When you get your braces removed, the teeth may not return to their pre-treatment positions right away. In many cases, the teeth may slowly creep back into their former positions over months or even years. This is where retainers come in. Wearing a retainer after orthodontic treatment helps to prevent your teeth from shifting back into their old positions. This article covers everything you need to know about retainers after braces: when and how long you should wear them, different types of retainer devices and materials, and what happens if you don’t wear them.
How long do you have to wear a retainer after braces?
Remember that retainers are not a cure for misaligned teeth. They don’t work like a reset button for your teeth; instead, they’re a way to slow down the rate at which your teeth will naturally move back to their pre-treatment positions. This means you’ll need to wear a retainer for the rest of your life. After Invisalign braces, you might only need to wear a retainer for about a year.
For traditional fixed (non-removable) braces, you may need to wear a retainer for up to 10 years. However, these are just general guidelines. Your orthodontist will be the best person to tell you when you no longer need to wear a retainer and can safely discard it. At the same time, don’t wait until you’re told to stop wearing your retainer. You should always wear it as long as you’ve been prescribed to even if it’s longer than what your orthodontist tells you to do.
Orthodontic Retainer Usage
Retainers are used to slow down the rate at which teeth move back to their original positions after orthodontic treatment. This might be after you’ve had braces or even Invisalign braces. Retainers are not used to keep teeth in place but are worn to prevent teeth from moving.
Retainers are normally worn at night while sleeping. Some people choose to wear them during the day, but this is uncommon. Retainers are worn to help teeth maintain their new positions after braces. They are used for a few years after you finish orthodontic treatment, depending on the type of treatment you receive.
Orthodontic Retainer Timing
The length of time that a person needs to wear retainers after orthodontic treatment can vary based on several factors, including the severity of the case, the type of treatment received, and the age of the patient. Typically, full-time wear of retainers is required for several months to a year after the completion of orthodontic treatment. After that, wearing the retainer at night for an extended period of time is usually recommended to maintain the corrected position of the teeth.
The exact duration of retainer wear will be determined by your orthodontist, who will take into account your individual case and make a recommendation based on your specific needs. It is important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions regarding retainer wear to ensure the best results from your treatment.
Types of Retainers after Orthodontic Braces Treatment
Retainers are commonly used after orthodontic braces treatment to help maintain the new position of the teeth.
Fixed: A thin wire is attached to the back of the front teeth and cemented in place.
Removable: These are clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth and can be removed for cleaning and eating.
Essix: Similar to removable retainers, but made of a clear plastic material that fits snugly over the teeth.
Retainers are typically worn full-time for a specified period of time, usually several months to a year, and then worn at night indefinitely to maintain the corrected position of the teeth. It is important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions regarding retainer use to ensure the best results from your treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your retainers, don’t hesitate to ask your orthodontist.
Orthodontic Retainer Materials
- Resilient Retainers: This type of retainer is made from a soft material. It helps to prevent teeth from moving back into their former positions. This is usually used for the first year after you’ve had orthodontic treatment.
- Fixed Retainers: This type of retainer is made from a hard material. It keeps teeth from moving back into their former positions. Retainer materials are either plastics or ceramics. These materials are stable, which makes them useful for retaining teeth.
- Acrylic: A type of plastic commonly used for removable retainers, as it is lightweight, comfortable and easily molded to fit the teeth.
4. Stainless Steel: A metal wire used for fixed retainers, it is strong, durable and easily molded to fit the teeth.
5. Clear Plastic: A transparent material used for Essix retainers, it is lightweight and virtually invisible when worn.
6. Composite Resin: A tooth-colored material that can be used to make removable retainers, offering a more cosmetic alternative to traditional acrylic retainers.
7. Thermal Plastic: A heat-sensitive material that can be molded to the shape of the teeth and used for removable retainers.
What happens if you don’t wear your retainer?
If you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth might shift back to their original positions. This could cause crowding, gaps, or misaligned teeth. Your bite could also become misaligned, which could lead to discomfort or even pain. Teeth that haven’t been properly realigned could also be more prone to decay. Retainers are not just for cosmetic reasons.
If you don’t wear your retainer, you could hurt your health. If you have fixed retainers, they will need to be replaced approximately every 10 years when they become worn. Removable retainers will need to be cleaned and replaced approximately every year. You will be given instructions from your orthodontist on the correct way to wear your retainer.
Conclusion
Retainers are important to maintain the movement of teeth after orthodontic braces treatment. They are worn to prevent teeth from shifting back into their original positions. Retainers are used to slow down the rate at which teeth move back to their original positions. Retainers are worn at night while sleeping to prevent teeth from shifting back into their original positions. Royal Dental Clinics has a carefully selected staff that goes above and beyond to accommodate patients and make them feel at ease. Dental, restorative, cosmetic, endodontic, and surgical services are available to anyone who seeks them at this clinic.
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