If you have recently completed your straightening treatment, having worn braces for many months, you will be relieved when they are finally taken off, and you have the pleasure of your new smile unencumbered by brackets, wires or aligners.  The Straight Teeth Suite  explains the need for retainers, how they work, and how they will keep you smiling.

Which Retainer?

There are three types of retainer:

  • Your best option is a fixed retainer worn indefinitely to hold your teeth permanently in their new position.  A fixed retainer is a discreet wire bonded to the back of your teeth where it can’t be seen.  It is comfortably positioned, and you will soon forget it is there.
  • A removable retainer, worn at night, will help prevent your teeth from moving.  This is essential in the early weeks following removal of your braces, and you need to adopt the habit of wearing it regularly.  The plastic vacuum formed retainer is moulded from impressions of your straightened teeth and worn to hold your teeth in place. Without your retainer, your teeth will undoubtedly move.
  • The most cautious option is a combination of both a fixed and removable brace.  The removable brace is worn at night, two or three times a week to be certain your teeth will not move.

Why you need to Wear a Retainer

  1. A retainer keeps your teeth in their new position.
  2. Teeth need time to fuse in place.
  3. Without a retainer teeth can move back into their old position.
  4. The forces of biting and chewing put more pressure on your teeth.
  5. If you lose, or gain, weight and age, your face will change shape putting pressure on your teeth.
  6. Some patients are prone to grinding their teeth when asleep, and these constant forces can damage your teeth.

Before considering braces to straighten your teeth, you need to know the importance of committing to life with a retainer.  After all, you don’t want anything to dent your smile and burst your bubble, so think of your retainer as the protector of your new smile.

Anything we haven’t covered on retainers? Post your comment below and we’ll make sure to answer.

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