In most cases, our orthodontist will recommend a retainer after braces or aligner treatment. As the name suggests, a retainer is used to retain the new position of the teeth while the bones and ligaments of the jaw retighten and stabilize. If a retainer is not worn as recommended, the teeth can shift out of alignment.

Types of Retainers
Retainers come in removable and fixed varieties. You can easily take removable retainers out when you eat or brush and floss your teeth. Removable retainers are usually worn for at least a year after braces are removed. Hawley retainers are the most common type of removable retainer. They are custom made and are kept in place by a wire that wraps around the teeth. A more aesthetic type of removable retainer is made from a nearly invisible plastic. Fixed retainers, which are usually worn for several years, are cemented to the backs of the teeth.

Retainer Care
We suggest that you carry your retainer case with you and always use it when you’re not wearing your retainer. This can help you to avoid losing or damaging your retainer. To clean removable retainers, soak them in vinegar and water or denture-cleaning tablets. For a fixed retainer, going to your regular checkups allows your dentist to check for cavities and to make sure that the areas around your retainer are clean of tartar and plaque.

We welcome you to contact Rivera Orthodontics at 915-592-5853 today for more information about retainers in El Paso, Texas, and to schedule your next visit with Dr. Jaime Rivera.

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Once the alignment of your teeth has been fully corrected by Invisalign® you will still have some latent tension in the periodontal ligaments that anchor your teeth to your gums. If it’s not addressed by a removable retainer, this tension could cause your teeth to relapse out of their intended orientation.

In many of these cases, Dr. Jaime Rivera can provide you with a clear plastic retainer. It is a simple mouthpiece that is made from a clear plastic material.

You will need to wear it in your mouth at the necessary times. The total duration of your retention phase will vary depending on the degree of realignment performed by Invisalign®.

While you are wearing the clear plastic retainer you can drink normally and speak clearly. Yet you will need to take the clear plastic retainer out to prevent damage when you eat a snack or a meal. When you’re not wearing it, you should keep the clear plastic retainer in the case provided.

If you are in the El Paso, Texas, area and you have minor alignment issues with your teeth, you should call 915-592-5853 to schedule a braces consultation at Rivera Orthodontics.

The post A Clear Plastic Retainer Might Be Needed to Ensure Your Teeth Hold Their Corrected Position first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.

If you wear a fixed retainer, you may not even realize that it has broken until you notice your teeth starting to move out of alignment. To prevent a fixed retainer from breaking, be conscientious about what you eat and avoid hard foods that can cause damage. Your dentist will have to remove and repair your retainer, but in the meantime, you should wear a mouthguard when you sleep, and stay away from hard and tough foods until you can see your dentist for repairs.

If your removable retainer is broken or damaged, you will need to have it repaired or replaced. You should take your retainer out when you are playing sports and when you are eating. You will receive a case with your retainer, and you should store your retainer in it when necessary. Get in the habit of keeping your case in your pocket, purse, backpack or briefcase, since retainers are expensive to replace, and you don’t want to lose it.

Make sure that you visit your orthodontist for your regular appointments so that he can check your retainer for damage, and to make sure that your teeth are still in their proper alignment. If you are thinking about correcting your smile, our dentist, Dr. Jaime Rivera would be happy to give you an exam and a consultation. If you would like to make an appointment at Rivera Orthodontics in El Paso, Texas, call 915-592-5853 today.

The post What to do About a Broken Retainer first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.

One of the best ways to keep your braces safe and clean is to always wear protective guards when partaking in any high-risk activities, including contact sports. This is important because braces are not shields for your teeth, as they neither seek to defend your teeth from harm nor are they indestructible. If you should break your braces, do not attempt to fix them yourselves. Visit your orthodontist as soon as you can.

To keep your orthodontic treatment on schedule, continue to practice safe and effective brushing and flossing daily habits. You can always switch to alternative methods if traditional tools such as dental floss cannot be used. Other dental tools include using tools such as water flossers or mouthwash to assist in your daily dental care.

If you are interested in treatment for your braces or to get a pair of braces, we are here to assist you. For a complete diagnosis and treatment, please contact Rivera Orthodontics to book an appointment with Dr. Jaime Rivera and our team at our dentist office in El Paso, Texas. Call us at 915-592-5853. We look forward to seeing you smile.

The post Cleaning Braces and Your Smile first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.

If your top or bottom front teeth needed a significant amount of adjustment, Dr. Jaime Rivera might recommend installing a fixed retainer. This retainer is a sturdy metal band that is cemented behind your teeth to hold your teeth in place. You should expect to have the fixed retainer for the rest of your life.

A fixed retainer is non-removable and it can sometimes make cleaning challenging. To help brush away plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach places, you might want to try using interdental brushes. The narrow-angled heads can help clean those places.

If you find that flossing between the teeth and around the gumline is challenging, you might want to use a floss threader with waxed floss. The wax coating also helps the strand of floss slip into place easier.

If you have questions about the best way to clean your fixed retainer in El Paso, Texas, you can call Rivera Orthodontics at 915-592-5853 to seek further advice.  

The post A Fixed Retainer Requires Some Routine Care and Cleaning first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.