A retainer is a custom made appliance made of either rubber or clear plastic and metal wires. Some retainers are removable, while others are fixed and bonded behind the teeth. The exact type of retainer that you need depends on your dental issue. Retainers can be beneficial for both adult and pediatric patients. At our dental office in Encino, we use biocompatible dentistry materials.
The purpose of a retainer is to promote correct alignment of the teeth. They are often used after braces are removed to prevent shifting. They are important after braces because although braces can successfully straighten out teeth, it takes some time for the teeth to settle into their new position without shifting. Additionally, they can be used to correct slight smile imperfections, to correct a bite that is misaligned, and to keep the teeth in one stable position following surgery.
Read Andrew K.‘s review of Signature Smiles of LA on Yelp
You should brush your retainer with a soft bristle brush every time you brush your teeth. Once a week, you can disinfect your retainer by using a specialized cleaner. It is important to rinse your retainer thoroughly with warm water after disinfecting it. You also need to be sure to practice good oral health by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly in order to keep your mouth free of debris. We can provide you with more specific instructions on caring for your retainer and point you toward the best products to use.
Contact our dentist in Encino to find out how retailers can help you with your cosmetic dental concerns with minimally invasive methods.
The purpose of a retainer is to promote correct alignment of the teeth. They are often used after braces are removed to prevent shifting. They are important after braces because although braces can successfully straighten out teeth, it takes some time for the teeth to settle into their new position without shifting. Additionally, they can be used to correct slight smile imperfections, to correct a bite that is misaligned, and to keep the teeth in one stable position following surgery.
What can I expect?
The exact perimeters for your use of a retainer will depend on many factors. For example, some patients need to wear the retainer all day, while others only need to wear the retainer during sleep. The most common usage of retainers is about six months of consistent wear post-braces and then only during sleep after that.Read Andrew K.‘s review of Signature Smiles of LA on Yelp
How do I care for retainers?
You should brush your retainer with a soft bristle brush every time you brush your teeth. Once a week, you can disinfect your retainer by using a specialized cleaner. It is important to rinse your retainer thoroughly with warm water after disinfecting it. You also need to be sure to practice good oral health by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly in order to keep your mouth free of debris. We can provide you with more specific instructions on caring for your retainer and point you toward the best products to use.
Contact our dentist in Encino to find out how retailers can help you with your cosmetic dental concerns with minimally invasive methods. 
