What is a Cheek Retractor? – A Guide to Cheek Retractor

1. Definition

A cheek retractor, also called "lip and check retractor dental", is one of the common dental instruments used in the dental practice or oral surgery by dental professionals.

There're two purposes of cheek retractor. One is that the cheek retractor pulls tissue away to expose an area for dental care. Another is that it keeps the tissue in a retracted position during the procedure of dental care.

As is known to all, the access to the working area is the premise of dental procedures, like surgical implant placement or cosmetic teeth whitening. The use of a cheek retraction system is a practical method to help people keep the mouth open in the process of dental procedures or oral care.

It's suitable for dental aesthetic instruction, in-office bleaching and bracket wearing in orthodontic treatment. 

2. Supplying Resources

There's a selection of premium Cheek Retractors, available for both children and adults in various colors, and can be disposable, sterilizable or autoclavable.

For dental hospitals or clinics, the main resource of cheek retractors is local business dealers that purchase various cheek retractors from different factories of dental products. Many manufacturers can provide customized products in accordance with different marketing demands. And SKYCARE DENTAL is one of the professional manufacturers of premium dental products and dental supplies. Surely, Cheek Retractor is one of the main dental products in its product series.

3. Basic Function and Usage

Cheek Retractor Dental is used to vertically open the mouth, which help dentists get a perfect view for oral environment and working area.

Before dental procedures, dentists will lock dental cheek retractors in place to hold the patient's mouth open and then they can start to work.

4. Features

There're many features for dental Cheek Retractors and different ones from various manufacturers have different characteristics. But they’re some common features that they can share with each other. Let’s check and see below.

4.1 Clear Visibility

The disposable cheek retractors are usually made of durable and clear plastic for better visibility. They are used to keep the cheeks away from the buccal segments, providing excellent visibility for intra-oral photography.

The expose of surgical field makes it easier to keep the mouth dry for dental work. For instance, when placing epoxies and coatings in or on the teeth, moisture does not interfere with the procedure. Also, a quick curing agent should be used so that it will save much time for patients with a dry mouth.

In addition to the clinical advantages, the use of cheek retractor can help you get clear photographs to document dental work (like oral surgery, orthodontic bonding and restorative work) for reference or for sharing with colleagues.

4.2 Medical Grade Material

The plastic cheek retractors are made of medical grade plastic that offer you an unobstructed view of the oral cavity, which is perfect for dental treatment.

4.3 Smooth Edge for Safe Use

The smooth edge will prevent the cheek retractor from scratching people's oral cavity. It's safe for daily use. People will feel comfortable after taking it.

4.4 Recyclable or Disposable for Better Hygiene

The cheek retractors are made of eco-friendly and durable plastic and helps give you an unobstructed view of the oral cavity. It's ideal for extended use in dental offices and teeth whitening salons.

They can also be disposable if you want better hygiene of oral health.

4.5 Design

The lip and check retractor dental is designed to keep the mouth open and control the tongue. It's a good dental supply designed in accordance with anatomy. With the help of one-piece design, patients will feel comfortable when the cheeks, lips, and tongue are being retracted for maximum visibility. 

It's easy to place the Cheek Retractor in few seconds.

In all cases, the device is either flexible or adjustable so that it can be fitted as comfortably as possible.

4.6 Great for Home Care

It works great for home teeth care and doesn't stretch lips. You won’t feel uncomfortable. It is a perfect dental instrument for home dentistry.

4.7 Speak Out Game or Watch Ya Mouth Game

Use these Cheek Retractors for Speak Out Game or Watch Ya Mouth Game or other challenge games that require players to recite words without moving their lips.

Wear one of these mouth openers in your mouth and try to say a challenge phrase. Let your friend or family member take a wild guess of what you are saying!

5. Types

There’re various types of cheek retractors, but some of the main types are more widely used in dental procedures. Below are the main types of Cheek Retractors from the SKYCARE Company.

T Type

For instance, surgical cheek retractor.

 C Type

For instance, Cheek Retractors Orthodontics.

M Type

O Type

6. Autoclavable or Plastic Versions

Autoclavable versions are usually made from steel while disposable retractors made from plastics.

Autoclavable Cheek Retractors may save the cost, as they can be repeatedly used after sterilization.

In recent years, Cheek Retractors made of durable and clear plastic are more popular among dentists, as it can provide better visibility for dental procedures, which allows dental professionals to identify pinched skin and other signs of discomfort and improper placement.

7. How do you sterilize a cheek retractor?

Cheek Retractors can be disposable or autoclavable.

For the autoclavable Cheek retractors, they can be heat sterilized in an autoclave sterilizer up to 135°C (275°F). After sterilization, cheek retractors are to be packed in the sealed bags and opened only at point of use. Before and after use, the cheek retractors must follow a cleaning procedure and proper sterilization.

8. How do you use a cheek retractor?

Take the C type for example:

Step 1: Hold the cheek retractor at the right position: the circle handle downward, while two ears near each side of your mouth. It’s the preparation before placing it into your mouth.

Step 2: Insert one side into your month first. So lips are pulled back.

Step 3: Repeat last step and insert the other side into your mouth.

Step 4: Smile and show the working area to dentists.