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Regarding Retainers
Hello Doctor
I wanted know if we should use retainers for lifetime after braces journey or not
And if we need to use then does clear plastic retainers leaches micro nano plastic in our mouth and will it be harmful for our body in long run.
Please guide I'm scared about this as I'm already using clear retainers from last one year after my braces journey completed
Answers (12)
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Clear retainer ls are temporary retainers,fixed retainers are permanent retainers (it has no limit how many years u want to wear u can wear).Generally retainers we will advise 6-8 months,if u want to wear more than that u can wear,it is upto you
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Dear
Great question! Retainers are essential after orthodontic treatment to maintain the aligned teeth.
Lifetime Retainer Use:
Yes, it's recommended to wear retainers indefinitely, especially at night, to prevent teeth shifting. Teeth movement can occur due to various factors like:
- Natural aging process
- Gum recession
- Bone remodeling
Clear Plastic Retainers:
Regarding micro/nano-plastic leaching, research is ongoing, and findings are not conclusive. However, studies suggest:
- Minimal plastic release from clear retainers
- Released particles are generally harmless
To put your mind at ease:
- Clear retainers are made from FDA-approved materials (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene)
- Retainers are designed for oral use and meet strict safety standards
Precautions:
1. Clean retainers regularly with mild soap and water.
2. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
3. Replace retainers every 2-3 years or as advised.
Long-term Effects:
No significant evidence links clear retainers to harmful health effects. However, rare cases of:
- Allergic reactions
- Mouth irritation
have been reported.
Guidance:
1. Continue wearing your clear retainers as advised.
2. Schedule regular follow-ups with your orthodontist.
3. Address any concerns or discomfort promptly.
Stay calm, and keep smiling!
Best regards,
Dr. Pratikshit Anand
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Dear patient,
I understand your agony but the correct answer in relation to need of retainers can be answered by your orthodontist. Please communicate with them.
But retainers are not meant for lifetime use. If you need long term retainers, you can opt for permanent lingual retainers .
Take care
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Duration of retainers totally depends the orthodontist
There are different types of retainers too
You can also opt for permanent retainers(lingual retainers) too
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The use of aligners after orthodontic treatment is important but not for that long.it depends on case to case basis.So your treating dentist can tell you the exact time to wear aligners after studying your case.
And as far as releasing micro plastic is concerned there is nothing to worry about as the aligners are food grade plastics so they don't release so.
Next Steps
visit the dentist and check or video consultation
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It depends on patient to patient
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After orthodontic (braces) therapy patient needs to wear retainers for some time ,vary cases to cases , so that the condition doesnt relapse.
About your concern that plastic can leach micro nano particles, that not true, because whatever is biocompatible and non toxic to humans is only used in the process.
Next Steps
you can consult your orthodontist for how long you have to compulsorily wear retainers.
Health Tips
dont stop using clear aligners until your orthodontist advice.
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Retainers should be weared for atleast one year to retain the result you got from your treatment.
If not it relapse to it's original position in a long run
Wearing clear retainers won't be a problem any how you will remove it during eating nd brushing your teeth..
Just make sure you clean and wear it.
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Retainers should be used whole life.. if u r not comfortable with clear retainers kindly go for wire/ permanent retainers.
Next Steps
visit your dentist for wire retainers...
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Dr. Pia Patel
Dentist
14 yrs exp
Chennai
Hi,
Removable retainers are usually given for a short term. Permanent retainers are attached the tooth. Duration for a retainer is decided by the Orthodontist.
There are not harmful side effects of a retainer.
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Dr. Inavolu Shamini
Dentist
10 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Hello
It depends on the each patient on how long to use the retainers
Your orthodontist will decide the duration of the retainers
And it’s not true that retainers are harmful because the biocompatible and nontoxic materials are used in the preparation of the retainers
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