According to Orthodontics Australia, 60 per cent of Australians believe that a good smile gives you confidence. So, it comes as no surprise that more Australians are looking to orthodontic options to fix the appearance of their teeth. But with so many new technologies available, how do you know which is right for you?
Braces and retainers act as a corrective tool for aligning teeth and preventing damage such as cavities and gum inflammation that can be caused by overcrowded teeth. While they complement each other, braces and retainers look and function differently.
What are braces?
Braces have small metal brackets and rings that are glued directly to your teeth. A stiff metal wire connects the brackets and rings and can be held in place by tiny elastics. The metal wire creates constant pressure on the teeth, slowly realigning them over an extended period of time. Braces also apply pressure to the gums and when they are removed, the gums can cause the teeth to move out of place. For that reason, most people need to wear a retainer for months or years after their braces have been removed.
Quick points of difference
- Braces are glued to your teeth and don’t move.
- Braces put a lot of pressure on your teeth and gums.
- Treatment periods can range from 18-24 months.
- Braces can be painful as they apply constant pressure.
- Available in clear, invisible and metal designs.
- Can be fitted to the inside of your mouth.
- Cleaning needs to be thorough to prevent staining your teeth.
- Treatment is usually followed by a retainer.
What is a retainer?
Commonly referred to as a “plate,” removable retainers are made of plastic that is moulded to your mouth with a formed wire. They work in the same way as braces, slowly pressuring the teeth so that over time they become aligned and spaced. Permanent retainers are a line of metal that is glued to the inside of your teeth to stop them moving. Often, retainers are used to correct minor alignment issues. You might need to wear your removable retainers for years after the removal of your braces to prevent teeth from moving. Your orthodontist will also recommend the number of hours each day that your retainers need to be worn. All retainers need to be kept clean, just like your teeth, to prevent food, bacteria and plaque build-up.
Quick points of difference
- Retainers can be removable or fixed.
- Retainers can hold the teeth in place following the removal of braces.
- Treatment periods can be temporary (as short as a few months) or permanent.
- Retainers can be less painful than braces as they’re moulded to your mouth.
- Can be worn to fix minor problems.
- Removable retainers wear out faster.
- Removable retainers can be removed for eating.
- They can be misplaced easily.
- A separate cleaning routine is needed for retainers.
The retainer cleaning and storing solution
Keeping your removable retainer clean can be more difficult than keeping your teeth or braces clean. Using a regular toothbrush and toothpaste can actually do more harm than good. Without using regular and effective cleaning solutions, bacteria can be encouraged to thrive on your retainer, exposing your mouth to a range of diseases and problems. But retainer hygiene doesn’t have to be so hard. Dr Mark’s HyGenie is a break-through all-in-one solution to safely storing and keeping your retainers clean from bacteria and plaque.
Shop the Dr Mark’s range today and protect your retainers (and your mouth) from harmful bacteria.
