What is a retainer?
A retainer is something you receive after your orthodontic treatment is finished to keep your teeth from shifting. A retainer is typically worn all at times for the first 6-9 months besides when eating and brushing your teeth. After 6-9 months, Dr. Azizi will evaluate your teeth and see how the teeth have settled. If they look perfect Dr. Azizi will instruct you to wear the retainer at bedtime.
What are the different types of retainers?
Hawley Retainer :
A Hawley retainer is made of metal and acrylic material. Hawleys can last a lifetime if taken care of properly. The Hawley retainer is adjustable to a point if your teeth have slightly shifted. An Itero scan is taken and sent to the lab to be fabricated. To keep the retainers clean, brush with toothpaste and toothbrush or soak in a warm water with a retainer cleaning tablet.
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Spring Aligner:
A spring aligner also known as a SPA retainer. This retainer is made out of metal and acrylic with a spring that goes over the bow of the retainer. This retainer can be used if there are slight changes. Dr.Azizi will be able to activate the spring in the retainer to hopefully realign your teeth but this is never guaranteed that your teeth will be perfect again. To keep spring aligners clean brush them with toothpaste and toothbrush or soak them in warm water with a retainer cleaning tablet.
Clear retainer:
A clear retainer is made out of a clear plastic to which is molded exactly to your teeth when you are finished treatment. The clear retainers cannot be adjusted. If your teeth shift then the retainer will not fit since they were molded to exactly how your teeth looked when you finished treatment. To keep these retainers clean, brush with toothpaste and toothbrush or soak in a warm water with a retainer cleaning tablet.
Vivera Retainer:
Vivera retainers are the Invisalign company's clear retainers. Your teeth will be scanned with the Itero scanner and sent to invisalign to fabricate. The great thing about Vivera retainers is that you receive 4 sets of retainers. This means you have back up retainers in case you lose or break your first retainer. Same as with clear retainers, Vivera retainers are molded to the way your teeth look when treatment is finished and cannot be adjusted if there are changes. Vivera retainers are for any patient, whether you had regular braces or invisalign. To keep these retainers clean you can brush them with toothpaste and toothbrush or soak them in a warm water with a retainer cleaning tablet.
Permanent retainer:
A permanent retainer is a metal bar that is glued to the back of your teeth. Not all patients are candidates for permanent retainers. If you started treatment with major crowding or large spaces you will most likely need a permanent retainer. When wearing a permanent retainer, you will not wear any other retainer unless the permanent one breaks. If your permanent retainer does break, it is very important to call our office and schedule an appointment soon, as changes can happen quickly. 
Can I wear my retainer if it is tight?
If your retainer is tight when you put it in it can still be worn. As long as it still goes over your teeth, it is safe to wear. The retainer could be feeling tight due to not wearing every day or night and could mean your teeth may have shifted. If this happens, that is a sign to start wearing your retainer more. Even if you are only instructed to wear at night try to wear during the day until the retainer does not feel as tight to help your teeth shift back.
Retainer is too tight and causing discomfort?
If the retainer is just too tight and causing more pain and discomfort, call our office and make an appointment for adjustment. Dr. Azizi may be able to adjust the retainer or we can order you a new retainer. If your teeth have had too many changes we may suggest treatment again to make your teeth perfect once again!
Ready to schedule a consultation?
Our office is eager to meet you and can't wait to discuss your orthodontic options. If you are ready to start your smile journey with Azizi Orthodontics, give us a call. We have two convenient locations: Glenside-(215) 576-6414 and Ambler-(215) 646-9514.