The Importance of Wearing Your Retainer
Orthodontic treatment has become more sophisticated, often yielding better results in less time. An important aspect of maintaining successful results after braces come off is the use of a retainer.
This retention phase is equally vital to preserve your new smile. Patients who neglect this part of treatment run a high risk of their newly straightened teeth shifting back into improper alignment.
Orthodontic Treatment Continues After the Braces Come Off
After braces are removed, or treatment with clear aligners is completed, our orthodontist will fit you for a retainer. This appliance is put in place to prevent the teeth from shifting into their old positions.
Types of Retainers
There are two types of retainers:
Removable Retainers are made of acrylic and come in your choice of clear or a variety of colors. Though removable retainers are convenient, they must be safely stored when not in use to avoid loss or damage.
Fixed Retainers are thin wires that are bonded to the backs of teeth. Fixed retainers provide the best retention for straightened teeth since they are worn 24-hours a day. Because of the wire, fixed retainer wearers need to take vigilant care to clean between the teeth and the wires.
Immediately after your initial orthodontic treatment is complete, you will be instructed to wear the retainer continuously for at least a few months. Over time, depending on your specific case, you will be advised on the best times to wear the retainer to maintain continued orthodontic success. You may have a fixed retainer removed and a removable one provided for convenience.
More about Wearing Retainers
Because teeth that have been straightened can move out of place years after orthodontic treatment, the only way to prevent this is to wear your retainer in some capacity for the life of your teeth.
A common timeline for retainer wear includes:
24-Hour Retainer Wear - You may be advised to wear your retainer 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as two years after completing primary orthodontic treatment. Teeth can take up to a year or more to adjust permanently to their correct position.
Nighttime Wear - Once our orthodontist determines your teeth are stable, you may be allowed to wear your retainer only at night. Eventually, you can reduce use if the retainer to a few nights per week. Most dental providers suggest patients continue wearing their removable retainers this way for the rest of their lives.
Call Irving Ortho to Learn More about Obtaining Straighter Teeth for Life
If you have questions about your receiving orthodontic care in Irving, TX or are having issues with your current retainer, contact our office. Irving Ortho can help you achieve a beautiful new smile and help you maintain it for a lifetime. We also offer free fixed retainers at no additional cost for our patients.