Dental retainers are a specialized appliance used after orthodontic treatment to maintain the alignment of the teeth. At Eagle Family Dental, we encourage patients who have just finished orthodontic services to wear a dental retainer overnight to keep their teeth in proper position with time. Our team talks to patients in the Arlington, Washington area who are undergoing adult braces to educate them on the importance of continued retainer use following treatment.

Why might I need a dental retainer after orthodontic treatment?

After you have completed orthodontic treatment and achieved the alignment you desired, it is critical that you continue to wear a dental retainer afterward. If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment and do not wear a dental retainer, the alignment you achieved can be reversed. Retainers are designed to ensure the teeth stay where they are over time.

How often do I need to wear my dental retainer?

Our dentists at Eagle Family Dental will advise you on how often you need to wear your retainer. Wearing the retainer at night while you sleep is common for most patients. Other patients might need to wear their retainers during the day as well, depending on if there is any shifting occurring to the teeth in a short period of time. Our team does not want you to experience any relapse after your treatment, so using a dental retainer will reduce this risk and maintain the changes longer than any other option.

How do I take care of my retainer?

Proper care and maintenance of your dental retainer is essential to improve its effectiveness and longevity. Here are a few tips to help you take care of your retainer:

  • Clean your retainer daily. Just like with your teeth, it is important to clean your retainer daily to prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque. You can gently brush the retainer using a soft toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner.
  • Rinse after meals. Whenever possible, rinse your mouth after eating to remove any food particles that may get stuck on your retainer.
  • Handle with care. Your dental retainer may be made of delicate materials, so handle it with care to avoid any damage. Avoid bending or twisting it, and always store it safely when not in use.
  • Keep away from heat. Heat can cause your retainer to warp and become less effective, so make sure to keep it away from hot water or other sources of heat.
  • Attend follow-up appointments. It is critical that you attend your follow-up appointments with your dental team at Eagle Family Dental to check the fit of your retainer and make any necessary adjustments.

Schedule a visit with our dentists at Eagle Family Dental in Arlington, Washington, to discuss dental retainers!

If you are currently in need of dental retainers after orthodontic treatment, it is time to talk to our providers at Eagle Family Dental about new and replacement retainers. Our dental office is conveniently located at 20302 77th Avenue NE in Arlington, Washington, and can be reached by telephone at (360) 435-2151. We proudly serve patients and families in and around the communities of Stanwood, Arlington, Smokey Point, Lake Stevens, Granite Falls, Everett, Marysville, and Camano Island, Washington.