Why it is Important to Use Retainers After Orthodontic Treatment
You’ve been wearing braces for weeks, months or years and now it’s time to enjoy the results. When you’ve always wanted a straight, beautiful smile, there’s nothing more exciting than having those braces removed and being able to feel confident when you smile. The trouble is that you run the risk of undoing all the hard work if you don’t continue to care for your teeth. The teeth can continue to move once treatment is complete, and this is we strongly recommend using retainers.
What are retainers and why do I need them?
Retainers are orthodontic appliances, which are designed to hold the teeth in place after treatment. When the braces are removed or you finish treatment using removable appliances, there is a risk that the teeth will continue to move, and this may mean that they slip out of position. When the teeth move, this can result in relapse and you may need further treatment. To prevent relapse and prolong the results of wearing braces, we recommend wearing retainers.
There are different types of retainer available, and we can make recommendations based on your orthodontic prescription and your treatment preferences. You can wear fixed or removable retainers and your dentist will give you more information about when you need to wear your retainer and how long for. If you do choose a fixed retainer, we can usually position it behind the teeth, so you don’t have to worry about the aesthetic of your smile. You can still show off your amazing new smile in all its glory.
We recommend retainers for the simple reason that without them, there’s a real risk that you’ll end up needing repeat treatment in the future. Retainers are specifically designed to prevent your teeth from moving once your braces have worked their magic.
If you’re keen to learn more about retainers or you’d like more information about your options, call us today and we’ll be happy to help.
