Retainers are a valuable part of your dental equipment. They provide support and prevent stress on your mouth and surrounding tissues while you treat patients. However, not all retainer manufacturers use the same techniques when making their retainer plates.
There are many ways to repair a broken bone or heal a chronic condition. When designing a plate for a retainer, you can do the same!
Bullet point: How is Designing a Plate for a Retainer Used
Purpose: The most basic use for designing a plate for a retainer is to fix an injury or heal an issue. There are many websites that offer tips and tricks for this, so it is not necessary to explain in detail. Just know that doing so can help repair your retinue and save some wear and tear on your patient!
There are several reasons to design your plate according to your size. On the larger side of things, you will need more material to repair your patient.
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Adjust the tension
When your retainer has been having a hard time fitting, the first step is to make sure it is properly adjusted.
At this stage, you can try removing one of the two rounded ends of the retainer and then rotating it by pulling on one end and then the other. This will allow the shape of your mouth and teeth to fit into the outside contours of the retainer.
Then, gently pull on one end to see if it gives slightly before you pull on the other end. If so, congratulations! You have found the most comfortable end for you.
If not, try a different size or type of retinalis root developed (found in Meissen peonies). Then do the same process again until you find one that works for you.
Add wax to adjust size
Few things can be enhanced by adding wax to your retainer. However, there are ways to make your retainer look more waxed or less.
The biggest tip is to avoid using heavy duty wax. The best way to do this is with a little bit of paper cut into the middle of the retainer to add some thickness.
Additionally, use lighter waxes or even clear polish to reduce the amount of visible steel in your retainer. Use a little more gold or another color for the wax so it does not look completely black.
Try using a thermometer to adjust size
A common way to make your retainer fit again is to try using a hair-dryer to warm the rest of your fingers and then pull the retainer onto your jaw. This can work if you have very tight fingers or a very tight retainer, but it is not recommended due to the risk of burning yourself.
Another method is to use a warm water cloth to smoothen the edges of the retinal surface. Try using soap gently with your hand instead of shampoo to get better results.
Neither of these methods are recommended for permanent wearers as they may melt or break the glass, but for those with weak hands or arthritis, these are great treatments.
Use toothpaste to adjust size
Some retainers have special formulas that have to be applied with a toothpick or applicator, making it impossible to get it back into place. This is not the case for all brands!
Many retainers have a liquid inside that has to be mixed with water to create a paste. This paste is then applied to the band of your tooth and chew where it needs to be smoothed in place.
This helps lock in the shape of the tooth and helps with retainer fit. If you love having really small, thin teeth, this is the way to go!
Other brands recommend using a brush or Applicator Brush instead. Either way, do not try to switch things out until you have got your retainer fitted into place.
Try using silicone oil to adjust size
Many people use baking soda as a way to adjust the size of their retainer. This is not an official way to make your retainer fit again, but it may help if combined with a bandage or other medicine.
Baking soda can sometimes work as a drying agent so that your retainer does not stick to the bottom of the glass when you drink it. This may help with getting enough contact with the medicine to work.
To use, put a small amount of baking soda in a retainer and hold for five to ten minutes before removing the medication. You will have to repeat this process several times until there are no more ignorant and/or stubborn pockets of space on your retinal glasses.
Loosen the retainer with an air pump
When the retainer starts to feel tight, try a small air pump tool. It will allow air to come into the retainer to loosen it up.
By using the air tool, you will be able to easily take off the old retainer and put on a new one. You may have to do this a few times until you have achieved a good fit.
After you have found your fit, let it sit for a minute and then gently pull away from the top of the stem. This will release all the trapped blood and tissue that was holding it in.
Put it in cold water or saltwater
If you decide to make your retainer slightly warmer or saltier, you can do so by putting a little bit of fresh water or saltwater around your retainer. This is safe if you put enough of it on.
You can also put some cold water around your retainer to keep it frozen. This is not recommended, but if you do this, be careful because it can break your retainer.
Put them in the freezer until they fit correctly on your mouth. You may have to do this both overnight and during the day to make sure it works.
Dry it thoroughly after washing
When you are trying to make your retainer fit again, it is important to follow up with a dry cleaning. You can use a hair dryer or Bobby pin-style clips to quickly brush out your retainer but it is much better to do this after washing the retainer in a washing machine or dryer.
This helps reduce the risk of snags and cuts on the retainer, makes it easier to remove and put on properly, and helps with shipping as well because less water will be exposed.
Washing your retainer can be scary but following these tips can save you from having to return it for further cleaning.
Do not use strong heat sources such as heated drying racks or hair dryers while trying to make your retainer fit again as this could burn off part of the tissue. Instead, let it cool down fully before pulling off any pieces.