209-575-5888Wearing braces and having them adjusted on a regular basis was just the first step in realigning your teeth for a healthy mouth and an appealing smile. Once the braces have been removed, your teeth will still need a little while to get used to their new positions. This will require you to use a retainer in Modesto, California, for about the same length of time you needed to wear your braces.
If your braces were needed to correct a significant amount misalignment, then your orthodontist, Dr. Joti Kaler, might install a fixed retainer.
A fixed retainer is a sturdy metal band that is cemented behind your teeth to hold your teeth in place. Generally, a fixed retainer stays in place for a lifetime.
Since a fixed retainer can’t be removed, you will need to clean it as part of your daily oral hygiene routine. To help brush away plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach places, you might want to turn to interdental brushes. You could also try using oral irrigators or a dental water jet.
Some people find it hard to floss between their teeth and the fixed retainer. In a situation like this, you might want to try using a floss threader with waxed floss. The wax coating helps the strand of floss slip into place easier.
If you have questions about the best way to clean your fixed retainer, you can call Champion Orthodontics at 209-575-5888 to set up a consultation.