Your child may think their orthodontic treatment is finished now that they have removed their braces. This is not true. Straightening their teeth is only half of the battle. Maintaining their straight smiles is half the battle. Dental retainers are a great option. Retainers are worn for many years by people who have had their braces removed. However, getting your child to wear retainers can be difficult. This article will help you get your child used to wearing retainers correctly and with the least stress possible.

What are Retainers?

Retainers can be made of metal or plastic and are customized for each individual. Retainers are not the same. They are made to fit the contour of your mouth and align your teeth.

There are two types of retainers.One is disposable and other is fixed.

Disposable

These are easy to put in and take out by your child every day. Clear retainers are transparent trays made from a plastic-like substance and wire retainers.

Fixed

These are made from thin, custom-fitted wire and are bonded to your child’s tongue-side upper or lower dental teeth.

Why do we wear dental retainers?

Your child may need retainers for many reasons. Most retainers are needed after braces have been removed to allow the bone that supports the teeth to heal after they have moved. After active orthodontic treatment is completed, retainers are needed to help maintain the new position of the teeth.

Your child’s dentist may recommend a retainer for moving one tooth or closing a gap between two teeth. Braces are not usually required in these cases. Your child may need a retainer to complete the task for many years.

Other than shifting teeth, retainers are also helpful. A tongue thrust is a condition in which the tongue slides between the teeth while you speak. You can get a special retainer to train your language, not move forward when you talk.

Children with Temporomandibular Disorder or bruxism  can be kept safe by retainers. Retainers can be used to prevent your child’s jaws from closing at night, so they don’t chew their teeth.

How do you tell your child to wear a retainer?

Your child might feel sore after the first time they wear their retainer. This is normal, but it can make your child resent wearing their retainer. It can be a daunting task to get your child to wear it. Here are some tips that will make it easy for you and your family.

• You can personalize the retainer with a photo of your child’s favorite TV show or book character. This could make it more fun for your child to put the retainer on every night.
• Keep your patience and remind your child every day to keep the retainer on. This new habit can take time to develop.
• Please encourage your child to wear their retainer and reward them, especially during the first few weeks.
• Put a note in the retainer bag of your child. It could be fun for your child to open the case and find this note.

It can be daunting to get your child to wear their retainer for extended periods and every day for long periods. However, it is possible to help them understand the purpose of retainers and remind them to keep it on when they forget. Wearing a retainer can be a lifelong habit. It’s like a beautiful smile.

Get In Touch

You can get in touch with Signature Smiles to receive the best quality retainers in Encino,CA .Our dentist in Encino works very hard to provide the best quality treatment for you.