After months or even years of wearing braces, it's understandable if you want to maintain the beautiful, straight smile achieved. However, the journey doesn’t end once the braces come off. You need retainers that help stabilize the teeth in their new positions, preventing them from shifting back to their original misalignment.
What Are Retainers?
A retainer is an orthodontic appliance that is custom-made to fit the patient's mouth after their braces have been removed. It is designed to keep the teeth in their newly aligned positions while the bone and tissues around the teeth adjust to their new form.
Why Are Retainers Important After Braces Treatment?
After removing the braces, the teeth and gums are not immediately stable in their new positions. They need time to adapt to the changes, as the bones that hold the teeth in place are still adjusting.
Preventing Relapse
It is the natural tendency of teeth to shift back to their original alignment after braces are removed, which is called "relapse." This is particularly common during the first few months following the removal of braces when the surrounding bone and tissues are still adapting.
A retainer holds the teeth in their new position, allowing the bone to reabsorb and stabilize around the teeth in their corrected alignment. They also allow time for your teeth to adjust to the soft tissue and bone surrounding them.
How Do You Know Which One Is Right for You?
The choice between a removable or fixed retainer depends on the specifics of the orthodontic treatment, the individual’s lifestyle, and the severity of the original misalignment. Retainers can be removable or fixed, depending on the specific needs of the patient.
While removable retainers can be taken out for cleaning or eating, fixed retainers are bonded to the back of the teeth and remain in place for an extended period.
● Removable Retainers: These are the most common type and can be taken out when eating or brushing teeth. The most well-known type is the clear plastic retainer, which fits snugly over the teeth. These are easy to clean and provide comfort since they don’t affect speech or eating.
● Fixed Retainers: This consists of a small wire that is bonded to the back of the teeth, typically on the lower front teeth. This option is often recommended for patients who have a higher risk of their teeth shifting back. Also, these retainers are easy to maintain.
How Long Should You Wear a Retainer?
The length of time a patient needs to wear a retainer varies depending on their treatment and individual needs. Typically, orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer full-time for at least the first few months after the braces are removed.
After this period, the retainer can be worn part-time, often at night. In some cases, you may need to wear a retainer indefinitely to maintain the results.
While the duration can vary, it’s important to follow your orthodontist's instructions carefully. Neglecting to wear the retainer as prescribed can result in unwanted shifting of the teeth, undermining the results of the entire orthodontic treatment.
Want to look your best after your braces treatment? With The Family Dental Center’s extensive orthodontic treatment plan, our orthodontists can help you get retainers that suit your needs the most. For more information on how we can help you, schedule a consultation with us today!
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