shifted, the plastic could be warped, or there might be some physical damage. It could also be due to normal wear and tear, or maybe it wasn’t stored properly.

Essix retainers can also double as custom whitening trays when paired with whitening gel, making them a convenient option for brightening your smile. However, since whitening isn’t their primary purpose, it’s a good idea to check with your dentist to make sure they are suitable for your specific needs.

• Avoid heat: Keep your retainer away from high temperatures to prevent it from warping or getting damaged.
• Handle with care: Don’t wear your retainer while eating or playing contact sports to prevent it from cracking or distorting.
• Cleaning Your Retainers: Gently brush your retainers daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap.
• Use the case: Always store your retainer in its protective case when not in use to avoid losing or breaking it.

Initially, you’ll probably need to wear your retainer full-time. As your teeth settle into their new positions, you can gradually switch to just wearing it at night. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, you should wear your retainer for a lifetime, although the frequency may decrease over time. Your orthodontist will guide you based on how stable your teeth alignment is.

A fixed retainer, also known as a permanent or bonded retainer, is a thin wire that’s custom-made and permanently attached to the back of your teeth to keep them from shifting after orthodontic treatment.

A fixed retainer typically bonds to the six lower front teeth, though it can also be applied to the upper front teeth in some cases. It’s custom-fitted to match your unique dental anatomy, ensuring it effectively covers the areas where tooth movement is most common.

A fixed retainer can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years with proper care, and some people even keep theirs on indefinitely. The lifespan really depends on how well you maintain your oral hygiene and take care of your retainer. Regular dental check-ups are key to making sure everything stays in good shape and your retainer lasts as long as possible.

Feeling like food is getting trapped behind your fixed retainer can be pretty common. It often happens because the design creates small spaces where food can hide, or it could be due to an improper cleaning technique. Some foods are just more likely to get stuck than others, too. If you’re finding this a lot, it might be worth looking into better cleaning tools like floss threaders or SuperFloss, or it could be a sign that your retainer needs a little adjustment.

If you’re wondering whether your fixed retainer is broken, there are a few signs to watch out for. You might notice the wire feels loose, or there’s a clicking sensation when you bite down. Sometimes, you’ll see that the retainer has separated from your teeth, or feel sharp edges that weren’t there before. Another red flag is if your teeth seem to be shifting out of place. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to get your retainer checked.

If you do not wear your retainers, your teeth will probably shift and could even return to their original position. It’s essential to wear your retainers to keep your results intact.

We welcome you to call us on 04 3987075 to discuss treatment costs.

It’s best to contact your insurance provider to check if retainers are covered under your dental plan.

We offer the following payment options:

• Split payments across 4 or 6 months using Tabby or Toothpay.
• 0% interest-free payment plan for 6- or 12-months period for holders of EmiratesNBD credit cards.

To schedule a consultation for Essix or fixed retainers, feel free to WhatsApp us at +97156 3211745 or call us at +97152 1290431.