Retainers and Mouthguards

Orthodontic Retainers

When you’re finished with orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer to keep the results in place. There are several different styles of retainers, but each is used to “retain” the treatment benefits and to prevent teeth from shifting out of alignment. Whatever retainer treatment your orthodontist recommends, be sure to follow the instructions properly to protect the investment you've made in your smile with orthodontic treatment!

How To Care For Your Orthodontic Retainer

Since most retainers are in and out of patient’s mouths regularly, it’s essential they are regularly cared for properly. Take your retainer out to eat and to clean it, and always put it back in its case. Most of the time when an appliance or retainer is lost or broken, it was out of the case and while at school or at a restaurant. When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should always be in its case.

To clean the retainer, brush it thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste, using warm but not hot water. Brushing your retainer removes the plaque, eliminates odors and keeps it sparkling clean. Orthodontic appliance cleaners such as Retainer Brite® or Efferdent® can be used to occasionally soak your appliance, but do not take the place of brushing.
Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. Do not try to adjust your appliance or retainer on your own. Call us right away if you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, if you believe it needs to be adjusted or if it gets lost or broken.

Always bring your retainer to your appointments. Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care they will last for years! Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, napkins and pets.

Mouthguards

When To Use a Mouthguard

When playing sports, mouthguards are a critical piece of safety equipment. They are designed to minimize the risk of broken teeth and oral and facial injuries. Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends the use of mouthguards if you participate in sports such as basketball, boxing, hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, track and field, skateboarding, skiing and snowboarding, skydiving, soccer, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, wrestling.

Types of Mouthguards

There are three basic types of mouthguards: pre-made mouthguard, “boil-and-bite” fitted mouthguard, and custom- made mouthguard. Choosing the right mouthguard is essential. When you choose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, comfortable and well fitted for your mouth, easy to keep clean, and does not prevent you from breathing properly.

Pre-Made Mouthguards

These are the over the counter mouth guards that come pre-formed and ready to wear. Pre-made mouthguards are typically one size fits all and inexpensive.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

To use this type of mouthguards, one has to first soften it in hot water and then mold it around the mouth using the fingers and tongue. Overall, these fit better than pre-made mouthguards, but do not give a precise, customized fit.

Custom-Made Mouthguards

Custom-made mouthguards are specially designed by your dentist or Orthodontist to provide optimal protection against mouth injuries. A mold is taken of your teeth and used to create a mouthguard specifically for the structure of your teeth and mouth. These mouthguards are comfortable to wear and harder to accidentally dislodge while sleeping or playing sports.