A retainer helps to maintain the results of orthodontic treatment.
A great smile radiates happiness and health. For this reason, many people choose to undergo orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth. Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, and you have had your braces removed, you will need to wear a retainer. Retainers are a very important part of your treatment, as they allow for the proper maintenance of your straight smile. Your retainer will be made by your orthodontist at Simply Orthodontics, who will take an impression of your teeth to ensure that it fits your mouth perfectly.
What kind of retainers are available?
There are two types of retainers that can be used after your orthodontic treatment: fixed and removable. Fixed retainers utilise a wire that is glued to the inner surface of your lower front teeth in order to secure your straightened teeth in position.
Removable retainers are easy to clean and can be taken out when you brush and floss your teeth. It’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions when it comes to wearing your retainer. In the first three months following your orthodontic treatment, you will need to wear your retainer all of the time (day and night), but as soon as your orthodontist can see that your teeth have not shifted out of place, you will be able to wear your retainer at night time only.
How do I take care of my retainer and newly straightened teeth?
It is very important to take care of your retainer with regular maintenance. You should visit your dentist for regular dental check-ups, so that your teeth can be professionally cleaned. Your dentist will also check for cavities at these check-ups to ensure that any issues are detected and treated early.
If you have a fixed retainer, your dentist will examine in and around the retainer when you go in for a regular check-up. This will ensure that your retainer is properly secured and that your teeth are free of plaque. In the case of a removable retainer, it’s important that you keep it clean to ensure that it remains free from bacteria.
Why is it important to wear a retainer?
It is very important to wear a retainer after you have had your braces removed. While your braces work to move your teeth into the best possible position, there is a risk of your teeth shifting back into their original positions. Wearing a retainer as per your orthodontist’s instructions helps to prevent your teeth from moving back into their old positions. The area that is most prone to shifting is the lower front teeth, but this can be avoided with the use of a retainer.
Would you like to find out more about retainers and what options we offer?
If you are in the early stages of considering an orthodontic treatment, it’s important to do as much research as possible. If you would like more information on orthodontic treatment, get in touch with us here to arrange a consultation.
