Understanding How Tru-tain Retainers Keep Teeth Aligned After Braces

Understanding Tru-tain Retainers

If you've worn braces in the past or are currently wearing them, you may be familiar with retainers. Retainers play a crucial role in ensuring your newly aligned teeth stay in their corrected positions after orthodontic treatment. One popular type of retainer is the Tru-tain retainer.

What is a Tru-tain Retainer?

A Tru-tain retainer is a custom-made, removable plastic retainer that is worn after braces. It helps set and stabilize your teeth in their ideal alignment after the braces come off. Tru-tain retainers are transparent, which makes them discreet when worn.

Tru-tain retainers get their name from the brand that produces them, Tru-tain. They offer durable, high-quality retainers made from plastic polymers that apply light, constant pressure to teeth. This pressure keeps teeth from shifting back to their original crooked positions.

Benefits of Tru-tain Retainers

There are several advantages to using a Tru-tain retainer after completing orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign:

• They are customized to fit your mouth and apply optimal pressure to keep teeth stabilized.
• The plastic polymer material is durable yet comfortable when worn.
• Tru-tain retainers allow you to speak clearly while wearing them.
• They have a smooth finish and seamless edges to prevent irritation inside the mouth.
• Easy to insert and remove from the mouth.
• Allows you to clean your teeth normally while wearing - just take it out to brush/floss.

How Tru-tain Retainers Work

Tru-tain retainers feature a thin, custom-made clear plastic that is molded precisely to fit your teeth. The plastic applies a continuous gentle force against the teeth to hold them in position.

They are designed to be worn full-time for the first 6 months after braces removal, aside from when eating or playing contact sports. The constant pressure keeps teeth stabilized in their corrected alignment as the gums and bone surrounding the teeth heal into position.

Caring for Your Tru-tain Retainer

To keep your Tru-tain retainer providing its important tooth-stabilizing function, proper care and cleaning are essential. Here are some tips for caring for your retainer:

Cleaning

Be sure to remove your retainer and clean it thoroughly each day. Use a toothbrush and cool water to gently scrub away any plaque and bacteria. You can also occasionally soak it in denture cleaner or a vinegar-water solution.

Storage

When not wearing your retainer, keep it safely stored in a protective case to prevent damage. Don't wrap it in a napkin or paper towel, as this can cause it to bend or warp over time.

Replacement

Expect to need a replacement Tru-tain retainer about once per year. The plastic can develop tiny cracks and wear down over months of use. See your orthodontist right away if you notice any damage or looseness, before more shifting can occur.

Is a Tru-tain Retainer Right for You?

While Tru-tain retainers are a popular option, there are other types of retainers available too. Talk to your orthodontist about whether a Tru-tain or other style of retainer is recommended for your situation.

In general, Tru-tain retainers and other removable options make the most sense for mild-to-moderate tooth alignment issues. They easily allow you to clean your teeth thoroughly each day.

For more severe alignment problems, a permanently bonded retainer attached to the back of your teeth may be the way to go. This ensures the teeth stay perfectly aligned by applying constant pressure.

Discuss the pros and cons of different retainers with your orthodontist. Factors like cost, convenience, effectiveness, and compliance can help determine if a Tru-tain retainer is the best solution for keeping your smile stabilized after braces.

FAQs

How long do I need to wear my Tru-tain retainer?

It's recommended to wear your Tru-tain retainer full-time for the first 6 months after getting your braces off. After that, you should wear it at nighttime for up to a year. For the following years, continue wearing it every night to ensure teeth stay aligned.

Can I eat with my Tru-tain retainer in?

No, you should remove your Tru-tain retainer before eating. The pressure placed on the retainer while chewing could crack or warp it over time. Simply take it out for meals and snip it back in after.

How do I clean my Tru-tain retainer?

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and cool water to gently brush plaque and bacteria off your Tru-tain retainer daily. Occasionally soak it in denture cleaner or diluted vinegar to sanitize it fully. Then rinse thoroughly before wearing again.

When do I need a new Tru-tain retainer?

Expect to need a replacement Tru-tain retainer about once per year. See your orthodontist right away if you notice cracks, looseness or other damage so a new one can be made before teeth shift too much.